Government of Manitoba Media Release | 2011 Capturing Opportunities Awards Recognize Commitment, Contributions to Manitoba Communities: Struthers | The efforts of community-conscious individuals, businesses and organizations were officially recognized with the presentation of the 2011 Capturing Opportunities Awards at this year’s rural business forum, Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Stan Struthers announced today.
“This year’s winners were chosen from an outstanding group of hard-working people who are dedicated to serving and supporting their communities as a personal gesture or on behalf of their business or organization,” said Struthers. “The Capturing Opportunities Awards are an appropriate way to publicly thank them for their efforts in a way that we hope will inspire others to follow their lead.”
The awards were presented at the Manitoba Hydro celebration banquet that is a traditional part of the Capturing Opportunities program held annually at the Keystone Centre in Brandon. It recognizes the leadership and community contributions of individuals, organizations and businesses in four categories:
The Rural Youth Achievement Award was presented to Skateboard Union. The organization began in 1997 with 50 youth from the Swan River area. In 2009, the group started fundraising for a new skateboard park and since that time have raised more than $320,000 through naming rights, grants and a wide variety of fundraising activities. This project is expected to have economic and social benefits for the region. The park will be one of only four in Manitoba.
The Outstanding Community Leadership Award was presented to Herm Martens for his work in the community. Martens was first elected reeve of the RM of Morris in 1995 and served on council until 2010. He has been chair of the Pembina Valley Water Co-op, Red River Basin Commission and served on the advisory committee for the Manitoba Floodway Authority. He has been a director of Community Futures Triple R, an economic development organization, for 15 years and has also served on the board of the Pembina Valley Development Corporation. He manages a large farm operation, is a director of the Manitoba Egg Marketing Board, a hockey coach and donates time to his church and the Mennonite Central Committee auction. His dedication and leadership in many positions have made a very positive difference in the region.
The Economic Development Innovation Award for community involvement by an organization or municipality was presented to the La Chalet de La Broquerie steering committee. This community group co-ordinated a 25-person fundraising team which raised more than $1.1 million to support the building of a $4.2-million, 24-unit assisted-living development in La Broquerie. This complex created new employment in the community, opened up housing for young families and allows seniors to stay in their community.
The Economic Development Innovation Award for community involvement by a business was presented to Dauphin Countryfest, Canada’s longest-running country music festival. A 2010 economic impact assessment indicates the festival has an estimated $9.7-milllion impact on the local and regional economy. Countryfest has donated more than $4.5 million to the community since 1990 and has made more than $5 million in festival site improvements. The festival has also contributed in other ways such as promoting Manitoba talent and regional tourism, providing student scholarships, revenue sharing with other not-for-profit organizations and major sponsorships of other regional events and projects.
“It is said you will never find the time to volunteer, you must make the time, and these award recipients made their time available and guaranteed a commitment to their community,” said Struthers. “Each in their own way, they have made Manitoba communities a better place to live, work, do business and raise a family. We all benefit from their generosity and these awards are a symbol of our appreciation.”
Winners received a commemorative glass award and $1,000 to contribute to a community organization of their choice.