September 24, 2004 WINNIPEG, MANITOBA -- The Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport) is pleased to announce the recipient of the annual Minister’s Award for Excellence and Innovation. North Central Development and Wheat Belt Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) have been jointly awarded the honour for their project, the Discover Manitoba Conference and Adventure Expo. This trade show and conference assists rural communities to foster economic growth in their tourism sector by providing networking and professional development opportunities to rural tourism operators. “The Minister’s Award for Excellence and Innovation celebrates the very best of the Community Futures initiative – people coming together to play an active role in the future of their communities,” said Minister Owen. “Tourism operators in rural Manitoba are being given the tools and networking opportunities to promote and develop their businesses, thanks to North Central Development and Wheat Belt CFDCs. I’m very pleased to present this award to the volunteers, board members and staff of this organization.” The award is sponsored by Western Economic Diversification Canada and recognizes an outstanding economic development project undertaken by one of Manitoba’s 16 CFDCs. Recognizing the importance of tourism in Manitoba, these two CFDCs have created an avenue for promoting and growing the industry, where none existed before,” said Jason Denbow, General Manager of Community Futures Partners of Manitoba, the association of Manitoba’s 16 CFDCs. “Not only have they addressed a largely untapped market—namely the many Winnipeggers who may not be aware of the diversity of Manitoba’s tourism destinations, but they have also created an opportunity for professionals to come together and share best practices to develop their industry potential. Discover Manitoba is a project that has the potential to create a legacy through its influence on Manitoba tourism.“ Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in Canada, contributing $1.4 billion a year to the Manitoba economy. Discover Manitoba Conference and Expo represents one of the best ways for rural communities and tourism operators to tap into the expertise of industry specialists and promote the best that northern and rural Manitoba has to offer. The North Central Development and Wheat Belt CFDCs’ project was one of three nominations for this year’s award. The other submissions included Flinty Project and Boardwalk submitted by Greenstone CFDC; and the North Eastman Regional Economic Development Strategy submitted by Winnipeg River Brokenhead CFDC. Supported by Western Economic Diversification Canada, the Community Futures Initiative strengthens rural economies by providing small-business loans and assisting entrepreneurs through counseling and training. Each Community Futures Development Corporation delivers a variety of services ranging from local strategic economic planning, technical and advisory services to businesses, loans to small and medium-sized businesses, self-employment assistance programs, and services targeted to youth and entrepreneurs with disabilities. Community Futures Partners of Manitoba Inc. (CFPM) is an association representing the 16 Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) established throughout rural and northern Manitoba. For additional information, contact: Lee Gregg Communications Officer Western Economic Diversification Canada Winnipeg, Manitoba (204) 983-0701 1-888-338-WEST www.wd.gc.ca Christine Landry Marketing and Communications Coordinator Community Futures Partners of Manitoba Winnipeg, MB (204) 943-2905 www.cfpm.mb.ca
