(Image Credit: northeastNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Recognizing business community

Mel-Bex Awards handed out in Melfort

Mar 23, 2026 | 11:59 AM

Honouring the business elite in Melfort and area. 

The 2026 Mel-Bex Awards Gala was held over the weekend at the Kerry Vickar Centre. 

The Melfort Trade Alliance Chamber of Commerce hosted the event, and Executive Director Lorana McComber told northeastNOW the event was a huge success. 

“It was just a great evening,” McComber said. 

The Chamber opted to host a cocktail networking hour prior to the gala, and McComber said everyone had a chance to mingle before supper. 

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McComber said having a chance to recognize local businesses and owners is incredibly important for the Chamber and the community as a whole. 

“These business owners, the organizations, the entrepreneurs, they put so much time and effort into their businesses and what they’re promoting and providing for us,” McComber said. “We’re very fortunate to have them all here, so they definitely need that recognition to say ‘hey, you’re doing a good job, keep it up.’” 

She said it’s also important to show other businesses that may be looking to set up shop in Melfort that the local business community is appreciated. 

The Chamber introduced two new categories this year, including New Business and Agricultural Achievement. McComber said it was important to recognize the contributions of agriculture-based companies and owners as the industry is so vital to the region. She was also happy to honour the new businesses in the community with an award. 

Several special guests were at the event, including Prince Albert MP Randy Hoback, Melfort MLA Todd Goudy, and Melfort Mayor Glenn George. 

The award winners are: 

• Business of the Year (16 and Over Employees): Wapiti Valley Regional Park and Ski Resort 
• Business of the Year (15 & Under Employees): FYI Doctors 
• Customer Service Award: Sauder’s Home Hardware 
• Property Appearance: Northeast Dental 
• Heritage Award: Royal Canadian Legion 
• Community Involvement- Business/Corporate: Ripley Ford 
• Community Involvement – Non-Profit: Melfort Rotary Club 
• Agricultural Achievement: Shark Ag Consulting 
• New Business: Backyard Outfitters and Rentals 
• Citizen of the Year: Trevor Blevins 
• Junior Citizen of the Year: Mikayla Kaminski 

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com