It was an evening to remember at this year's annual MJBEX Awards for those in attendance, and for some, they certainly won't forget it. 

Wednesday night, the Heritage Inn was the location for the annual awards banquet hosted by the Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce, created to give kudos to local businesses who go above and beyond for their customers and community.

Around 120 submissions were filled out nominating local establishments, with the list whittled down to just over 60 lucky nominees that were divided up into 12 categories. 

Many who stood at the podium, new speakers and returning presenters, all marveled at the fact that the room was so full. According to organizers this was the biggest and most attended MJBEX Awards banquet yet, seeing 460 residents take in the night's festivities. 

Not only was the size of the event at an all time high, so were the amount of honours that were given out to local business owners, as the Chamber of Commerce added a few new categories to the list this year.

Nebulus Entertainment was called to the podium as they had won the #Trending award, and Owner and Operator Jared Robinson said he was grateful to be recognized in his own community. 

"It's an honour to be nominated, but it's an honour to win an award like this. I feel really great about being locally recognized for the work that I do here," explained Robinson. "The nominees were all wonderful; I've worked with some of them and all of them deserve to get this award."

He also noted that he was humbled by the distinction and gave thanks to Moose Jaw and the support he receives here. 

"I'm very happy to be getting recognized locally; I work very hard with artists in the arts community. I would like to thank so many people I'm involved with locally, but also our music industry association - Sask Music, all my artists and also Golden West Radio for supporting my artists locally and getting some of my singles on the radio."

Another winner of the night was Deja vu Cafe, and owner Brandon Richardson said he was left in a state of shock when they called out the name of his business. He explained that his wife, son and his team sitting at the table had to reassure him that he heard right and to get up to accept his award in the Marketing category. 

"I knew it was going to be a good evening, but it turned out great," said Richardson. "I was very shocked, surprised and nervous." 

His speech was short and sweet as he was taken back by the honour and clearly displayed his appreciation and thanks. 

Here is the full list of winners, in the order that the awards were presented:

  • Community Involvement: Cypress Paving
  • Customer Service: Gary Overs Kenneling and Obedience
  • Young Entrepreneur: Dance Fitness with Kyra
  • Business Innovation: Henderson Insurance Inc. 
  • Marketing: Deja vu Cafe
  • Newcomer Award: Yes Taxi
  • New Business: Prairie Bee Meadery
  • Job Creation: Canadian Brewhouse
  • Pillar of the Community: Bellamy Harrison Animal Hospital 
  • Impact: Habitat for Humanity Moose Jaw Chapter
  • #Trending: Nebulus Entertainment 
  • Moose Jaw and District Farmer: Delahay Farms Ltd. 
  • Business Leader of the Year: Bill Jameson/Robin Gilroy
  • Business of the Year: Cypress Paving

"It's a great place to do business in Moose Jaw, and having in the Chamber of Commerce in our city - they're a big player in our community," said Sheldon Williams, Owner of Cypress Paving, following the final award presentation. "I think we're going in the right direction I believe, and we're just honoured to be a part of the community."