A local developer who is creating a resort area near Gardiner Dam by Lake Diefenbaker is making waves in the business community, particularly after she was recently honored at the annual SABEX Business Excellence Awards in Saskatoon.
Rauncie Kinnaird, owner of Lake Life Properties, attended the event and was the recipient of the New Business Venture Award, recognizing her development venture of Sandy Shores Resort as a business to keep an eye on in the near future as it continues to grow.
The award recognizes a new business venture which has been in existence for three years or less and has shown positive performance in terms of current or expected profitability, job creation or entrance into new markets. The judges utilize financial criteria, as well as considering the nature of the new venture and its impact on job creation and market expansion. The judging also takes into account the relative size of the new venture.
Kinnaird took to the Facebook page for Sandy Shores Resort to share her thoughts on winning the SABEX award, recognizing her staff and those who have helped her in ventures along the way.
“Thank-you for the SABEX organizing committee, the award sponsor Tourism Saskatoon, Mackenzie Firby, my SABEX mentor in this application, and of course the other finalists. I would like to thank our staff, particularly Shelley Caldwell, who makes our diverse operations run smoothly. She wears many hats, and Sarah Nicole, who was critical in putting the SABEX application together. In Saskatoon, I have found companies and individuals who have helped my business succeed. Thank-you to Mouneeb Shahid and 2 Web Design, Jesse McCulloch and KPMG, Acadia Construction, SNC, and Meridian Surveys.
I was born and raised in SK. I attended the awards with my parents. They instilled the value of hard work and doing your best work. I grew up on a farm on Lake Diefenbaker. I really do love this beautiful area. I am very lucky indeed to work and play at Sandy Shores Resort. My family enjoys fishing, boating and relaxing. The lake is a terrific place to Make Memories!
In Saskatoon, I found a welcoming and supportive business community. I love business and can't think of a better environment for my business. In 2010, when starting a retail business, I met Maureen Haddock and Gord, who agreed to mentor me through my retail adventure. I am pleased that they could join me here tonight. The support in the Saskatoon business community with the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc. Business Improvement Districts and for me, the Raj Manek Mentorship Program, has helped my business grow and succeed. I am very grateful to do business here.
I am so grateful to be part of this new community of Sandy Shores Resort. Welcome to all the new families!”
