The spirit of provincial pride and community leadership was alive and well on Manitoba Day, as business leaders, chamber members and government representatives gathered for the inaugural Manitoba Champions Awards – a celebration of individuals and organizations that are not only driving economic development but also igniting social impact in communities across the province.
Hosted by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) and presented by Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, the reception held at the Club Regent Event Centre on Monday, May 12 marked a triumphant return to tradition, recognizing Manitoba’s boldest leaders, businesses, and changemakers.
The evening reception followed an exclusive Manitoba Day luncheon ceremony at the historic Government House, where two pillars of Manitoba’s business community – Payworks Canada and Doug Stephen, CEO & Founder of WOW! Hospitality Concepts – were awarded prestigious Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Outstanding Contribution to the Community.
Representing a Bright Future
As reception guests enjoyed beverages, a variety of savoury treats and a chance to network with their peers, ten up-and-coming champions were recognized as Future Champions of Manitoba for their innovative and inspiring efforts, the bright future of Manitoba’s business community:
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)
- Valley Fiber Ltd. (Winkler)
- La Brasserie Nonsuch Brewing Co. (Winnipeg)
- Sperling Industries (Sperling)
Following a brief video highlighting the inspiring work and values of the individual or business being honoured, MCC presented each recipient with a personalized, handcrafted award, beautifully created out of locally sourced elm by Manitoba graphic designer and woodworker Blair Helgason.
The Lieutenant Governor’s Awards recipients were also honoured with videos that included heartfelt words from recipients Doug Stephen and Payworks’ president Michael Penman, who both took to the podium to share their gratitude and pride in Manitoba. “It’s especially meaningful to see so many nominations and award winners from rural areas across Manitoba,” said Chuck Davidson, MCC President and CEO. “It speaks volumes about the entrepreneurial spirit and resilience that exists in every corner of our province.”
Thank You to our Guests and Sponsors
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this vibrant celebration of leadership, innovation, and the people shaping our province’s future. Your enthusiastic response sets a bold new precedent for future celebrations.
Special thanks to our Manitoba Champions Awards partners who helped make this event possible:
- Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries – Presenting sponsor
- CPHR Manitoba – Lieutenant Governor’s Award – Business Sponsor
- Rural Manitoba Immigrant Employment Council – Lieutenant Governor’s Award – Indvidual Sponsor
Our Future Champion Sponsors include:
- Calm Air
- Crosier Kilgour
- Manitoba Hydro
- World Trade Centre Winnipeg
Making Manitoba Proud
The Manitoba Champions Awards replaced the MCC’s Manitoba Business Awards, after a five-year hiatus prompted by the pandemic. These new awards represent a renewed commitment to spotlighting homegrown excellence and inspiring the next generation of changemakers.
From boundary-pushing entrepreneurs to community champions, the Manitoba Champions Awards brought us together to celebrate the people and businesses that make our province proud – and we couldn’t have asked for a better way to mark Manitoba Day.
Photo Gallery
View the Manitoba Champions Awards photo gallery here!
