WINNIPEG, Manitoba The Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification, is pleased to announce that Mr. Doug O'Brien of the Greenstone Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC), is the recipient of the 2005 Minister's Award for Excellence in CFDC Volunteerism.
The award will be presented by Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) during an open house at the R.H. Channin Auditoriaum in Flin Flon on March 7th from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The award recognizes the outstanding contribution of an individual in furthering the Community Futures program, a community economic development initiative delivered by 16 CFDCs in Manitoba.
"Volunteers bring a multitude of skills, experiences and knowledge to each organization," said Minister Skelton. "They give the organization ideas, increased capacity to meet service needs and, perhaps most importantly, strength. Mr. O'Brien is an outstanding individual who is making his community a priority, and is investing his time, energy and expertise in its future. I would like to congratulate him on his remarkable commitment."
Mr. O'Brien has been involved with the Greenstone CFDC in Flin Flon, Sherridon, Cranberry Portage and Snow Lake since its inception in 1986 and has served as both Director and Chairman of the Board. He is currently the chair of Greenstone Training Inc., a sub-committee of the CFDC. Mr. O'Brien volunteers his time to deliver marketing and promotion workshops during Small Business Week, sharing his experiences as the former Flin Flon radio station owner and marketing manager.
Mr. O'Brien has been volunteering in the community of Flin Flon for over 35 years and holds positions on numerous committees. During his time at the Arctic Radio Corporation, he donated airtime to support Chamber of Commerce initiatives, volunteer organizations and individuals trying to better their community.
"The incredible commitment of Mr. O'Brien's time and energy makes him an ideal recipient of this award," said Robert Annis, Chairman of the Community Futures Partners of Manitoba (CFPM) Board of Directors. "Individuals like Mr. O'Brien represent the backbone of the Community Futures program and are directly linked to its ongoing success in the community. On behalf of CFPM, the provincial association of CFDCs in Manitoba, I congratulate Mr. O'Brien on this well-deserved honour."
CFDCs assist rural communities to develop and implement innovative strategies that strengthen local economies. They accomplish this by delivering a variety of services including local strategic economic planning, advisory services to businesses, loans to small businesses, and services targeted to youth and entrepreneurs with disabilities. They also support research and feasibility studies and the implementation of community economic development projects. At the core of their work is a firm belief that local decision-making is key to developing economic potential and ensuring sustainable growth in communities.
Since 1995, Western Canada's 90 CFDCs have provided over 17,000 loans to entrepreneurs living in rural and northern communities across the four western provinces. Worth a total of over $450 million, the loans have leveraged an additional $647 million from other sources. Over 51,000 jobs have been created and maintained during the same time period. In Manitoba, over 2,100 loans valued at $51 million have created and maintained over 7,000 jobs.
Administered by local volunteer boards, CFDCs are part of WD's Western Canada Business Service Network. Other members of the Network include: Women's Enterprise Initiative organizations, Francophone Economic Development Organizations, and Canada Business.
Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations and communities to stimulate and encourage diversification of the western economy, and advances the interests of the West in Ottawa.
For additional information, contact:
Lee Gregg
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Tel: (204) 983-0701
E-mail: lee.gregg@wd.gc.ca
Christine Landry
Communications Coordinator
Community Futures Partners of Manitoba
(204) 943-2905
www.cfpm.mb.ca
WD Toll-Free Number
1 888 338-WEST (9378)
World Wide Web Site:
Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is online at
www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
