October 15, 2004 Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland and Labrador Ten young men and women were recognized for their success in the business world this afternoon during a ceremony in Grand Falls-Windsor hosted by the Youth Ventures Program. As participants of the program, the award winners demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial skill in operating their own summer businesses and received over $5,000 in award money from eight corporate sponsors. More than 370 youth participated in the program this year. Awards were presented in the following categories: Award Winner (s) Sponsor Venture of the Year Tie: Pam Snow - Pam's Cotton Candy Embree Adam Baker - Tackle Master Marystown Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs) High Achievement in Innovation Sarah Greenslade Sarah Saks Conception Bay South Newfoundland Marine Farms Limited High Achievement in Customer Service Sheri-Lynn and Stephanie Singleton Cellar Hill Productions St. Mary's Bay Fishery Products International High Achievement in Financial Management Christopher Mitchelmore Flower's Island Museum Green Island Cove Royal Bank of Canada High Artistic Achievement Allan Ricketts Ricketts' Art and Entertainment Torbay Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council High Achievement in Culture and Tourism Stephanie Nash Holdin' On Colinet Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador High Achievement in Technology Andrew Hicks Andrew's Computer Repair Goulds Newfoundland Power High Achievement in Marketing Christy Groves Labrador's Own¿take a little bit! Forteau OZFM/ NTV "These young people have displayed a great deal of enthusiasm, ambition and entrepreneurial spirit, and I congratulate all of them on their commendable accomplishments. A number of them have been operating their businesses for several years, and they continue to enhance them each year, and expand on their business skills," said Max Taylor, chair, Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Community Business Development Corporations. The Youth Ventures Program, first implemented in St. Anthony in 1992, helps youth aged 12-29 years to operate their own summer businesses. Coordinators located at 23 delivery sites across the province offer advice and assistance for participants to develop, market and implement their business ideas. "There are real benefits to helping young people to operate their own businesses, including the management, marketing and financial skills they are able to develop," said Scott Simms, MP for Bonavista-Gander-Grand Falls-Windsor, on behalf of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "The Youth Ventures Program is helping to build an entrepreneurial culture in Newfoundland and Labrador for today, and entrepreneurs for tomorrow." "Motivating students to explore business development and establish small businesses is the prime mandate of the Youth Ventures Program. This assists greatly in awakening and nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit in the young people of this province who are so vital in growing the future economy of Newfoundland and Labrador. This Department is proud to partner in this effort," said Joan Burke, Minister of the Department Human Resources, Labour and Employment. The Youth Ventures Program is coordinated by the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Community Business Development Corporations (CBDC), which represents the majority of the delivery sites around the province. Funding partners include the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the provincial Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and the Business Development Bank of Canada. - 30 - For more information, please contact: Roseanne Leonard Provincial Coordinator Youth Ventures Program (709) 834-8343 Ron Crozier Office of the Hon. Joseph McGuire Minister of ACOA (902) 888-4150 Doug Burgess Director, Public Affairs ACOA (709) 772-2935
