Business Takes Centre Stage at 34th Annual Awards Gala

On Friday, October 27, a record-breaking audience gathered to celebrate and recognize the best of Manitoba business at the 34th Annual Manitoba Business Awards Presented by Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries.

The awards celebrate the diverse businesses that make up Manitoba`s growing sectors. With nominees representing all corners of the province, the awards also recognize the contributions of companies and individuals that make a lasting impact on our province.

Master of Ceremonies Geoff Currier welcomes audience to 34th Manitoba Business Awards.

A record-setting crowd enjoy 34th Manitoba Business Awards.

Handed out at Canad Inn Destination Centre Polo Park, close to 400 guests, including the Lieutenant Governor, her Honour, the Honourable Janice Filmon, and the Honourable Blaine Pederson, Minister of Growth, Enterprise, and Trade. Our guests witnessed heartfelt speeches from a wide variety of industry leaders sharing the importance of the work they, and their fellow nominees, do and how they would not be where they are without the role of the clients and partners they serve.

The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce would like to congratulate the winners:

Outstanding Not-for-Profit Sponsored by Canad Inns –  Siloam Mission (Winnipeg)

Since 1987, Siloam Mission has provided meals, clothing, and hope services to Winnipeg’s poor and homeless community. Their programs and services are provided free of charge, with dignity and respect, and without discrimination. Serving hundreds of people every day, lending a helping hand to those who need it most, Siloam Mission provides programs and services for over 2,500 people annually. While they imagine a day where our services are no longer required, their caring approach is required. In 2016, 507,563 meals were served, an increase of 3% each sitting from the prior year. An increase of 15,000 additional meals is expected in the upcoming year. Finalists: The Winnipeg Foundation; True North Youth Foundation

Outstanding Small Business Sponsored by BDC – Polar Industries Ltd. (Springfield)

Recognized through their involvement with the popular History Channel show “Ice Road Truckers” Polar Industries Ltd is more than just Ice Road Trucking. They are a leading remote logistics specialist with a corporate culture based on service, philanthropy, culture and personal as well as corporate growth. For the past five years, Polar Industries has become one of Canada’s fastest growing transportation companies. Ice road truckers from around the world are lining up at their door waiting for a shot to tackle Manitoba’s unique ice roads. The average 6-week winter road season places many demands on the company to coordinate logistics in an efficient and timely manner. They service communities in Northern Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario, many of them are communities are isolated ten months of the year and rely on their professional service for vital supplies. Finalists: 6P Marketing; PrintPro Digital & Offset

Outstanding Medium Business Sponsored by Taylor McCaffrey LLP. – Norima Consulting Inc. (Winnipeg)

Norima Consulting is a vibrant and growing IT consulting and resourcing company, working with clients across Canada and the United States in the four sectors of financial services, insurance, healthcare, and utilities and energy. Since being founded out of basement in St. Vital and office in San Diego in 2006, Norima Consulting has been transforming businesses by leveraging the right technology, at the right time, by, and in collaboration with, the right people. Norima Consulting offers technology consulting and strategic resourcing, to mid-to large-size organizations in Canada and the United States, across industries, including financial services, healthcare, insurance and utilities/energy and operates as an innovation accelerator to corporate clients. A decade later, Norima has over 37 active clients and over 90 consultants spread out across North America. Finalists: Redfern Farm Service Ltd.; Shindico Realty Ltd.

Outstanding Large Business Sponsored by CPHR Manitoba – Steinbach Credit Union (Steinbach)

Started as a rural cooperative, the Steinbach Credit Union grew without mergers to become Manitoba’s largest credit union and the 8th largest in Canada with over $5 billion in total assets. For the past 75 years, SCU has worked with members to create relationships based on trust and support. Their goal is to provide products and services that are tailored to meet every member’s individual needs in the best way possible. SCU strives to conduct all of their business with local business to support members whenever possible. Through purchasing all promotional items from local distributors, artwork for all branches from local artists, catering meals from the local “Mom & Pop” restaurants, SCU’s success is rooted in the philosophy of serving the needs of our members and, by continuing a tradition of exemplary service, SCU continue towards building a strong foundation for growth. Finalists: Jacobson & Greiner Group Ltd.; Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology

Long-Term Achievement Sponsored by CPA Manitoba – Red River College (Winnipeg)

At Red River College, they take pride in students’ achievements because they’re the reason they exist. Red River’s goal is to provide the highest quality education available, leading learners straight to employment. The institutions graduate employment rate consistently exceeds 94%, and graduate satisfaction rate consistently exceeds 92%. They strive to keep the curriculum on the cutting edge through partnerships with industry and by using state-of-the-art equipment. With More than 200 full-time and part-time programs spread over nine campuses in Manitoba, their aim is to be recognized globally for excellence in applied learning, research, and innovation. Red River College employees committed staff and faculty dedicated to ensuring each student is armed with the knowledge, experience, and confidence to succeed in today’s multi-skilled workforce. Finalists: Qualico; WM Dyck & Sons

Lieutenant Governor Awards Sponsored by Bell MTS – Individual

Brian Scharfstein, President of Canadian Footwear and the FootHealth Centres, is a Certified Canadian Pedorthist, specializing in the management of persons with diabetes and foot-related complications. Pam Cipryk, Brian’s wife of 35 years, has been his partner in business during the same time. As a lifelong resident of Winnipeg, Brian and his family have deep roots in Manitoba, and in particular, Winnipeg, where Brian graduated from St. John’s Ravenscourt School. Brian has been active in the business community in Manitoba, particularly in Winnipeg his entire life, but over the past decade, Brian has accepted leadership positions having served as the Chair of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce in 2013. Brian has also served on Board of Directors of organizations such as the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce, Winnipeg Harvest, and the Downtown Biz. Brian is currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Mount Carmel Clinic Foundation, and the City of Winnipeg Police Board. Brian is also the Chair of Grow Winnipeg for the Jewish Community. Brian has a strong sense of community, and he has worked with the city and province on issues that reflect growth and development and to attract new initiatives that support the province, city, and in particular, the downtown.

Lieutenant Governor Awards Sponsored by Bell MTS – Business

MNP is a leading national accounting, tax and business consulting firm in Canada; proudly serving and responding to the needs of their clients in public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Through partner-led engagements, they provide a collaborative, cost-effective approach to doing business and personalized strategies to help organizations succeed across the country and around the world. Founded in Brandon, MB in 1956, and now with over 4,000 staff, MNP is currently ranked as one of the largest professional service firms in Canada and has been named as one of Canada’s top 50 employers every year consecutively since 2009. MNP is proud to be a part of the city’s diverse economy and support the community where they live and work. As an office and firm, they encourage their team to be involved in local charitable organizations that enrich the lives of Manitobans.

Business of the Year – Steinbach Credit Union

The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce would like to thank all our dedicated sponsors, and partners for their continued belief in the Chamber movement. We also send our congratulations to all the nominees and look forward to the 35th Annual Manitoba Business Awards being bigger and better.

Lieutenant Governor, her Honour, the Honourable Janice Filmon shares her thoughts on the importance of business to Manitoba.	MCC Board Chair welcomes guests and speaks of the tremendous commitment shown by awards finalists and Lt. Governor recipients.
Guests enjoy open ceremonies of 34th Annual Manitoba Business Awards.	MCC President and CEO Chuck Davidson takes the stage with Master of Ceremonies and former CJOB colleague Geoff Currier during welcome to guests at 34th Manitoba Business Awards.

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