A couple local operations are in the running for business accolades from the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
Synergy Credit Union is nominated for Community Involvement and Trestle River Homes of Marwayne is on the list for the New Venture category of the 2022 ABEX Awards.
Synergy CEO Glenn Stang credits their values as a co-operative financial institution along with the volunteerism of staff.
“We embed so much of our co-operative values in everything that we do. Twenty per cent of our profits every year is distributed back to our members in the form of patronage and five per cent of our profits is set aside for a program called Synergy Shares. We use this money to seed local projects that contribute to the well-being and sustainability of the communities and the members that we serve. It also funds our scholarship program.”
Synergy will face competition from three Regina-based businesses involved in finance, construction and hospitality, as well as a media firm from Moose Jaw.
Stang assesses the strengths of the other nominees and expresses gratitude for being nominated.
“Everybody that has been nominated this year really deserves the nomination. And just because of that, and recognizing their value that they bring to the communities that they serve. It’s just an honour to be nominated and held at the same prestigious level as everybody else.”
The second local company is in a category that includes two ag-related businesses in Regina along with two other Saskatoon-based innovators. Trestle River Homes which is a combination of two Lloydminster home builders indicated they are honoured to be in contention for the New Venture Award.
The awards will be delivered in person with a virtual option at a gala on November 5th at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon. The awards have been handed out since 1984 and this will be the first in-person edition since 2019.