MBiz

6 MBiz | november 2016 B usiness and the dedicated people within businesses are the foundations of communities. This year, a record crowd, including the Lieutenant Governor, Her Honour, the Honourable Janice Filmon, joined the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) to celebrate thriving businesses that strengthen their communities. On Friday, Oct. 28, Golden West Radio personality Corny Rempel hosted the 33rd Annual MBiz Awards, presented by Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries. With nominees representing all corners of the province, the awards celebrate our diverse businesses and recognize the contributions of businesses and individuals who make a lasting impact on Manitoba. We salute the class of 2016: Polly Craik (Lieutenant-Governor's Award Recipient for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual to the Community) Polly Craik is a seasoned entrepreneur, a well-known community activist and a business leader who owned FineLine Communications for more than 25 years. Her many accomplishments have been recognized at the local and international level. In 2005, she was the first woman to be named Manitoba Business Magazine's Entrepreneur of the Year. In 2007, she was named one of the most influential women in sport and physical activity by the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity. She also received an honorary diploma from Red River College in 2010. Ms. Craik has a distinguished record of community service and volunteerism. She has served as chair of the 2007 Women's World Hockey Championship, Centre Venture Development Corp, the Business Council of Manitoba and, most recently, Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries. While she sold the company in 2015, FineLine continues to employ more than 100 people in downtown Winnipeg. Bison Transport (Lieutenant-Governor's Award Recipient for Outstanding Contribution by a Business to the Community) Bison Transport was incorporated in 1969 by owner Duncan M. Jessiman, who continues to provide leadership as Chairman and sole shareholder. Utilizing specialized equipment, Bison began providing local cartage services to the construction industry and was then awarded the catalogue business first for Eaton's and then Sears. Bison has received some of North America's most coveted awards, handed out by independent third parties who measure innovation, road and operational safety, and environmental sustainability, including the Truckload Carriers Association's National Fleet Safety Award for carriers over 100 million miles. Winning this award once is an outstanding achievement. Winning it twice is even more spectacular. However, Bison has won in three consecutive years — 2005, 2006 and 2007 – a feat that is remarkable. Bison Transport also holds an enviable position as a Platinum Club Member of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies. 33RD ANNUAL MBIZ AWARDS STRONG COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTORS TAKE CENTRE STAGE MCC Recognize 33rd Annual MBiz Award Winners at Gala Dinner By Cory Kolt Awards emcee, Steinbach radio personality Corny Rempel

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