NORTH BATTLEFORD — The Battlefords and District Chamber of Commerce hosted the Battlefords Business Excellence (BBEX) Awards at the Dekker Centre Wednesday.
Winning Business of the Year was Austin Saddlery. The award was open to all finalists in the five BBEX award categories. (See all the winners in the photo gallery.)
Among the evening's honourees was the Tatchell family, inducted into the Battlefords Business Hall of Fame. The Tatchell family has a long and storied history of owning and operating a business in the Battlefords to the benefit of many residents, its former employees, and the community as a whole. For 93 years and over three generations, the Tatchells owned and operated The Northern Auto Parts, which stood for first-class service and professional knowledge delivered in a friendly atmosphere.
The BBEX committee in making its decision to induct The Tatchell Family to the Battlefords Business Hall of Fame cited in part the longevity, success and family continuity of the businesses as some key factors in their decision.
Committee co-chair Samantha Weber noted, “we are excited to announce the Tatchell Family as the inductee to the Hall of Fame. This induction is just a small thank you to them for being part of the Battlefords business community for over nine decades.”
The Tatchells' induction was the third induction to the Battlefords Business Hall of Fame.
Following the ceremony, Don Tatchell said they felt, “very honoured, very honoured indeed.”
He said, “It was a very special moment up there on the stage this evening to receive these awards and I know that along with my two brothers here we’re very proud of the fact that we were able to carry on the business for a total of 93 years and we’re very happy that it’s gone on to another family business owner. If my parents and grandparents could be here to see this they would have been very, very proud.”
Don noted there aren’t too many businesses around anymore with that kind of longevity.
“It’s pretty special,” he said.
Adding to Don’s remarks, Jack said, “Now that we have sold our business, we are retired. Life has changed for us and, speaking personally, I don’t miss the work so much now, because time has gone on and we’re getting older, [but] I miss our customers. I really miss our customers who became friends in a way and for that I long to see them again. Anyway, it’s been a good run. It’s been a long run and one that’s been very, very good.
Jack added their business was purchased by a friend they got to know through the trade.
“He was expanding his business and approached us about considering retiring and selling the business and that’s how it all started.”
Now, the three brothers laughed, they will be vacationing, mowing the grass, weeding…
Don noted he moved a year and a half ago to Warman.
“Between Warman and Martensville, I’ve got seven grandchildren,” he said.
Jack and Alan have stayed in the Battlefords.
The Tatchell family is known not only for their long-running business, but for their contribution to the musical community of the Battlefords and, indeed, Saskatchewan and further.
* Please note the photos with this story carry the photographer's copyright and may not be reproduced from this gallery. For print requests, visit https://www.mphocus.com/
