The 2023 Moose Jaw Business Excellence Awards (MJBEX) packed the Heritage Inn on April 19 for several hours of mingling, celebration, and recognition of the accomplishments of local businesses, despite some nasty last-minute spring weather.
The event is organized by the Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce and supported by many significant sponsors. WOW Factor Media was the presenting sponsor for the evening and created video reels for each of the more than 50 nominees. The reels were shown following remarks from individual awards sponsors and served to familiarize everyone at the event with each of the nominees.
Rob Clark, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, gave opening remarks in which he commented on the uniqueness, resilience, diversity, and creativity that defines the Moose Jaw business community. The emcee was Craig Hemingway, marketing director for the Downtown Moose Jaw Association and communications manager for the City of Moose Jaw. Hemingway kept things organized and entertained the crowd with his usual humorous commentary — and a particularly loud jacket that became a running joke throughout the evening.
Some changes were made to the awards categories for this 21st edition of the MJBEX. The Environmental Steward, Job Creation, and Newcomer Entrepreneur categories were eliminated, and the "Hell Yeah!" and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion awards took their place.
Two of the 14 awards are not nominated by the community. The Business Leader of the Year and Business of the Year awards are chosen from among all the nominees after judging has concluded.
2023's Business Leader of the Year was Chad Taylor of Taylor Automotive Group, who also serves as the president of the Moose Jaw Warriors. The award was sponsored by Henderson Insurance.
The Business of the Year award, sponsored by RBC, went to Golden West Trailer & Equipment.
The People's Choice Award, sponsored by the City of Moose Jaw, was chosen by public voting from April 14 to 18 and went to The Strong Studio.
A full list of the nominees and winners is below:
Agricultural & Agri-Business Excellence Award – Sponsored by Farm Credit Canada
- Ag West Service Ltd
- Gold-Bar Livestock
- Howe Coulee Charolais — WINNER
- Johnstone Auction Mart
Business Innovation – Sponsored by JGL
- Boh's Cycle & Sporting Goods
- Just a Girl in her Garden
- Peak Veterinary Health — WINNER
- Triple Threat Apparel
Community Involvement – Sponsored by W.J. Jones & Son Funeral Home
- Golden Ticket Sports
- Moose Jaw Carpet One Floor & Home — WINNER
- Sid Hanover Construction & Cabinets Ltd. aka Hanover Cabinets
- The Strong Studio
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award – Sponsored by Conexus Credit Union
- Canadian Tire
- Wrapture Spa and Boutique
- Xpert Rail Consulting — WINNER
“Hell Yeah” Award – Sponsored by ScotiaBank
- Highwind
- Lions Creek
- Nanan STEM Academy Inc. — WINNER
- Nourish Health and Wellness
- Town & Country Plumbing & Heating & Electrical
- Winmar Moose Jaw
Impact Award – Sponsored by Blue Whale Financial
- Moose Jaw Diversified Services — WINNER
- Moose Jaw Municipal Airport
- Sukanen Ship Museum
Marketing – Sponsored by Murray GM
- Clickflow
- Honey Pot Distillery — WINNER
- Taste Patisserie by Katrina
- Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living
- Wrapture Spa and Boutique
New Business – Sponsored by SaskTel
- Gottselig Athletic Performance
- Honey Pot Distillery
- Just a Girl in Her Garden
- Panko & Associates
- Rockett's Drone Services — WINNER
- Ruchi's Masala House
- With These Hands Moose Jaw
Pillar of the Community – Sponsored by Moose Jaw Coop Association
- Bob's Autobody
- Golden West Trailer & Equipment Ltd. — WINNER
- Grant Hall Hotel
Service Excellence Award – Sponsored by Saskatchewan Polytechnic
- Evolve Coffee
- Lions Creek
- Mad 24 Restaurant
- McKarr's Furniture
- Organically Connected
- Pravda Studio and Spa
- Rosie's on River Street — WINNER
Young Entrepreneur – Sponsored by Community Futures South Central
- Golden Lux Bar
- Infinity Athletics — WINNER
- Little Chicago Entertainment
- Montana's Photoworks
- Nourish Health and Wellness
- ShadesofJay Warehouse
- Triple Threat Apparel
