Delorme, Ahenakew 2020 ABEX recipients
- Jeanelle Mandes | September 16, 2020
Richard Ahenakew, General Manager of Northern Lights Casino and Chief Cadmus Delorme of Cowessess First Nation have been chosen to receive Achieving Business Excellence (ABEX) Awards.
Ahenakew was chosen to receive the Roger Phillips Chamber Builder Award, which recognizes one who has made long-standing contributions of time, intelligence and leadership to the Chamber network in Saskatchewan. It was created in honour of ABEX founder Roger Phillips.
Ahenakew has worked with the casino for close to 25 years, having started as a janitor and working his way up. He has been GM for 16 years and has devoted years to the chamber board.
“Part of my ability to volunteer for some of these groups, I have to give thanks to my staff and my family for allowing me to spend time doing that,” he said. “All my time with the chamber board has been incredible.”
Ahenakew was asked to do a quick conference call; he didn’t expect to hear that he will be given this award.
“I was silent and quiet. I lost my ability to speak for a little while,” said Ahenakew. “I never expected to ever hear that and I was also humbled because of the people who received that award before. Recognition like that, you never expect in your life.”
Delorme will receive the Community Leader of the Year award, which recognizes someone who has made a positive contribution to the community through volunteerism and philanthropy. This individual will have taken a lead role in developing solutions to social challenges in Saskatchewan.
“I know of a few others I would (have) nominated for this award,” stated Delorme. “As a Chief, I am a servant leader to the planning and helping drive for a better community. I share this award with the Council and every community member who helps us grow. As a Chief, I help lift this great province and country to levels we know we are capable of.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 ABEX Awards will be shifting from its traditional celebration to a virtual event on November 14. In honour of the chamber’s 100th anniversary, the theme of this year’s awards is Roaring Twenties so viewers at home are encouraged to host 1920’s-themed viewing parties of their own.
Steve McLellan, Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce CEO, announced the ABEX Award recipients in a media release:
Business Leader of the Year, sponsored by University of Regina
Greg Yuel, PIC Investment Group – Saskatoon.
Saskatchewan Business Hall of Fame Inductee
Flaman Group of Companies – Saskatoon
Innovation Award, sponsored by Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Deveraux Group of Companies – Regina
Marketing Award
Pile O’ Bones Brewing Company – Regina
Export Award, sponsored by Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership
VIDO-InterVac – Saskatoon
Community Involvement, sponsored by Grant Thornton LLP
Spiro’s Family Restaurant – Lloydminster
Priority Focus (Resilience)
Tangerine Group of Companies – Regina
Young Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by Cameco
The Everyday Kitchen – Regina
Growth and Expansion, sponsored by PFM Capital Inc.
Dutch Growers – Regina
New Venture, sponsored by Saskatchewan Ministry of Trade and Export Development
SANOZONE by Ground Effects Environmental Services – Regina
Service, sponsored by CN
Indian Head Bakery – Indian Head
Awards of Merit
Harbour Landing Village – Regina
Melissa Carson – Weyburn
Fast Trucking - Carnduff