Centennial project earns two tourism awards

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The Saskatchewan Centennial Canoe Quest was the big winner when the 17th annual Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence were handed out in Saskatoon on April 6.

The centennial project, which saw 30 teams of modern-day voyageurs retrace an historic trade route along the Churchill and Sturgeon-Weir Rivers, took home two awards-best promotional marketing campaign for an event or festival with a budget over $20,000, and the Spirit of Saskatchewan Award.

The project's marketing campaign featured the use of a variety of media, including an online interactive map that allowed people to track the progress of the teams throughout the race. Judges recognized the success of the campaign, and of the event itself, which united organizations, communities and residents in celebration of the centennial and showcased the past and present of northern Saskatchewan.

"The nominees, finalists and award recipients for the Awards of Excellence have helped enhance the positive image of the tourism industry in Saskatchewan," Roy Anderson, president and CEO of Tourism Saskatchewan said. "The tourism industry is proud to come together to recognize and celebrate their achievements."

Reginald Louison from the Kahkewistahaw Gas and Convenience Store in Yorkton was also a winner, bringing home the award in the Service Excellence-Individual category. A guest service attendant at the gas and convenience store, Louison is known for the great customer service he provides, his knowledge of the store's products and services and his ability to engage customers. He serves as a mentor to the younger employees at the store and helps to motivate them to do their best.

Other award recipients included Milton Lake Lodge, which was named Rookie of the Year and King's Department Store in Carlyle, which won the award in the Service Excellence-Business category. Budget Car and Truck Rentals of Saskatoon won the award for Corporate Partner of the Year and Claude-Jean Harel of Regina took home the Tourism Media Award for Travel Journalism. The Diefenbaker Canada Centre of Saskatoon was given the Gil Carduner Marketing Award-Budget Under $20,000, while Joey's Only Seafood Restaurant in Regina received the Gil Carduner Marketing Award-Budget over $20,000.

The StirCrazy Blues Music Festival of Swift Current was given the Tourism Award of Excellence for Promotional Marketing Campaign-Event or Festival-Budget Under $20,000.

Tourism Yorkton took home an award in the Promotional Marketing Campaign-Association, Bureau or Region category.

Bob Ellard of Regina won the Fred Heal Tourism Award and the Craik Sustainable Living Project Geo Centre won the Land of Living Skies Award.

Regina-based Saskatchewan Express was presented with the Creative Excellence Award, Champetre County in St. Denis was named Business of the Year-Under 50 Full-time Employees and Casinos Regina and Moose Jaw were named Business of the Year-Over 50 Full-time Employees. The Chairman's Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Gordon Wallace of Saskatoon.