The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce announced the 2011 Manitoba Business Awards to a sold-out crowd at the Delta Winnipeg on Wednesday evening October 26, 2011.  The Awards were presented by Julie Turenne Maynard, chair of the jury panel and Frank Sottana, District Vice President of CIBC Manitoba and board chair of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce.

“The Manitoba Business Awards were designed to celebrate success and we recognized some great Manitoba businesses this evening,” said Sottana. “This year there were so many high quality nominees and finalists. The jury worked very hard in their evaluations and all I can say is that they are all winners in our eyes.  However, only one per category can be presented the award and we are pleased with the results.”

“This event was also made possible by the tremendous support that we received from our sponsors,” said Graham Starmer, President and CEO.  “Manitoba Lotteries as presenting sponsor have demonstrated a strong commitment to Manitoba businesses.”

The fifteen finalists in five categories were chosen by a thorough and rigorous juried process over the past year. The awards were presented to:

Caisse Group Financier Financial Group  for Large Business Category. Caisse Financial Group currently serves a significant marketplace in the rural communities as a the result of nearly 75 years of history since the founding of Manitoba’s very first financial co-operative in St-Malo, Manitoba in 1937.  Following a merger of the four Manitoba Caisses on September 1st, 2010, the newly formed Caisse Financial Group is a financial co-operative open to everyone, offering quality personalized financial products and services, in both French and English, to ensure the financial health of over 30,000 members through 26 branch locations in urban and rural Manitoba.

Parenty Reitmeir Inc for Medium Business Category. Since 1992, Parenty Reimeier has grown to become a specialized and reputable translation service provider for major exporters. Partnering with strategic clients, the company has focused their operational efforts in investing in innovative tools, specialized software, staff and resources to meet and exceed expectations of their clients.  Their commitment to quality, timeliness and customer satisfaction has made them one of the best in category.  They recruit talent from all over the world in order to work with the most qualified Technical Translators and Language Specialists.

Focal Point Comprehensive Vision Care for Small Business Category. Focal Point is a progressive, six doctor optometric practice in Morden, Manitoba boasting a state-of-the-art, 7700 square foot, 10 exam lane facility that was built six years ago as a result of their rapid growth.  The full-scope practice, established in 1970, is at the leading edge of optometry with over 32 professional staff, serving the Pembina Valley.  Focal Point offers high quality service and products and the latest innovations in industry technology to a loyal and diverse patient base.

Bockstael Construction Limited for Long-Term Business in Winnipeg. Bockstael is a family-owned business established in 1912, specializing in industrial, commercial and institutional projects. This 3rd generation family-run business is a well reputed and respected company that have throughout generations, hired and maintained competent, hardworking staff who work as a team to deliver for their clients.

Cando Contracting Ltd for Long Term Business Rural. Cando is an employee-owned company that supplies specialized services to the rail industry and industries that depend upon the movement of bulk materials. In business since 1978, with operations spanning North America and with worldwide sales, the company is committed to innovation, entrepreneurship, and a “can do” approach to doing business. Headquartered in Brandon, Manitoba, they have regional offices in St. Thomas, Ontario, St. Albert, Alberta and Adel, Iowa with over 300 employees and have annual gross revenue of approximately $50 Million.

The two Lieutenant Governor’s Awards were presented by The Honourable Philip Lee, P.C., O.M. Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba for outstanding contributions to the community by a business and an individual.

Lieutenant Governor’s Awards: Outstanding Contribution to the Community by a Business honoured the contributions of the Tribal Councils Investment Group, is a highly diversified investment holding company owned by seven Tribal Councils of Manitoba.  This prominent business leader provides sustainability of wealth, as well as employment opportunities for Aboriginal people. TCIG’s mandate is to design and implement an investment strategy that returns significant dividends to its shareholders which will have a positive impact on the quality of life for Aboriginal people and communities.  TCIG has steadfastly dedicated its human and financial resources to achieve those principle objectives including the National First Nations School Breakfast program which will, in 2011, serve over 257,000 breakfasts to over 1500 children.  TCIG’s vision is to create hope and significance in peoples’ lives.

Lieutenant Governor’s Award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Community by an Individual’ was presented to Dr. Donald Penny.  Don received his Chartered Accountant designation in 1963 and was a co-founder of Meyers Norris Penny LLP, joining the firm in 1962 and was CEO of the firm from 1977 to 1998. During his 21 years as CEO, Don developed a team of professionals dedicated to the providing accounting services and professional business advice to western Canadians. MNP is now among Canada’s top 10 accounting firms.

Sharing his professional knowledge and skills, Don is active on many boards. He is currently serving as Chair of the audit committees at Manitoba Telecom Services (1997-present), the Winnipeg Stock Exchange (1997-present), Intrigna Communications Ltd. (1999-present), Fort Garry Brewing Co. Ltd. (1999-present), TruServ Canada (2000-present) and Jazz Golf Equipment Inc. (2000-present) where he is also a member of the Executive Committee.

Active in his community, Don has dedicated his time and efforts to numerous organizations in Brandon. He has served as President of the Brandon Economic Development Board, the YMCA and the Wasagaming Golf Club. Don has also been Chair of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce and Vice-President of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. With the Kinsmen, he has served as Secretary, Vice-President, and President and was the Deputy Governor for Southwest Manitoba.  Involved in many other notable activities, Don was a member of the Board (1991-96) of Associated Accounting Firms International as served as Secretary-Treasurer, Vice-Chair, and Chair (1993-94). He was also Chair of the Board of Manitoba Public Insurance and Chair of MPI’s Audit, Budget and Planning Committee. He was a member of the Manitoba Free Trade Committee and a member of the interdepartmental conversion team for Manitoba’s Department of Education.

Don has also committed significantly to his profession as both Chair of the Manitoba Institute of Chartered Accountants as well as the CICA’s Board of Governors. This year he was one of four Manitobans selected to become a member of the Order of Canada. He has also received the Canada 125 Commemorative Medal, awarded in recognition of significant contributions to compatriot community and to Canada, an Honorary Doctorate of Law from Brandon University and was named Businessman of the Year by the Brandon Chamber of Commerce.

L-R Julie Turenne Maynard, The Honourable Philip Lee, Don Penny

The Manitoba Business Awards was established in 1983 by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of Manitoba’s business community. The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce represents 64 local Chambers of Commerce and 370 direct corporate members with over 800 points of contact, overseeing a network of more than 10,000 businesses and community leaders.

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