By Sarah Rae

Fortress Windows and Doors takes the big prize at BBEX Awards

Oct 5, 2016 | 11:46 AM

A local business owner is stunned to have won the Business of the Year award at the Battlefords Business Excellence (BBEX) awards.

“This really took me by surprise; I’m grateful and honoured to win this award,” Fortress Windows and Doors owner and president Kevin Driedger said. “I’m so thankful for all our customers and it’s really been a privilege to serve here.”

Fortress Windows and Doors was nominated for the Customer Service Award and won the big prize, Business of the Year, at the BBEX Awards Tuesday evening, Oct. 4.

There was a record number of finalists at the 23rd annual event, with 41 finalists nominated in six categories: New Business Venture, Customer Service, Marketing, Micro Business, Community Contribution, and Battlefords’ Best Employer. Finalists in all categories were eligible to receive Business of the Year.

Fortress Windows and Doors began in the 1960s as Alumni Glass in North Battleford and changed its name in 2013 to represent its emphasis on energy-efficient PVC windows rather than its original aluminum sliding windows. Driedger joined the company in 1993 as manager.

Riderville

Now for the Hard Part

Dec 10, 2025

Grey Cup!!!

Everything you wanted and more

Nov 21, 2025

Ferland earns Grey Cup ring

'A wonderful human being': High school coach thrilled Logan Ferland is a Grey Cup champion

Nov 17, 2025

He said he was surprised by the win because there were so many other deserving businesses nominated.

“We’ve always done our best to provide good service to our customers, good quality products, we’ve always tried to provide a good work environment for our employees where it’s a positive atmosphere,” he said. “I still am a bit stunned as to why we won but in all honesty I’m just truly grateful.”

Driedger said one of the business’s keys to success was finding an extremely loyal customer base in the Battlefords and area.

Other award recipients include the Dekker family, which won the Heritage award Tuesday evening for dedication to broadcasting and community involvement. Lakeland Veterinary Services Ltd. won the Community Contribution Award, Jewellery Connection Inc. won the Micro Business Award, Gold Eagle Casino won the Marketing Award, All Out Graphics & Design Ltd. won the New Business Venture Award, Fisher’s Drug Store won the Customer Service Award, and Anderson Pump House Ltd. won the Battlefords’ Best Employer Award.

The awards this year were photo prints by Battlefords photographer Gilbert Katerynych.

North West College business student Brittni Robert also won the Stan Wychopen Memorial BBEX Scholarship for $1,000 to go towards her studies.

Sarah Rae is battlefordsNOW’s court and crime reporter. She can be reached at Sarah.Rae@jpbg.ca or tweet her @sarahjeanrae.