The business community in Weyburn has had a successful year, especially in the eyes of the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce. From new businesses opening up, to success at the Weybex Awards and beyond, it has been an outstanding year, according to Executive Director Monica Osborn.  

“We started off with our AGM and just doing a recap of the previous year, and we inducted a couple of new board members and we were addressed by the City of Weyburn and the R.M. of Weyburn,” Osborn said of the beginning of 2023. Then, at the end of April was the Weybex Awards, which saw MegaDry Disaster Restoration being the big winner, named Business of the Year and New and/or Expanded Business of the Year. 

“We also put forward an ABEX finalist, which was MegaDry Disaster Restoration, and they ended up being winners in two out of the three categories that they were nominated for, so great for our Chamber, great for our community,” Osborn continued. “It just highlights the business excellence that we do have in Weyburn.” 

Some of the other notable events throughout the year, Osborn noted, included the All-Candidates Forum ahead of the municipal by-election, the annual members-only golf tournament, and several education sessions that were held throughout the year. There was also the presentation of the Golden Sheaf Award to Ashworth Farm and Ranch, and the first annual Chamber Member Barbecue.  

Growth was another key aspect of the past 12 months for the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce. 

“We definitely did have quite a number of new businesses pop up, which is really great to see,” Osborn said. She pointed out that when they are talking to people about coming to Weyburn, they mention the number of locally owned and operated businesses within The Opportunity City. She highlighted that there are many multigenerational businesses here as well, and some of the sectors that are represented are unique to Weyburn, with many niche markets present. 

“It’s not just the big box stores that you’re finding in other communities,” Osborn affirmed. “They’re more personable, they just want to provide a service or product to their community that maybe is lacking, so it’s really great to see those businesses coming forward.” 

As for 2024, the annual general meeting will be coming up. Osborn also noted they will be presenting the Golden Spike at this year’s meeting. Nominations for the prestigious award are expected to open soon, with more details set to come out early in the new year.  

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