It is always awe-inspiring to attend the Moose Jaw Business Excellence Awards (MJBEX). Over 60 businesses were finalists in 15 categories. Particularly encouraging is the number of new businesses that have been started and are being run by young entrepreneurs. Trades and construction businesses were well-represented, which points to growth in our city.
Mike Walz was honoured in memoriam as the Business Leader of the Year. Mike exemplifies the leadership and contributions that our business leaders offer. He was outstanding for what he gave to the community as well as in his business success. In accepting the award, his son, Russ, spoke of lessons he learned from his father. Mike Walz imparted the wisdom that “respect is given and trust is earned,” and that “you need to be willing to work hard; you need to work smart, and you need to be involved.” The nominees at the MJBEX have demonstrated that they are following that wisdom.
The value of businesses for our local economy and in contributing to the needs in our community, needs to be fully appreciated. They help construct the added benefits that make Moose Jaw a friendly, thriving community. The finalists in this year’s Business Excellence Awards overwhelmingly fit into the category of a small business, with fewer than 50 employees.
Small businesses account for over 98.8 per cent of the more than 150,000 business enterprises in the province. In 2017, small businesses employed 31.2 per cent of Saskatchewan workers, and paid out over $6.3 billion in wages and salaries. Twenty-seven per cent of Saskatchewan’s gross domestic product was attributed to small business.
Nearly 10,000 new jobs were created in Saskatchewan in the past year, thanks in large part to small business.
Just from our office on High Street, I see the huge impact of businesses on employment, which is the foundation for a thriving community. We say hello every morning to the folks at Cross Canada Flooring. I look across the street to Speedy Glass, Grand Valley Press, Murray’s Signs, and Fit 4 Life. There are literally dozens of families that benefit because these business operators have the vision and wisdom to continue a successful venture. The impact of our major employers like Gibson, CP Rail, Thunder Creek Pork, trucking companies, JGL Group, our agriculture services, Mosaic, Yara and K+S, to name only a few, is staggering.
Our local businesses respond generously when approached to assist with community events, both financially and with a good contingent of volunteers willing to give of their time. Many times, business operators are the ones leading initiatives to make our city a better place. In the coming weeks, we will see the names of some of our businesses on the backs of the shirts of young ball and soccer players. Businesses also get involved in programs like Hunger in Moose Jaw’s “I Bought A Lunch” campaign.
Sincere congratulations to all of the Moose Jaw Business Excellence Awards nominees. Thank you for your tremendous contributions to our city. Thank you to all our business leaders who strive for excellence each day to make Saskatchewan a great province.
Best wishes to the families and students enjoying a break from school this week following the Easter weekend. I hope your Easter celebration reflected joy in the new life of spring and the goodness of God. Enjoy the spring weather and some pleasant family time.
