Leading off.

In this year of commemorative celebrations, it seems only fitting that we point out yet another significant anniversary occurring in our province in this, our centennial year of 2005. Although it passed without the fanfare of province-wide, synchronized fireworks and the like, it nevertheless is an amazing and honourable milestone.

Many people in our province--particularly those in the Saskatoon region--recognize the name of Al Anderson, a local sports retailer. And for good reason. This year the Al Anderson sports franchise* celebrated its 50th anniversary. (*Originally a construction supply business which quickly became a construction and sport supply business, over the years the store has evolved into its present-day Al Anderson's Source for Sports.)

Now some may say, 'What's the big deal--there are lots of businesses who make it to 50 years.' That may be somewhat true--indeed there are businesses who have made it 50 years, but whether or not there are many is debatable. But what makes this one more unique than most, is the fact that Anderson, a youthful septuagenarian, has been running the ship since Day 1.

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Let me put that into perspective. Now that we've officially passed our centennial date of Sept. 1, 2005, the province of Saskatchewan has had an Al Anderson's sports store for a greater portion of its history than it has not.

Regardless of how you look at it, 50 years is a long time--particularly so in business. Indeed, those of us in business recognize that it's not that often that a company manages to survive 50 years, but it's even more rare when it is done with one person at the helm.

Notwithstanding operating a viable family business, Anderson has accomplished many admirable and remarkable things over the years. Aside from providing jobs for countless people, Anderson has been an innovative pioneer within his industry. The list of examples is long and notable, but for the sake of the limited space available here, suffice it to say that Anderson's coup of bringing in Chris Zimmerman, CEO of Nike Worldwide--the same guy who inked Tiger Woods to an endorsement contract--as part of his 50th anniversary celebrations is an example of the respect and admiration Anderson commands within the industry.

For all he has accomplished, however, Anderson considers his efforts as the founder of the golf manufacturing company at Cosmopolitan Industries as his greatest source of pride. And rightly so, today Cosmo Golf Canada assembles thousands of golf clubs daily and has become one of the leading golf companies in Canada--all to the benefit of hundreds of special needs people. Congratulations, Al.

Keith Moen, Editor