Celebrating business excellence.   The Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce has released the list of nominees for the annual MJ BEX Awards.  It's impressive.

Long-established businesses like Calico Junction, JGL Livestock and Wells Camera and Sound are nominated in the Pillar of the Community category and you'll find other familiar names like Murray GM, Heritage Insurance, the Hillcrest Golf Club and Cypress Paving nominated in a number of categories.

But, what's most remarkable, in my opinion, is the number of new and relatively new businesses on the list.  In fact, in the New Business category, you'll find Barre Down Fitness and Twenty Eight Decor.  Have you ever heard about them?

How about Kattle Kountry Veterinary Services, Speargrass Homes and Steady Metal Works - all nominees in the Young Entrepreneur section - have you done business with them yet?

I suppose my point is, despite the fact the local economy has had its share of struggles recently, the local business community continues to thrive, adapt and overcome.