Silver Spades Awards Gala - A Evening to Remember

Saskatchewan Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (SYPE) held its 8th Annual Silver Spades Gala on Saturday, June 11th, 2011 at the Conexus Art Centre in Regina, SK. Members of SYPE and
stakeholders in the community were able to come together to celebrate business success stories from all over Saskatchewan. While the evening was memorable from the two power outages that halted their band, Fur Eel, from playing, it was successful at highlighting the four awards that were presented during the evening to all of the deserving recipients.

SYPE and Enterprise Saskatchewan partnered with Rawlco Radio and Rock Bridge Realty to present the Volta Award. The Volta was a new take on their Entrepreneur of the Year award, and had a number of new features. Following the online submission process, SYPE was able to select four finalists with the assistance of five local judges. A Facebook contest was held to garner online support for the finalists, and the results were weighed equally with the judges' scores to determine the winner.

SYPE was fortunate to award Kip Simon of 22 Fresh with the first ever Volta Award. 22 Fresh is a lifestyle apparel company, combining a non-traditional approach to the traditional game of baseball with unique on (and off) field apparel. More information on 22 Fresh can be found at www.22fresh.com

SYPE also presented the Professional of the Year Award. This award recognizes an individual's outstanding contribution to their business and community. The award recipient was selected with the assistance of three judges. This year's recipient was Elizabeth Nguyen, CA, CFE, DIFA, a Senior Manager with MNP’s Forensics & Investigative Services in Regina, SK. Since joining MNP in February 2010, Elizabeth has almost single-handedly expanded the client base of the Forensics practice in Saskatchewan.

SYPE also awarded two awards to its members for the growth and development of its chapters across the province. Kevin Bergeron, with the University of Saskatchewan, received the Peddle award for his long time contribution to SYPE. The SYPE Peddle Award has been created to honour the individual that will continue to move SYPE forward and create new opportunities in Saskatchewan for its members.

Chantelle Ernst, of Enterprise Saskatchewan, was the recipient of the Ace of Spades Award. Chantelle was selected for her involvement in assisting SYPE its chapters in advancement and growth. Chantelle was instrumental in the development of two separate chapters in Saskatchewan.

SYPE thanks all of its sponsors and members who contributed to the evening's success. We hope to see you all next year and look to build on the success of the event this year.