Congratulations to the winners of the 2008 Capturing Opportunities Awards.

Hard work and community involvement have always been valued in rural Manitoba.  The Capturing Opportunities Awards were instituted to honour rural Mantiobans who show the hard work, dedication and leadership necessary to make their communities and regions a better place to live.  The following three awards were presented in 2008:

Economic Development Innovation Award - This award was presented to the Parkland Regional immigration Strategy Committee, which is composed of Dauphin Economic Development, Asessippi Parkland Regional Economic Development Corporation, Swan Valley Enterpise Centre and Roblin and Shell River Economic Developemnt.   In 2002, this group came up with a plan to tackle the issue of attracting new immigrants.  They determined that if they were to draw families to the region, they would have to get out and tell the world what the Parkland Region had to offer.  The committee developed a regional brand, and a multi level approach to immigration in the region and as a result, there have been many new families visiting and deciding to move to the region. 

Rural Youth Achievement Award - This award was presented to the Twin Valley Co-op Ltd. and Birtle Collegiate Institute.  Dale Snyder, a teacher at Birtle collegiate and Chris Iverson, manager of Twin Valley Co-ops General Merchandising Division came up with a plan to address local skilled shortages within their community while providing students with real hands on learning.  The plan was to start a construction program at Birtle Collegiate where students could earn credits while gaining skills in the construction trades.  The results of this program were immediate when several students chose carpentry as a career because of the skils they had developed.

Outstanding Community Leadership Award - Sandra Couling of Alexander won this award for her leadership role in the Alexander School Parent Advisory Council.  Sandra took action to give re-purpose to the school to keep it open, which inlcuded intiaitves such as the before and after shcool programs, creative arts in the school and programs for pre-school aged youth.  Sandra is also active as the local Emergency Plan Coordinator, a member of the Alexander Village committee and Rink board and is involved in developing new housing in the community.  Sandra is a tireless community champion!