Yorkton businesses made a nice showing at the 2012 Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce ABEX Awards, presented by Conexus Credit Union on Saturday, but, unfortunately, did not bring back any hardware.

Three local companies, Crusader Drilling, Yorkton Plumbing & Heating and RAM Industries were finalists in the Growth and Expansion category. Regina’s Solvera Solutions, a company that provides technology project management, business process development and software, won the category.

This is the second year Yorkton Plumbing & Heating has been a finalist in Saskatchewan’s largest and longest running business awards program. Last year Justin Yawney, the company’s owner, took home Young Entrepreneur of the Year honours.

He wasn’t overly disappointed about not winning this year.

“It’s a tough competition,” he said. “You can’t win them all.”

He views the annual get together as a valuable networking opportunity.

RAM Industries is an ISO 9001 Quality System designer and manufacturer of hydraulic cylinders and precision machining for heavy industry. This year it took home top honours of Business of the Year at the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce Celebrate Success Awards.

Crusader Drilling, which has only been providing oilfields services since 2009 has grown rapidly and this year won the Celebrate Success Business Expansion Award.