The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC), in proud partnership with Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries, is thrilled to unveil the 2025 recipients of the new Manitoba Champions Awards. These prestigious awards honour purpose-driven businesses and visionary individuals who are dedicated to advancing economic growth and community well-being.
“The Manitoba Champions Awards shine a light on the remarkable leadership and innovation that define our province,” said Chuck Davidson, President & CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. “The recipients of these awards are building a better future for Manitoba – not only through economic excellence but by investing in people, communities, and purpose.”
The Manitoba Champions Awards will celebrate Manitoba’s best on Manitoba Day – Monday, May 12 – with two award categories:
Future Champions Awards
MCC will recognize a combination of 10 outstanding businesses and individuals – nominated by their peers in Manitoba’s business community – that use their influence to drive social and economic innovation with impact, innovation and heart. Congratulations to the 2025 Future Champions Awards recipients:
Individuals:
- Pamela Kolochuk – CEO, Peak of the Market (Winnipeg)
- Derek Earl – Chair, Biz for Climate (Winnipeg)
- Marcel Kringe – Founder & CEO, Bushel Plus (Brandon)
Businesses:
- QDoc Inc. (Winnipeg)
- Lynn & Liana Designs (Steinbach)
- Friesens Corporation (Altona)
- Southport Aerospace Centre (Portage la Prairie)
- La Brasserie Nonsuch Brewing Co. (Winnipeg)
- Valley Fiber Ltd. (Winkler)
- Sperling Industries (Sperling)
We’ll present these Future Champions with their Awards at an evening reception on Manitoba Day at the Club Regent Event Centre.
Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Outstanding Contribution to the Community
In addition to the Future Champions Awards, the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce is continuing our collaboration with the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba to select two recipients for the Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Outstanding Contribution to the Community. These awards, presented to one business and one individual, honourManitoba’s foremost business leaders and longstanding champions whose exemplary accomplishments of vision, leadership, integrity, entrepreneurial spirit, and philanthropic contributions demonstrate consistent best practice in business at the highest level.
Congratulations to the recipients of our 2025 Lieutenant Governor’s Awards:
Outstanding Contribution to the Community by a Business:
Payworks Canada
Founded in Winnipeg in 2000, Payworks has grown into a national leader in payroll, HR, and time management solutions, proudly serving over 40,000 Canadian businesses. A 12-time winner of Canada’s Best Managed Companies and one of Manitoba’s Top Employers for five consecutive years, Payworks is recognized not just for operational excellence, but for fostering an inclusive, people-first workplace culture.
Fully Canadian-owned, Payworks invests heavily in community initiatives, supporting nearly 300 organizations nationwide – with a strong focus on Manitoba. Its employees have contributed over 6,600 volunteer hours through the “Pay it Forward Day” program, all rooted in the company’s purpose: doing right by people.
Outstanding Contribution to the Community by an Individual:
Doug Stephen, President, WOW! Hospitality Concepts Inc.
From his early days cooking in Clear Lake to co-founding WOW! Hospitality in 1995, Doug Stephen has shaped Manitoba’s culinary landscape for over four decades. WOW! now encompasses seven top-tier restaurants, major catering operations, and over 600 employees – all grounded in a culture of mentorship and excellence.
Doug’s impact extends well beyond the kitchen. A champion for local organizations, he’s been recognized with accolades including an honourary diploma from RRC Polytech, Tourism Winnipeg’s Award of Distinction, and induction into the Manitoba Restaurant & Foodservice Association Hall of Fame in 2025.
Lieutenant Governor’s Awards recipients will be honoured at an exclusive gala luncheon at Government House on Manitoba Day.
Discover more about this year’s Manitoba Champions Awards honourees at jointhechamber.ca
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About the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) has championed businesses across Manitoba since 1931 through advocacy, valuable programs, and strategic partnerships. MCC plays a pivotal role in shaping policy, promoting economic development, and providing essential support to Manitoba’s diverse business community, with the vision of making Manitoba the best place to live and work.
For more information, please contact:
Sherry Kaniuga
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
[email protected] | (204) 290-2903
