Annette’s School of Dance takes home top BBEX award

Earlier in the evening, Annette’s School of Dance also took home the Micro Business award.

“It means everything. I’m so happy to be able to provide a positive place for kids to dance in the community and to continue my mom’s legacy and I’m just loving what I’m doing and I’m happy that the community is with me with that.”

This year, the Battlefords Business Hall of Fame award was handed out to Gardiner Electric and as the audience offered a standing ovation, Fred Gardiner accepted the award with his wife Evelyn, daughter Shannon Iverson and son Shaun.

After nearly 60 years working for the company that was started by his father, Gardiner couldn’t believe it.

“I’m very, very surprised,” he said figuring he’d be surrounded by older business people.

“I was wrong, there’s [a lot] of young people, look at the future here for the Battlefords.”

Going on to thank friends, family and the chamber, Gardiner left the crowd with some parting words.

“Keep smiling, it makes other people wonder what you’ve been up to.”

Gardiner Electric wins the Hall of Fame award. From left: Fred, Evelyn, daughter Shannon Iverson and son Shaun. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW Staff)

The winners for the other awards of the evening are as follows:

New Business Venture award honours a new business in operation for longer than one but less than three years. The award was sponsored by Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology. The winner was Adora Diamonds.

The Heather Guthrie Customer Service Star award honours an employee/individual who demonstrates excellence in customer service/hospitality and makes positive impacts on the service. The sponsor was Swanson Gryba and Company. The winner was Michael Collins of Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology.

Community Contribution award goes to a business that shows support for recreation, arts, sports, community and charity efforts in the Battlefords and surrounding areas. The award was sponsored by SaskTel. The winner was Hawtin Plumbing Services.

Impact award goes toward a non-profit/charity/no-for profit that displays a commitment to the community success through volunteer efforts thanks to the implementation of programs. The award was sponsored by Innovation Federal Credit Union. The winner was Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre.

The Young Entrepreneur award is given out to entrepreneurs under 35 years old who have shown signs of success and viability. Sponsored by Northwest Community Futures, the winner was Tyler Lightfoot for Thundercrete Contracting.

This year, the Stan Wychopen Memorial BBEX Scholarship in the amount of $2,000 went to North West College Student Madalin Barclay to continue in her business education.

Members’ Choice award is a chance for chamber members to vote for their fellow businessmen and women. Nominees must have a proven track record of excellence over the past year to 18 months. Sponsored by Bralin Technology Solutions, the winner was Hardware Building Centre North Battleford.

The Heritage Award went to Hardware Building Centre North Battleford as well, for their leadership in the business community as a “pioneer and cornerstone business.”

– With files from Battlefords Chamber of Commerce

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julia.lovettsquires@pattisonmedia.com

On X: jls194864

by Julia Lovett-Squires

Annette’s School of Dance takes home top BBEX award

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