2025 Awards of Excellence Nominations now open
Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate your leaders and community initiatives. Download the nominations package and submit prior to August 1, 2025. Awards will be presented on November 4, 2025 at the 2025 Provincial Summit in Saskatoon.
2024 Awards of Excellence Recipients
Chairperson's Award
Sunrise Community Futures Development Corporation was recognized for building and delivering a customized program - GO DIGITAL - targeted to retaining and expanding businesses, first in their own region, and then fulfilling a need farther afield. Award sponsored by BHP.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Ron Monette retired from the Ministry of Agriculture in spring of 2024, following 37 years of dedication to the economic success and sustainability of the provincial agriculture and value-added processing sector. Award sponsored by Female Entrepreneurs in AgriFood Development(FEAD).
Lifetime Achievement Award
Retiring in 2023 from the Town of Rosthern, Nicole Lerat was employed as the Chief Administrative Officer for 23 years, but as is often the case in Saskatchewan, she also assumed responsibility for the economic development portfolio, leading a number of initiatives that have created lasting impact on the community and region. Award sponsored by SUMA.
Professional of the Year Award
Christina Birch has devoted a tremendous amount effort and care to build relationships and engage stakeholders at the grassroots level – within her own southeast area of the province as well as across the province. Her consistent dedication to drive positive change and foster sustainable growth in Saskatchewan make her one-of-a-kind, a leader in her field. Award sponsored by Affinity Credit Union. .
Diversity and Influencer of the Year Award
A proud member of the Poundmaker Indian Reserve #114 in Treaty Six Unceded Territory, Milton Tootoosis has been a catalyst for positive change throughout his career. Since joining the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority in 2021, Milton has been instrumental in developing and advancing strategies in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action. Award sponsored by SIGA.
Community Influencer of the Year Award
Since taking office, Mayor Gerald Aalbers of the City of Lloydminster has been a dynamic figure in guiding the community forward. This includes ensuring the city and its projects area adequately and fairly funded at the federal level as well as provincially, on both sides of the border. Award sponsored by Herauf Modular Solutions.
Community Project Award (population over 5,000)
In October 2023, the Red Pheasant Cree Nation broke ground on their very own 357-acre development in North Battleford, on land originally purchased in 1995. Named Eagles Landing, it became the first urban reserve in Saskatchewan to be granted its own exclusive neighbourhood within the limits of an established city. Award sponsored by Ministry of Trade and Export Development.
Community Project Award (population under 5,000)
Following the closure of their local school, the Village of Abbey – leaders and residents - rallied to transform this vacant building into a service centre that could serve every resident of the community and nurture new business development. Award sponsored by FlexNetworks.
Marketing & Communication Award (population over 5,000)
This year’s recipient took a negative term and flipped it into a positive marketing campaign. Get A Life is a phrase that has always been used in a negative, sarcastic manner. Our award recipient – the City of Moose Jaw has flipped this term to reflect the positive aspects of living in Moose Jaw. Award sponsored by Tourism Saskatchewan.
Marketing & Communication Award (population under 5,000)
Congratulations to the four municipalities coming together in a collaborative effort to market their region to potential investors and residents. Invest Gull Lake was launched by the Gull Lake and Rural Regional Alliance – a joint initiative of the Town of Gull Lake, RM of Gull Lake, RM of Carmichael, RM of Webb. Award sponsored by Community Futures Saskatchewan.