THE BATTLEFORDS — The Craig Family has been inducted into the Battlefords Business Hall of Fame for sustained excellence over the course of 100 years in the Battlefords.
According to a video shared at the BBEX awards gala, the Craig family has a long and storied history in the Battlefords. The video chronicled the five-generation family business and its beginning in 1901 in Vermilion River, Alta.
Following their success in Vermilion River, they expanded into North Battleford, with more branches added in other cities in Saskatchewan afterwards.
In 1976, Bob Craig took over the North Battleford department store until retirement in 2000.
In 2002, Janet Campbell (Craig), Blair and Jennifer (Craig) Atcheynum and Gerry Craig, opened Craig & Co. Ladies’ wear. Many adventures were had during this chapter, ranging from parade floats, fashion shows, ladies’ nights, buying trips and a few moves along the way.
The Craig family has owned and operated well-respected businesses for almost a century, employing many people, and leaving a legacy for generations, with more to come as another generation owns and operates Craig's Boutique on 100th Street.
Derek Schmidt, chair of the Battleford and District Chamber of Commerce, spoke as they were honoured.
“There are many words that we could use to describe the recipients of this year’s hall of fame award — leader, iconic, passionate, community, innovated, talented, classy.
“We could go on forever with these words.”