The 2025 Weybex Awards took place at McKenna Hall on Friday night, celebrating the businesses that impact the community of Weyburn. Hosted by the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce, they handed out six different awards throughout a variety of categories, ranging from a New or Expanding Business Award for the young businesses all the way to the Business Hall of Fame recognizing those who've pioneered business in Weyburn. Monica Osborn, executive director with the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce, comments on the fantastic night.
“Yeah, I think the event went great. You know, it's always a well-received event of ours. We do it every other year, you know, so it kind of alleviates us a little bit. We have to remember what we did two years ago, which is sometimes a little bit of a challenge. But yeah, I think the overall reception was great and people just have a great positive outlook when we have these types of events.”
She also comments on the businesses that are honoured with this event and the deservedness of recognition for their hard work.
“I mean, tonight we recognize new businesses that have been up and running. You know, less than three years. And then we've recognized businesses that have been in business for over 15 years. So, it really goes to show the diversity that we have in the Weyburn community. You know, we had everything from tech to beauty to construction workers getting awards tonight, so you know, it’s just really great to see the community come together tonight and just be able to celebrate that business excellence and to honor those that are in business. It's not an easy feat to be an entrepreneur, but you know these people that we're recognizing tonight definitely deserve it.”
John Hulbert of John Hulbert Construction Ltd was one of three businesses inducted into the Business Hall of Fame. Hulbert talks about the event, and why Weyburn’s a great place to do business.
“It's been great seeing lots of other business owners and a lot of people I've worked with or alongside of and yeah, Weyburn’s a great community to run a business and raise a family. It's been good, like we've been very fortunate with our business, you know, been 24 years now and yeah, Weyburn’s treated us very well and hope it keeps on going.”
E. Bourassa and Sons were the winners of two awards on Friday night. They were the recipient of the Community Involvement Award; recognizing a business's involvement in volunteerism and commitment to making where they live better. They were also the recipient of the Business of the Year award, the highest honour at the Weybex event. Kurtis Bourassa, Chief Executive Officer with E. Bourassa and Sons, was taken aback by the recognition.
“Well, first of all, the first award (Community Involvement) was also, tough to imagine because of the businesses that we’re up against in this community. Organizations such as the Young Fellows Club of Weyburn and the Weyburn Red Wings, everybody so deserving of that award that you know, very humbled to get that one in the first place and honestly did not understand that we could also win the Business of the Year award. So, to my surprise, we were also awarded that and just truly honoured and just very humble.”
Bourassa comments on the history of the company, the growth of Weyburn throughout the years, and what makes it an attractive place to run a business and call home.
“Well, we came to Weyburn in 2009, and I think we had about 15 employees in Weyburn. We've got over 40 now. We've added businesses, Weyburn has supported us to no end. We started an auto parts business in 2014, and people just keep supporting us from all the surrounding communities. So, it's important that we continue to give back to those communities. And so that's why the Community involvement award is just so fitting for us and for our mission as a company. Our business is all about people. Our business is about our staff. We are where the people make the difference and our mission truly is to, you know, provide experiences and creative solutions for our employees, our customers and our communities. And I think that the awards tonight speak volumes to support our mission.”
The list of award winners include:
New and Expanding Business Award: Ice & Ink Beauty Bar
Golden Service Award: Minard's Leisure World
Community Involvement Award: E. Bourassa & Sons
Leadership Excellence Award: Dawn Gutzke of The Family Place
Business Hall of Fame: John Hulbert Construction Ltd, Quality Plumbing & Heating, Weyburn Carpet One
Business of the Year: E. Bourassa & Sons