ABEX awards salute lifetimes of work

For the first time in the ABEX Awards’ 34 years, lifetime achievement awards will be presented to two individuals who have excelled in their field and helped shape the Saskatchewan business scene.

Veteran journalist Bruce Johnstone and statistician Doug Elliott will both receive the award from the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 21 at TCU Place in Saskatoon.

Johnstone earned an English degree from the University of Saskatchewan and briefly worked for the provincial government before starting his career as a general and labour reporter and feature writer in Estevan and Regina.

He joined the LeaderPost in 1983 and went on to lead the business department for more than 30 years.

In a written statement, chamber CEO Steve McLellan recognized Johnstone “for his unique perspective to business reporting in Saskatchewan, which showcased the great opportunities for investment and business” in the province.

Johnstone has also been recognized by the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, the Canadian Association of Financial Planners and the Saskatchewan Reporters’ Association.

Elliott is the owner of QED Information Systems — a Regina-based consulting firm specializing in surveys and statistical analysis — and has published Sask Trends Monitor, a monthly statistical newsletter, for more than 30 years.

He studied mathematics and statistics at the University of Regina and has consulted with First Nations, private organizations and local, provincial and federal governments.

The award recognizes him for his wide-ranging analyses of Saskatchewan demographics, labour markets and other economic indicators which the chamber says has “created a solid, information-based foundation for growth and development of businesses in Saskatchewan.”

“Doug’s unique voice and in-depth analysis of the province’s indicators has been a valuable part of Saskatchewan’s economic growth,” said McLellan.

Also being recognized this year is Kent SmithWindsor, with the Roger Phillips Chamber Builder Award.

Kent-Windsor spent 21 years as the executive director of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, and was honoured in 2005 with the Canada Executive of the Year Award for his leadership in the business community.

He is being honoured for his time and work, which the chamber says strengthened their network across the country.

More information on the event can be found at www. saskchamber.com.