Men of influence: for the seventh consecutive year, Saskatchewan business magazine is pleased to recognize some of the province's most influential men.

Ray Ahenakew As the pioneering chief executive of the Meadow Lake Tribal Council his approach to the issues facing First Nations vaulted him to prominence on the local and national stages. The recently retired president of the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology and current chair of the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, this straight-talking First Nations business figure is a go-to guy for government and business leaders.

Doug Emsley A highly successful Regina businessman, he has long been close to right-of-centre politicians. He headed the new Saskatchewan Party government's transition team giving him significant influence in selecting names to fill key public sector posts. He also sits on the Bank of Canada board of directors.

Garnet Garven As dean of the University of Regina business school, he secured a major patron for the college before leaving academe to become the province's top civil servant. Now the deputy minister to the premier, he is responsible for executing the Saskatchewan Party's mandate.

Grant Gayton This Regina businessman rose to prominence in the IT and printing fields. He is the new chair of Information Services Corporation, the province's land registry, is also a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders board of directors and is well known in harness racing circles.

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Grant Kook This Saskatoon resident, best known as a leading player in the private equity business in the province, was asked to chair the SaskTel board of directors by the new government. He also has been active in securing a children's hospital in the province as a member of the Children's Health and Hospital Foundation.

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Jim Nowakowski As the founder and president of JNE Welding, he has his focus set on not only growing one of Saskatchewan's strongest custom fabrication facilities, he is also committed to developing the talent and leadership abilities of his entire team, now approaching 150 members. He has a strong commitment to the province and continues to play a pivotal role in local associations and groups to ensure a bright future for the trade and entrepreneurial aspirations of Saskatchewan people.

Bill Peterson This former editor and publisher of the Star-Phoenix returned to Saskatchewan after a stint with the nation's biggest publisher with an enviable Rolodex of national contacts. Now a principal in the Saskatoon advertising firm Creative Fire, his counsel is sought by local and national movers and shakers.

James Rybchuk An early achiever, this partner of the McDougall Gauley law firm sits on the boards of the Regina Regional Economic Development Authority and Regina Airport Authority. A one-time federal Conservative Party candidate, he is an active member of legal professional organizations, sits on private sector boards and teaches law at the University of Regina. He recently was appointed to the SaskEnergy board.

Joel Teal A top player in the Saskatchewan real estate development industry, he has held leading positions in Cairns Homes, Boychuk Construction and, presently, Dundee Developments. He is the new SaskPower board chair, chairs the Saskatchewan Blue Cross board and is a member of the Canada Mortgage and Housing board of directors.

Peter Whitmore A prominent lawyer with the firm of McKercher, McKercher and Whitmore, he was recently tapped to chair the board of SGI, one of the province's major Crown corporations, albeit for a short-lived time. Since then, he has stepped down to accept a federal appointment as a judge for the Court of Queen's Bench. He also founded Saskatchewan's Better Business Bureau and chairs the Board of Regents of Luther College.

Written by Paul Martin