Reviews and Accolades

| Consumers Choice | enRoute Magazine | Food Service & Hospitality | Fraser Milner Casgrain | Aberta Beef Producers

Consumers Choice

General
The CONSUMERS' CHOICE AWARD is an initiative of CONSUMERS' CHOICE INSTITUTE (U.S.A.) and CONSUMERS' CHOICE INSTITUTE (CANADA), which has retained a leading independent research firm to conduct a survey in major U.S. and Canadian cities. It is unique in North America, as the winners are determined by consumers and not by a panel of judges. It covers a broad range of categories of interest to the public and the to business community. Its purpose is to publicly identify those establishments which have been voted by consumers as being their choice for excellence.

Methodology
The research company conducts an open-ended survey among two major groups of consumers, the general public and the business community. Consumers are asked "...which business is your choice for excellence in each category? Please consider the elements of quality, service, value and appearance". A winner in each category is declared according to the survey's results, which reflect THE CHOICE OF CONSUMERS. In each case, a Gold winner is declared, and where the results justify Silver and Bronze award winners are declared. On rare occurrences, there might be tied winners.

Benefits
The benefits are tangible and substantial, as the recipients become the focus of the business community and share in the attention given to the media. The prestigious Gala award presentation, the media coverage and the publicity generated by the CONSUMERS' CHOICE AWARD™ and the recipients, increase consumers' awareness of the CONSUMERS' CHOICE AWARD™ program and its winners. Truly, this award gives recipients an important edge over their competition. It provides additional sales potential, motivates the recipient's employees and improves their morale and productivity. Participants enjoy a wide array of promotional materials and advertising, as well as valuable socio-demographic data which reveals the recipients' competitive position, enabling them to adjust and plan future strategies.

Conclusion
The CONSUMERS' CHOICE AWARD is considered the seal of excellence. As such, it serves to enhance the city's business climate. For recipients, the award not only constitutes the crowning achievement of their efforts, but more importantly it also represents the most valuable reward of all, the knowledge that they have earned the trust and loyalty of consumers. By joining the CONSUMERS' CHOICE AWARD™'S exclusive ranks, recipients acknowledge their appreciation and respect for the many consumers who voted for them. By fully utilizing their prestigious award, recipients can increase their business potential as never before.

enRoute Magazine

Named one of the top 100 restaurants in Canada by enRoute magazine,

"the Sawmill restaurants offer superb Alberta beef along with seafood dishes."

Food Service & Hospitality - Pinnacle Award

In many ways The Pinnacles have become the Academy Awards of the dynamic $51.1 billion foodservice and hospitality industry. Each year, Foodservice and Hospitality and Hotelier magazine solicit nominations from the industries, and then add their own list of nominations to the field. After much scrutiny and deliberation, judging panels, chosen from the magazines¬ own Editorial Advisory Boards select the winners.

Since introducing its first industry award in 1988, Foodservice and Hospitality has honoured a diverse group of industry leaders for their continued success and achievement, each representing the full spectrum of the industry from upscale restaurants to quick-service chains. Winners have been distinguished for their contributions to the public image of the industry through civic, educational and community involvement, as well as their efforts in establishing innovative concepts in the area of foodservice or hotel management.

The Pinnacle Awards Criteria:

Impact on the industry - Has the candidate (individual or company) made a significant impact on the industry? Has the company introduced foodservice management and operating techniques? Has the candidate introduced employee-training programs or worked diligently to expand career opportunities. Has the candidate participated in professional foodservice organizations?

Significant innovations and accomplishments - Has the company¬s sales and profits increased dramatically over the last year? Has the individual or company introduced new products and /or techniques over the course of the last year? Have there been any lasting contributions or recognition of outstanding service and dedication to the foodservice and hospitality industry? Has the company been responsible in moving the industry forward in any way?

Community spirit - Has the company contributed significantly to the community at large, through participation in civic, community, charitable and educational affairs.

Fraser Milner Casgrain - Pinnacle Award

Selection Process
Pinnacle Award recipients are chosen by an independent Selection Committee. The Selection Committee is comprised of individuals from the local business community who are widely recognized and respected for their business accomplishments, position in and knowledge of various sectors of the Alberta economy.

Selection Criteria
Any individual is eligible for nomination for consideration for an Award, provided they meet the minimum selection criteria. Nominated individuals and their organizations will be examined by the Selection Committee which is solely responsible for determining Pinnacle Award winners. A maximum of five Pinnacle Awards may be granted in any one year.

Pinnacle Awards will be conferred on individuals (in a corporate setting or otherwise) who are active in the community and who demonstrate:

Entrepreneurial Spirit - Characteristic of the history of Alberta, Pinnacle Award recipients display unique combinations of individualism, risk taking, drive and innovation to achieve success - even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Leadership - Pinnacle Award recipients are not followers; they have a unique vision, the capacity to inspire others, and an unrelenting determination to achieve their goals. Their leadership has set an example for others in their community.

A proven track record of current or past business success - As a demonstration of their leadership and entrepreneurial abilities, Pinnacle Award recipients are leaders of a business operation that demonstrates at least five years of success (as measured by business standards such as growth, sales, expansion or profitability) and is regarded as a leader in its sector.

Community responsibility - Pinnacle Award recipients are as committed to supporting and improving the community in which they live as they are to their own success. The activities the individual participates in have a positive impact for the entire community.

Alberta Beef Producers

To qualify for the Alberta Beef Restaurant of the Year Award, nominees must demonstrate:

* An ongoing commitment to feature and promote Alberta beef
* Staff training and education to better serve customer needs
* Progressive meal development featuring new beef products
* An ongoing commitment to beef product quality and consistency
* Maintaining an ongoing partnership with the beef industry

"The award is open to all styles of restaurants throughout Alberta. We partner with the ABP in everything we do to show we are a steakhouse that wants to make a statement."

The ABP developed the award to recognize the efforts of the foodservice industry in promoting Alberta beef. Beef demand has remained strong among Canadians with a 2.7% increase in 2001. Albertans did even better with a 3% increase the year previous when the Sawmill won its award in Edmonton.