March 20, 2008
Winnipeg, Manitoba
The Community Futures Winnipeg River is the winner of the annual Minister of Western Economic Diversification's Award for Excellence and Innovation, and one of its board members, Roland Dandeneau, 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 Rod Bruinooge, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. "Congratulations to Community Futures Winnipeg River and Mr. Dandeneau for demonstrating such an outstanding commitment to the community."
The Awards are supported by Western Economic Diversification Canada, and recognize 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.
"We are proud to celebrate the achievements of Community Futures Winnipeg River and Mr. Dandeneau," said David Kendall, Chairperson of Community Futures Manitoba. "They are tremendous examples of our staff and volunteer board members' dedication to be leaders in rural economic diversification in their communities."
Community Futures Winnipeg River provided funding to Lakeview Consumer Co operative in Seymourville, Manitoba. The community-driven initiative was established to improve the local economy by allowing residents to shop at home rather than travel an hour to the next closest grocery store. Today, the Co-op has one full-time and two-part time employees, and over one hundred locally-based voting members. The project also included the establishment of a Community Development Corporation, which is helping to develop a strategic plan for future projects.
Mr. Dandeneau has been an active volunteer with the Community Futures program for approximately 16 years, providing vision and leadership that has been instrumental in shaping the Community Futures program. Mr. Dandeneau supports and encourages programs that meet the needs of Aboriginals, entrepreneurs with disabilities, and the social economy. Mr. Dandeneau has also served as Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson for Community Futures Manitoba, and was instrumental in the creation of the Pan-West Community Futures Network and the Pan-Canadian Community Futures Group.
Supported by Western Economic Diversification Canada, the Community Futures program strengthens rural economies by providing small business loans and assisting entrepreneurs through counselling and training. Each Community Futures office 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. is an association representing the 16 Community Futures organizations established throughout rural and northern Manitoba.
Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the economy of Western Canada and advance the interests of the West in national economic policy.
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 Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(204) 943-2905
www.cfmanitoba.ca
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
