Nominations Now Open for 2011 Awards: Struthers
Businesses, organizations and individuals of all ages who use their talents and dedication to help their communities excel are eligible to be nominated for this year’s Capturing Opportunities Awards, Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Stan Struthers announced today.
“We have some very talented individuals, and dedicated organizations and companies making a big difference in our communities,” said Struthers. “Whether they develop economic initiatives, motivate young people or provide leadership and support to important community activities, they have benefited their communities in ways that deserve recognition and our appreciation. I encourage Manitobans to nominate them for these awards.”
The 2011 Capturing Opportunities community and business forum is scheduled for April 20 and 21 at the Keystone Centre in Brandon. The theme this year is the Bio-based Economy with forum programs focusing on renewable resources and featuring a variety of speakers and workshops on agriculture, energy, bio-products, and food and health. The awards will be presented at the 2011 celebration banquet on Wednesday, April 20 in the UCT Pavilion at the Keystone Centre in Brandon. Winners will receive a commemorative artistic glass award and a $1,000 donation to a community organization of their choice.
Nominations are now being accepted in the following four award categories:
* Outstanding Community Leadership- For an individual who has made significant and notable contributions to the betterment of their community or region, who has served as a catalyst for positive action and has exhibited the highest standard of community leadership, dedication, ability and innovation.
* Rural Youth Achievement- For an individual, association, business or municipality whose activities enable youth to take action on important issues that affect their lives, increase youth participation and involvement, or contribute positively to their community or region.
* Economic Development Innovation (Community) Award- For an organization or municipality whose actions illustrate innovation in community development, build on the resources of the community, respond to challenges and/or opportunities, and demonstrate outcomes in rural economic development.
* Economic Development Innovation (Corporate) Award- For businesses whose corporate actions illustrate innovation in community economic development through co-operation with community partners, build on the resources of the community, respond to changes and challenges, and demonstrate outcomes in rural economic development.
Nominations will be accepted until noon on March 15.
“I am proud to have the opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of Manitobans,” Struthers said. “Such leadership, imagination and hard work are inspiring and will help ensure a stronger, brighter future for our province.”
Nomination forms are available at any GO office or by contacting the Capturing Opportunities office at 1-800-933-9863 or online at http://www.capturingopportunities.ca/.