THOMPSON-JONSSON RECEIVES POWER OF BUSINESS AWARD

SaskPower is recognizing a valued SaskPower supplier by presenting it with a Power of Business award. The award was presented today to Thompson-Jonsson Trenching Ltd. at the company's operations in Saskatoon.

"SaskPower works hard with local suppliers to encourage companies to invest and employ people in Saskatchewan," Crown Investments Corporation Minister Maynard Sonntag said. "SaskPower's commitment to Saskatchewan companies strengthens the economies in individual communities and in the province as a whole."

SaskPower averages over 80 per cent of its purchases from local firms and over the last 20 years has purchased nearly $4 billion in goods and services from Saskatchewan suppliers.

This is the 12th Power of Business award presented since 1999. The award to SaskPower suppliers recognizes outstanding examples of the talent, innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit required to build successful enterprises here at home.

Located in Saskatoon, Thompson-Jonsson began operating in 1965, having emerged from an earlier company called Jonsson Line Construction. Jonsson Line Construction began building power lines for SaskPower in the late 1940s and Thompson-Jonsson has continued the tradition for nearly four decades.

Since 1998, Thompson-Jonsson has completed approximately $10 million worth of work for SaskPower. Currently, approximately 30 of Thompson-Jonsson's 45 employees work on construction projects for SaskPower.

"SaskPower is a long-time customer that accounts for a major part of our activity," Thompson-Jonsson Trenching Ltd President Bill Jonsson said. "Our strong business relationship has withstood the test of time." Jonsson added the company provides unique expertise in the construction of high-voltage electrical lines and emphasizes quality work.

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For More Information, Contact:

Larry Christie SaskPower Regina Phone: (306)566-3167

Bill Jonsson Thompson-Jonsson Trenching Ltd. Saskatoon Phone: (306)374-1477