Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1527945
24 THE ASSINIBOIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • FALL 2024 A S S I N I B O I A C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E 2024 Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards Eco-Leadership Award Winner: Urban Lumber Urban Lumber salvages Winnipeg trees destined for the landfill and transforms them into eco-friendly wood products such as tables and shelves. Urban Lumber is dedicated to sustainability and environmen- tal stewardship by reducing carbon emissions and promoting responsible forestry practices. "We are deeply honoured to receive the Eco Leadership Award from the Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce. Our dedicated team is committed to repurposing Winnipeg's trees into beautiful furniture, ensuring that they find a new life in homes and business- es rather than ending up in landfills. Being recognized for our efforts is both humbling and inspiring. Trees aren't trash!" says co-owner Mike McGarry. Young Entrepreneur of the Year Winner: Marco Soares – JasperVOCAL JasperVOCAL is an AI-powered communications company that specializes in political campaigns, business and non-profit communications. Soares, 19, earned this award for his visionary leadership and innovative contributions. His commitment to offering high-quality products at affordable prices, coupled with his active participation in com- munity events and support for local charitable causes, has garnered global recognition. "I am incredibly honoured and proud to receive this distinguished award. Growing JasperVocal over the past year has been a tireless and difficult endeavour, but receiving an award like this proves to myself that I can do it," says Marco Soares, president and CEO of JasperVOCAL Inc. Business of the Year Winner: CentrePort Canada CentrePort Canada is North Amer- ica's largest tri-modal inland port and foreign trade zone, offering opportu- nities for businesses to connect with major markets worldwide. Their strategic location at the hub of international trading corridors, and dedication to providing high-qual- ity affordable industrial land (some 20,000 acres) have made them an indispensable asset to the region's economic growth. "CentrePort Canada was created out of a vision of the business community and is a platform to help other businesses grow and thrive. As the team responsible for facilitating the development of the inland port project, we're thankful for this recognition of the work that we do to grow the area as a bustling trade and transportation hub," says Carly Edmundson, President and CEO, CentrePort Canada Inc. continued on page 26 T he 2024 Business Excellence Awards celebrate businesses' achievements, their commitment to excellence and contribution to overall economic growth of west Winnipeg. Awarded at the Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting in May, six businesses were honoured in the following categories: