The Weyburn Chamber of Commerce announced that everything is ready for the 2008 WEYBEX Awards, which celebrate business excellence in Weyburn's business community.

These will be the third instalment of the WEYBEX Awards, with the banquet set to take place on Friday, June 13, at McKenna Hall. The finalists have been announced, and the event is ready once again to set the standard for elegance and style.

"The WEYBEX Awards Banquet is a high-calibre event which always sells out," said Chamber president Jeff Richards. "There is a high demand for tables again this year, and with the limited number of seats available, we would encourage everyone wanting to attend to contact the Chamber office immediately to book tables."

Businesses will be recognized in the following six categories: Golden Service; Community Involvement; New or Expanded Business; Business Hall of Fame; Business Leader of the Year; and Business of the Year.

"The businesses nominated this year are all excellent candidates, and being nominated is truly an indication of the appreciation our residents have for our top-notch businesses," said Chamber president Brent Allin.

"Weyburn has a very dynamic business community which provides us with amazing products and services. It's important that we acknowledge the contributions that our business community makes to Weyburn and the surrounding area," added Allin.

"It is also important to recognize the contributions of our sponsors and partners in the facilitation of this event. An even of this magnitude would not be possible without the support of our sponsors," said Richards.

The patron sponsor is the Weyburn Co-op, and the award sponsors include Cogent, EnCana, New Age Electronics, Sunrise Community Futures and SaskEnergy. The other sponsors for the event include Access Communications, Scotiabank, Edward Jones, SaskPower, RBC, Pumpjacks Saloon, Golden West Radio, and the Weyburn Review.

The Chamber encourages everyone to support our local businesses not only at events such as WEYBEX, but throughout the year. "As tempting as shopping elsewhere may sometimes appear, it is simply not positive. It is our local businesses that support our community, such as of sports teams, non-profit organizations and with local employment," said Richards.

The nominees for this year's WEYBEX Awards are as follows: for Golden Service, Redcoat Chrysler, Stagecoach Bus Tours, and McKenna Hall.

For Community Involvement, Weyburn Credit Union, Young Fellows Club and United Centrifuge; For New or Expanded Business, Odyssey Environmental, Golden West Radio and Western Prospects Hockey Centre.

The nominees for the Business Hall of Fame are Great Plains Ford and Hillview Sales and Service, and the nominee for Business Leader of the Year is Brad Stewart. The Business of the Year will be chosen from the winners in all categories.

For more information or to book a table at the awards gala, contact Jeff Richards at the Chamber office.