The Estevan Chamber of Commerce’s fourth biennial Estevan Business Excellence (EBEX) Awards weren’t just an opportunity to salute those who won or were nominated for this year’s awards.
It was also a chance for the Rural Municipality of Estevan to pay tribute to the Frehlick family. The Frehlicks are well known entrepreneurs, not only locally but provincially, and have enjoyed tremendous success in the farming and energy sectors.
Last year one of their companies, Prairie Mud Service, was inducted into the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce’s Business Hall of Fame during the Achievement in Business Excellence (ABEX) Awards.
The video for the provincial hall of fame induction noted Prairie Mud was established in 1976, and has provided services to major, junior and private oil and gas companies. In addition to Saskatchewan, the company operated in Manitoba, North Dakota and Montana.
“Owners Ray and Doris Frehlick built the business through true grit, determination, exceptional customer service, in-depth knowledge of the industry, ongoing education and unwavering commitment to honesty, integrity and to their employees,” said the video.
The company has survived boom and bust cycles in the oil industry, and the video states the company’s success is no surprise to those who know the Frehlicks. They have helped out struggling owners of other companies, and they’re heavily involved in the community.
RM of Estevan Reeve Terry Keating extended his congratulations to the family, and then presented them with gifts.
“The Frehlick family is an asset to the RM, and to the entire community,” said Keating. “It’s a privilege and an honour to offer these gifts we have from the RM today, in acknowledgement of your tremendous success.”
Ray Frehlick used his acceptance speech to encourage people to be involved in the community, particularly through service groups.
“It’s hard to find help within the service clubs anymore,” said Frehlick. “If you look at the service clubs in this community, or any of the communities within this province, they do some wonderful things, like the ball parks, the play parks and the arenas. They all contribute to making the community successful with a lot of hard work and dedication.”
He particularly asked young people to support service clubs so these clubs can achieve their goal of making the community better.
“We need to all work together to make this a great city, to make our province a better province and to make this country a great country,” said Frehlick.
He also saluted the Estevan Chamber of Commerce by reminding the audience that without the chamber, the community wouldn’t be as strong as it is now.
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