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spirit awards show your spirit awards put innovators in the spotlight by Pat St. Germain I n a city full of good ideas, here's one more: Apply for the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce fifth annual Spirit of Winnipeg Awards before the Dec. 11 deadline. The awards, co-founded with BDO Chartered Accountants and Advisers and presented with Fillmore Riley LLP, celebrate organizations whose innovative practices create a more vibrant city. But we can't salute you if you're hiding your light under a bushel. James Blase, BDO business development manager, says he learns something new the annual spirit of winnipeg awards gala is a showcase of creativity in its own right. Photos by Mike Grandmaison every year. For example, he discovered that Habitat for Humanity Manitoba pioneered the concept of the Habitat ReStore and has been a trailblazer for the entire organization on other fronts as well. He learned that Acrylon Plastics provided components for the play structure at the White House in Washington, D.C. And he found out that a group of high school kids can bring a room full of businesspeople to tears with an act of generosity. Ecole Selkirk Junior High's BOSS Guitar Works students design and build guitars, which are signed by celebrities and put up for auction. When the BOSS kids were among the not-for-profit finalists two years ago, they stole the show when they presented every charity and not-for-profit finalist with a guitar to auction for their own organizations. "It's pretty rare at a business event with a number of hard-boiled, very driven people to kind of get misty-eyed, but there were a lot of people who were a little teary because it's pretty powerful," Blase says. As a national accounting and insurance firm, BDO staff are always hearing about innovation in other cities. But while Winnipeggers are just as creative and entrepreneurial, they weren't being recognized. So when the chamber floated the Spirit Awards idea, BDO was happy to get involved. "We were thrilled to be able to spotlight some of the innovative ways people are choosing to do business here in the city." Peter Davey, a senior partner with Fillmore Riley LLP, says the firm — which marks its 130th anniversary in 2013 — has grown along with Winnipeg's business community and is proud to be a presenting sponsor. The first law firm in North America to earn ISO 9001 certification, Fillmore Riley has an innovative streak of its own, and supporting the awards is just one of the ways it demonstrates its commitment to Winnipeg. "These awards align well with our firm's values and shine a spotlight on some of Winnipeg's most exciting, dynamic businesses," Davey says. Blase says the awards gala is one of the highlights of his year. The event itself is a showcase for innovation, largely thanks to dramatic decor themes created by Emma Singh and her team at Events by Emma. Plus, it's an opportunity to network with some of the brightest minds in the city. The 2014 Spirit of Winnipeg Awards Gala is set for Feb. 28 at the Fairmont Winnipeg. There are six award categories: Startup business, small, medium and large business, not-for-profit and charity. Three finalists in each category are chosen by a panel of judges based on the information you provide in your application, so don't be shy. Blase's advice is to tell a story about what you've done, what sparked your innovation and what impact it's had on your company or clients. Applications are available online. For more information about the application process or the awards, contact events manager Tori Matichuk at 204-944-3314. www.winnipeg-chamber.com/Chamber_Events/Spirit_of_Winnipeg_Awards.aspx 18 | WINTER 2013 'peg biz

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