Deb Thorn

 Ms. Deb Thorn was recently named President and CEO of the South Central Enterprise Region, a not-for-profit organization which focuses on economic development by fostering a culture of enterprise and innovation.  She is well-known and recognized for her work as the Founding President of Temple Gardens Mineral Spa Inc. (1992), which opened for business in 1996.  The building of the Spa became the catalyst for a host of other unique Moose Jaw tourist attractions.  Deb credits the success of the business to the positive energy created by the many local people who pooled their ideas and money to make it all happen.  

Saskatchewan Business Magazine named Temple Gardens one of Saskatchewan’s “fastest growing companies”.  Deb was named one of Saskatchewan’s “most influential women” and Moose Jaw’s citizen of the year.  In 2003, she received the Ernst & Young “Entrepreneur of the Year - Prairie Finalist” and special “National Citation” for innovative marketing strategies.  She currently serves on the Moose Jaw’s Multi-Plex Builders’ Committee, and is committed to raising funds and awareness for the national “Canadian Museum of Human Rights”.  Prior to her departure from the spa industry, Deb served as a Founding Director of the Leading Spas of Canada Association.  Locally, she served as an Honorary Director of the Moose Jaw Performing Arts and Cultural Centre and on numerous boards and committees including the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Moose Jaw, Moose Jaw Prairie Arts Festival, Economic Development NFTC Transition Committee, the Mayor’s Task Force, Saskatchewan Air Show, Saskatchewan Women Entrepreneurs, Great Trails Get-Away Region, and the Moose Jaw Refinery.