Turcotte was proud to be named Business Leader of the Year

Marianne Turcotte of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home was surprised to be named Business Executive of the Year at the 2023 Samuel McLeod Business Awards on Friday evening at Plaza 99.

She beat out Boreal Healthcare Foundation CEO Cody Barnett and ET Flooring and Design's Shelley LeMoal to take home the honor.

“I feel so incredibly honored to even be nominated in this category. There are so many deserving people who belong to the Chamber and have been named Business Leader of the Year. That’s why I’m very proud to sit at the table with them,” Turcotte said.

She brought Beau “Lac” founder on stage to accept the honor Friday night.

“Delores Beaulac, who founded the funeral home in Spiritwood in ’94. So Dolores had a vision to provide exceptional services to everyone in her community at a fair price, and in 2003 I was fortunate enough to become part owner and my funeral home is owned by myself and a couple more. That’s why we’re very proud to be privately owned,” Turcotte said.

Beau “Lac” Funeral Home purchased its current location in Spiritwood in 1998 and 2002.

Edward and Brenda Beaulac purchased Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, the Shellbrook location of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home Ltd. was opened in spring 2007.

Marianne and Travis Turcotte joined the Beaulac's as owners of the business in 2013 and opened the Prince Albert location of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home.

She was shocked at the honorees.

“It's absolutely amazing. I’m honestly speechless,” she said.

She said the biggest upset was defeating LeMoal and Barnett.

“Honestly, I didn’t think we would receive this honor, but we have an amazing team so I’m really grateful to everyone,” she said.

During her speech, she acknowledged the community that Beau “Lac” serves.

Turcotte said one reason for the company's success is local ownership.

“I think it's important and I'm very honored to see the support that people show me and our funeral home, even though we know we're locally owned,” she said.

Before presenting the first award of the evening to Turcotte, the Legacy Award was presented posthumously to Trevor Ives, who served as CEO of the Peter Ballantyne Group of Companies for 25 years, helping them build a diverse portfolio of local businesses before his passing in 2023 .

Ive's story was told by Diane Ethier of prize sponsor Scotiabank.

Ives' wife, Shauna Ives, was presented with a blanket of stars, as has been the custom since 2006, according to Richard Ahenakew, who hosted the presentation.

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