Shown are Jennifer Mawson, centre, and her dad Jay Mawson, left, both of Austin's Saddlery, and Gord Dobrowolsky from the award sponsor, Workers Compensation Board, who presented them the award. Austin's Saddlery was honoured with the BBEX Business of the Year Award. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Awarding excellence

Austin’s Saddlery named Business of the Year at BBEX Awards

Nov 8, 2023 | 11:06 PM

It was an exciting evening Wednesday when the winners of the The Battlefords Chamber of Commerce’s 29th annual Battlefords Business Excellence Awards (BBEX) were announced at a special gala and ceremony.

This year the event was presented by Gold Eagle Casino at the Dekker Centre.

Taking home the BBEX Business of the Year Award was Austin’s Saddlery. Jennifer Mawson and her dad Jay Mawson were present to receive the award. Sponsored by the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board, the winner of this award was selected from among all the finalists in the open business categories.

Jennifer Mawson noted the business has kept growing since it was started by Jay and his brother Austin 46 years ago.

“We’re working as a family and enjoying every day…,” she said. “We live in a community that has a really strong equestrian and agricultural base. Our customers keep us in business.”

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The Battlefords Chamber of Commerce says the BBEX awards “are the highest and most prestigious awards for Battlefords businesses in the local marketplace.”

The Hall of Fame award was also announced during the event. The honours went to the Tatchell Family for their business, The Northern Auto Parts, which they operated for 93 years in the Battlefords. The Tatchell Family has now been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Don, Jack and Alan Tatchell have all retired from the business. Don said the family are honoured to receive this award.

“I know, along with my two brothers here, we are all very proud of the fact that we were able to carry on the family business for a total of 93 years, and we’re very happy that it’s gone on to another family business owner,” Don Tatchell said. “If my parents and grandparents could be here to see this, they would have been very proud.”

The Tatchell Family were announced as the Hall of Fame inductees. Shown are Don, Jack and Alan Tatchell, with Kayla Petersen from the Chamber. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff).

Also during the evening, the 2023 award winners were announced for various categories as shown below:

New Business Venture Award: Sponsored by Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology (SIIT), this award is given to a new business/venture that has been operating for more than one but less than three years. The award went to Montana’s BBQ & Bar North Battleford.

Heather Guthrie Customer Service Star Award winner (Owner/Entrepreneur): Sponsored by Swanson Gryba & Company, this award is given to an owner/entrepreneur who consistently demonstrates excellence in customer service and/or hospitality, leadership, and whose service positively impacts the business “in measurable and strategic ways.” The winner Louise Erbach of Chic & Shabby – Florals, Home Décor & Gifts.

Community Contribution Award Winner: Sponsored by Sask-Tel, this is awarded to a business that shows exceptional support of recreation, amateur sports, arts and culture, charitable groups, or other community efforts in the Battlefords and area. The winner was Dejma’s Curry House.

Micro Business Award Winner: Sponsored by TD Bank, this award goes to a small business or home office that has demonstrated significant business achievement, sustainable performance, a high level of customer service, innovation and community involvement. The award went to Café 4 U.

Young Entrepreneur Award Winner: Sponsored by Northwest Community Futures Development Corporation, this award is given to a young entrepreneur – age 35 or younger – who has established or expanded a business on or before December 31, 2022. The young entrepreneur will have demonstrated signs of success and viability in the venture. The winner was Jordyn Nachtegaele for Student Works Painting.

Agriculture and Agri-Business Award Winner: Sponsored by Farm Credit Canada, this award is bestowed to a business recognizing “excellence of operating a successful farm or agricultural related business” where diversification, innovation, sound business practices, workplace safety, demonstration of commitment to the environment and community involvement are part of the corporate identity. The award was given to Redhead Equipment.

Impact Award Winner: Sponsored by Innovation Federal Credit Union, this award is given to a charitable or not-for-profit/non-profit business or organization that with the efforts of their volunteers, displays a commitment to making the Battlefords and area a better place for individuals to grow and thrive, through the development and support of a community project or program. The winner was Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT).

The Members’ Choice Award category, introduced in 2022, was sponsored by Bralin Technology Solutions Ltd. It was awarded to Discovery Co-operative Ltd.

Stan Wychopen Memorial BBEX Scholarship winner: The recipient of this award from North West College will receive a total scholarship of $2,000 toward their business program education. The winner was Avia Bru.

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow