The Business Awards were presented as follows:


People's Choice: Johnny's Bistro (Sponsored by 107.5 Bolt FM and Discoverhumboldt.com)
Large Business of the Year: Schulte Industries(Sponsored by Sasktel/Direct West)
Small Business of the Year:Bunz Electric Ltd. (Sponsored by RBC Royal Bank)
Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Aaron & Monique Strueby, STrueby Plumbing & Heating (Sponsored by SaskPower
New Business Venture: 107.5 Bolt FM (Sponsored by The Humboldt Journal)
Service Award: ELite Salon & Spa (Sponsored by BHP Billiton)
Marketing Award: Prairie;s Edge Development Corp. (Sponsored by CJVR/CK750)
Community Involvement: Potash Corp Lanigan (Sponsored by City of Humboldt)
Community Merit: Habitat For Humanity - Humboldt (Sponsored by Conexus)

Werner Wittke

Werner Wittke was born in 1934 in Humboldt. His younger years were spent on the family farm 4 miles north of Dixon.  In 1962, Werner, along with his father Carl, purchased both the Arlington Hotel and Windsor Hotel in Humboldt. In 1965, he began construction of the new Pioneer Hotel
and, upon completion, operated all 3 of Humboldt’s hotels as well as continuing to farm. The Pioneer Hotel and Motel is still owned and operated today by Werner’s 3 sons, Brad, Russell and Murray.  Up until about 1980 Werner continued to expand his farming operations.  In 1980, he demolished the Arlington Hotel and constructed a new motel building with a mall.  In 1983, he built the first condominium building in Humboldt and in 1988 he purchased 36 acres for future commercial development. This property is now home to the Quill Centre, the major retail development on the South West end of the city.  Throughout his life he continued investing in farmland, real estate, and property. Werner was also active with the Lion’s Club, Humboldt School Division Board member, Chamber of Commerce, Humboldt Bronco board and others. Through his businesses he also supported the various levels of sports organizations in Humboldt and other worthy causes.  Werner was a proud father and grandfather. He passed away suddenly in 1991 at the age of 57.

Douglas and Kathleen Ross

Douglas Daniel Ross was born in 1911 in Fernie, BC and Kathleen Blanche McClellan was born in 1925 in Coleman, Alberta.  In early 1950, Douglas and Kathleen moved to Humboldt where Douglas and his business partner established a new jewellry store called Graham and Ross Jewellers. Douglas became the sole proprietor in 1958 and the store was renamed Ross Credit Jewellers. In 1975, the store transitioned again and was renamed Ross Jewellers Ltd.  Douglas was involved in the Lions Club, was the president on the Board of Trade and ran the Red Cross swimming program for over 25 years. Douglas was in charge of the maintenance and repair of the town clock for 29 years. He was also a railroad watch inspector.  Kathleen raised her children at home, but also worked in the store at busy times.  When the children were older, Kathleen went into the store full time and became an active business partner with her husband. Kathleen was active in many of the bridge clubs for over 60 years, wasinstrumental with initiating gymnastics, and was active in the figure skating culture. Douglas passed away in 1979.  Kathleen and Gordon continued to run Ross Jewellers Ltd until 1987.

Don Wassil

Don Wassill was born in August of 1928 and lived in Zenon Park until he married and moved his family to Humboldt to start his business career.  Don`s career as an entrepreneur led him to be the first person to introduce many new products to Humboldt. Don opened several businesses including the first fast food drive thru restaurant in 1959 which was then called the Corral Restaurant and featured the legendary Super Burger.   He opened Murray`s Menswear in 1964 with his partner, Murray Stebbings.  He built and opened one of the province`s first Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises called the El Rancho as well as built and opened Humboldt`s first automatic car wash.  He also opened a Pop Shoppe on Main Street.  Along with his business ventures, he was active as the administrator of St. Elizabeth`s Hospital for 26 years, served on numerous provincial health boards and on the St. Elizabeth`s Hospital Building Fund Committee.  He was a key committee member in building Humboldt`s first outdoor swimming pool, served on the Chamber of Commerce, was a senator with the Jaycees, member of the Knights of Columbus and Lions Club and refereed hockey.  Don eventually retired to St. Albert, AB and passed away in 1995.

Wilf Chamney

Wilfred Chamney was born in 1917 in Humboldt.  At age 17, he began working with his stepfather in McNab Flour Mills.  After a fire destroyed the mill in 1956, Wilf took the opportunity to build a small grain elevator on the mill property.  Over the next few years, the business grew and two more elevators went up.  In the 1960’s, Wilf introduced the growing of mustard seed first in the Humboldt area and eventually around the province.  Soon, he was known as the Mustard Man, and mustard and lentils were being shipped from Humboldt to countries around the world.  The Prairie Rose brand became well known along with his Five-in-one cereal, Wilf’s special breakfast blend.  Anhydrous ammonia fertilizer stations were set up and a satellite grain-buying business was established in Winnipeg.  The company went public in the early 1990’s.  In the late 1980’s Wilf purchased property and commissioned the first German-themed building in Humboldt.  Wilf retired in 1995 and passed away in 2000.

Gerald Herrgott

Gerald Hergott was born in 1935 in Bruno.  In 1960, Gerald purchased a 1/3 interest in his Uncles business and became Sales Manager of Hergott Farm Equipment Ltd.   In 1966, they moved to their current location on Highway #5 east.  Hergott Farm Equipment holds the distinction of being the first International Harvester XL and Partsmart Dealer in Canada.  They have also achieved the highest level of excellence attainable by an International Harvester agricultural dealer.  Gerald has been involved in many committees and organizations throughout the community and his business world, but spent the majority of his time as President of the Community Centre of Humboldt & District Inc. which was established solely to promote, build, and manage a centre containing a curling rink, community hall and a 2000 seat arena, know today as the Humboldt Uniplex.  This dedicated committee met every Thursday at lunch for 6 years.   Today, Gerald remains active in Hergott Farm Equipment Ltd. as General Manager and shareholder. 

Dennis Korte

Dennis Korte was born in 1942 in Muenster.  An entrepreneur at a young age, Dennis operated a Dray business with his brother, using a horse and flat wagon or a toboggan to haul and deliver the freight from the trains.  Dennis started his printing career at St. Peter’s Press in Muenster in 1961.  In 1969, he established Graphic Arts Printing in Humboldt.    A very active member of the community, Dennis has said that “he was never at work” as he chaired and belong to many organizations for the betterment of the community.  He served as Town Mayor for 6 years and was instrumental in the District Health Planning Committee that formed the Central Plains Health District.  Dennis has also been very active in his Church, Humboldt history, tourism and sports.  Today Dennis continues to operate Graphic Arts Printing which is celebrating its 42^nd anniversary this year.

Michelle Lees-Senko
RBC Royal Bank
 

Connie Dyok
Elite Salon & Spa  

Daniel Hinz
Discovery Ford Sales

Leann Wuchner
FCC