News Release
For Release
March 21, 2007
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA – The Honourable Rona Ambrose,
President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of
Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister of Western Economic Diversification
is pleased to announce that Community Futures East Interlake is the winner
of the annual Minister’s Award for Excellence and Innovation, and
Ms. Pat Roy, board member of Community Futures Parkland, is the winner
of the Minister’s Award for Excellence in Community Futures Volunteerism.
“The
Minister’s Award for Excellence and Innovation, and the Minister’s
Award for Excellence in Volunteerism celebrate the very best of the Community
Futures initiative – people coming together to play an active role
in the future of their communities,” said Minister Ambrose. “The
success of the Community Futures program depends on the board members,
staff and community volunteers who set the direction of their own local
organizations. This grassroots approach is the cornerstone of building
strong rural communities.”
The award is sponsored by Western Economic Diversification Canada and
recognizes an outstanding economic development project undertaken by
one of Manitoba’s 16 Community Futures organizations and the outstanding
contribution of an individual in furthering the Community Futures program.
“Two
of the greatest assets of the Community Futures program remain the volunteers
who lend their expertise and leadership to our Boards of Directors and
the ability of each Community Futures office to respond to the specific
economic development needs of a community or region. The recipients of
these awards truly reflect these strengths, said David Kendall, Chairperson
of Community Futures Manitoba.
Community Futures East Interlake provided funding to the Stonewall and
District Innovative Crops Committee (SADICC) to develop a strategy to
introduce new crops that will increase profit per acre and diversify
agricultural processing in the region in order to create new business
opportunities for local producers. To date, SADICC has leveraged
over $275,000 in funding and is an excellent example of partnership,
innovation, and dedication.
Ms. Roy has been an active volunteer with the Community Futures program
for approximately 20 years, 16 of which have been with Community Futures
Parkland. In addition to the countless hours that she has committed
to the Community Futures program giving her expertise to economic development
initiatives, she is an active volunteer in her community and has spent
approximately 700 hours in Ukraine fostering business and community development.
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 organization delivers a variety of services ranging
from local economic strategic planning, technical and advisory services
to businesses, loans to small and medium-sized businesses, and services
targeted to youth and entrepreneurs with disabilities.
Community Futures Manitoba Inc. (CFM) is an association representing
the 16 Community Futures organizations established throughout rural and
northern Manitoba.
Canada’s New Government salutes rural economic development agencies
and volunteers for their investment in time, energy and expertise.
For additional information, contact:
Lee Gregg
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(204) 983-0701
Christine Landry
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Community Futures Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(204) 943-2905
