The province is seeking nominations for the 2012 Capturing Opportunities awards that recognize and acknowledge work done by individuals, businesses and organizations that help their communities grow and thrive. This announcement was made by Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Ron Kostyshyn.
“Every community has someone who can be counted on to step forward and initiate the call to action to get community projects started, rally volunteers, do the paperwork, and get local programs and projects completed,” said Kostyshyn. “They are often unsung heroes – individuals on their own or representing an organization or business – who want to improve their community without expecting personal gain. I encourage Manitobans to nominate these special individuals for these awards.”
The 2012 Capturing Opportunities business and community forum is scheduled for April 24 and 25 at the Keystone Centre in Brandon. The theme this year is The Local Living Economy with a variety of sessions and keynote speakers focusing on topics of interest to rural business owners and entrepreneurs. The awards will be presented at the 2012 celebration banquet on Wednesday, April 24 in the UCT Pavilion at the centre. Winners will receive a commemorative artistic glass award and a $1,000 donation to a community organization of their choice.
Nominations are now being accepted in the following four award categories:
• outstanding community leadership – for an individual who has made significant and notable contributions to the betterment of their community or region, who has served as a catalyst for positive action and has exhibited the highest standard of community leadership, dedication, ability and innovation;
• rural youth achievement – for an individual, association, business or municipality whose activities have enabled youth to take action on important issues that affect their lives, increase youth participation and involvement, or contribute positively to their community or region;
• economic development innovation (community) – for an organization or municipality whose actions illustrate innovation in community development, build on the resources of the community, respond to challenges and/or opportunities, and demonstrate outcomes in rural economic development; and
• economic development innovation (corporate) – for businesses whose corporate actions illustrate innovation in community economic development through co-operation with community partners, build on the resources of the community, respond to changes and challenges, and demonstrate outcomes in rural economic development.
Nominations will be accepted until noon on April 2.
“The organizations, businesses and individuals of all ages who work for the public good inspire other community members to take action and are role models to young people getting ready to take their place in their community,” said Kostyshyn. “Their leadership proves where there is a will, there is a way to achieve community goals.”
Nomination forms are available at any Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives GO office or online at www.capturingopportunities.ca.
