Leading off.

Congratulations to the Class of 2003, those businesses which have deservedly earned the distinction of being recognized as the Top 100 Companies in Saskatchewan. Our sincerest of thanks go to all those who have endured our incessant harassment and nagging over the past several weeks, all in the sake of participating in this year's compilation. And this gratitude also extends beyond the Top 100 list, to the scores of companies who also participated, despite not quite cracking that elite century--this time around.

Astute readers will notice that there are some things significantly different to this year's list. For example, the 100th-place company on our list, which is obviously very deserving of recognition and congratulations, has cracked the $20-million plateau. By comparison, this amount represents about a 25-per-cent increase over the average 100th-place company since this administration has undertaken the Saskatchewan Business Top 100 in 1994. Furthermore, it represents a doubling of the lowest figure over this nine-year period.

To what do we attribute this success? Well, for starters, perhaps the most obvious answer is we are finally getting through to some of you that success is not a bad thing. This is evident because of the record number of responses we received this year. Included amongst these record numbers are companies which have made their initial foray into the Top 100 in quite lofty positions. Surely these companies have not had a substantial increase in revenue thereby finally qualifying them for the Top 100. Rather, they have had a substantial change in philosophy in that they are realizing the benefit of sharing their successes.

Indeed they're buying into the notions that a rising tide raises all ships, and success is not a sin. Rather, success begets success, just as mediocrity begets mediocrity and failure begets failure. Which of these three scenarios would serve your company best when looking to develop strategic alliances? I know which strategic alliances are most highly sought around this office. Just as it's not a bad thing to be successful in your own right, it's also not a bad idea to surround yourselves with those who excel at what they do. Not only is it good business sense, it's inspirational and highly contagious.

Despite the obvious benefits of applauding success, there still remains a belief amongst some decision makers that success must be kept secret, for fear of being persecuted in the small-minded court of public opinion. I empathize with these thoughts, but urge those who fall under this category to overcome this reluctancy. What's needed most in this province is a change in attitude, and if our business leaders aren't ready to take the lead and change their attitude first, how then can we expect the rest of the province to follow?

But I digress. Once again, we offer the sincerest of congratulations to the Top 100 Businesses in Saskatchewan. Perhaps even more appropriately, we thank you for contributing to our province's economic well-being.