Aspiring Youth Award
Marie-Anne Beaudette-Dallaire was recognized as finalist in this category for her volunteer work with the Festival du Voyageur, the Franco-Manitoban Cultural Centre and for her participation as the only Manitoban team member paddling a birch bark canoe in the Gemini Award-winning documentary series, the Destination Nor-Ouest II.
Larissa Peitsch was recognized as a finalist in this category for her role as Project Manager, Sales and Conventions with Destination Winnipeg. Larissa led all Team Winnipeg initiatives for the 44 partners of Team Winnipeg in 2009. Larissa also led the development of a green strategy for the meeting and convention industry as well as further green initiatives for the Destination Winnipeg office.
Jordan Ross was recognized as a finalist in this category for his vision for a new skatepark in downtown Brandon. As co-owner of the Senate Snow and Skate Shop in Brandon and a volunteer with the Wheat City Skateboard Association, Jordan played a large role in organizing the "Skateboard Plaza Fundraiser". Jordan hopes the new Plaza will not only be an important recreational addition for the City of Brandon, but also a site for various downtown events.
Aboriginal Tourism Award
Aboriginal Music Week was recognized in this category for introducing audiences in Winnipeg to the cultural diversity of Aboriginal and Native American musicians from across the continent. In 2009, 3000 people took in performance by 21 acts. Free workshops and donated tickets ensured accessibility.
Leigh Cochrane Memorial Visitors Centre, an initiative of the Ochekwi-Sipi Economic Development Corporation of Fisher River Cree Nation, was recognized as finalist in this category for hosting annual events which celebrate community values, showcase entertainers (both aboriginal and non-aboriginal) and provide a kick-off to annual Powwow and Treaty Days.
O Roseau was recognized as a finalist in this category for offering a year-round user-initiated wilderness area for outdoor activities like hiking, canoeing and cross-country skiing. O Roseau also features a historical camp, with options to stay overnight in a canvas tent or tipi. Visitors learn about the life of the Metis of the early 1800s, including how to make bannock, build a Red River cart and weave a sash.
Marketing Excellence Award
Folklorama/Canad Inns were recognized as finalists in this category for partnering to extend the reach of a marketing campaign to connect with new markets and those not touched in recent years by focusing on out-of-province markets with a campaign that included radio, television and print advertising in all target markets as well as a traveling promotional show.
The Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba was recognized as a finalist in this category for its success in increasing attendance, website traffic, independent media coverage and local businesses' participation in promoting the event. These results were achieved through a marketing campaign that included radio, print, television and online advertising and that recruited ambassadors to encourage local businesses to participate.
Spirit Way was recognized as a finalist in this category for its success in positioning Thompson as the Wolf Capital of Canada in a campaign which increased visitation and garnered media attention. The marketing campaign included a new website, print materials, promotional items and social media components.
Media Award
H2O Gimli and Beaches Adventure Guide was recognized as a finalist in this category for promoting the Interlake region of Manitoba through the publication of a free, full colour, tabloid sized tourism magazine published annually as well as through a website featuring interactive community maps and events listings.
Les Productions Rivard/Destination Nor'Ouest was recognized as a finalist in this category for producing award-winning programs which put Manitoba's vibrant Francophone community in the spotlight. These include the Gemini Award-winning documentary series Destination Nor'Ouest, seen by approximately one million viewers across the country.
Star 94.7 FM Radio was recognized as a finalist in this category for acting as a significant media partner in Brandon, supporting a variety of events and initiatives in Brandon. Star 94.7 FM Radio promotes events in advance and sends promotions staff and event cruisers throughout the region, increasing awareness of community events.
Partnership Award
Eastside Aboriginal Sustainable Tourism Inc. and Manitoba Lotteries Corporation were recognized as finalists in this category for coming together to create the Aboriginal Artists Showcase Market and Fashion Show, a unique opportunity for Aboriginal artisans to sell their products and learn marketing and selling techniques.
Turtle Mountain - Souris Plains Heritage Association was recognized as a finalist in this category for bringing together 12 diverse groups to work together to preserve heritage sites in the area and to continually look for new stories and heritage sites to preserve and develop.
Community Futures Greenstone and Snow Lake Community Development Corporation were recognized as finalists in this category for teaming together to produce a DVD of the community's tourist attractions to be distributed a tradeshows. The video was also featured on a fishing and hunting show, "The Hunting Chronicles", which has an international audience.
Product Development Award
Heartland International Travel and Tours was recognized as a finalist in this category for its Hermetic Tour, a new product that highlights the mystery and architectural story of the Manitoba Legislative Building. In over five months, 1500 people participated on the sold out tours.
Hy-Wire Zipline Adventures was recognized as a finalist in this category for offering the first of its kind zipline family adventure in Manitoba. Having double visitation in 2009, this new and unique attraction in the Pembina Valley has increased tourism to the region.
Leigh Cochrane Memorial Visitors Centre, an initiative of the Ochekwi-Sipi Economic Development Corporation of Fisher River Cree Nation, was recognized as a finalist in this category for providing a place within the community for teaching, training and events, such as its Annual Country Music Festival.
Service Excellence Award
Murray Greenfield was recognized as a finalist in this category for his leadership in ensuring a positive visitor experience. Murray's work as Director of Tourism for the Folk Arts Council and as creator of the Tourism Awareness Network of Manitoba, designed to promote Manitoba to Manitobans and to give industry partners a way to network and learn about each other, highlights his dedication and passion for tourism.
Marian Perrett was nominated as a finalist in this category for her dedication as a tour guide with O Tours. Marian customizes and personalizes her tours to meet the needs and interests of the group. Marian's positivity, cheerfulness and attention to detail make her tours memorable.
Jim Woo was recognized as a finalist in this category for nearly 40 years of outstanding service as an employee of the Fairmont Winnipeg. Jim has been the cornerstone of the Guest Services team at the hotel, praised for being helpful, friendly and engaging.
Sustainable Tourism Award
Falcon Trails Resort was recognized as a finalist in this category for offering a vacation and recreation area deeply involved its community, while respecting its environment. Eco-friendly initiatives include using solar power, composting toilets, gravity-fed showers and locally available and recycled products whenever possible.
Fort Whyte Alive was recognized as a finalist in this category for offering a broad range of cultural, environmental, recreational and social enterprise programs within its sustainable site, developed from a reclaimed and rehabilitated industrial site.
Neultin Fly-In Lodges was recognized as a finalist in this category for their efforts to minimize pressure on the lake and its resources and ensure sustainable resources for the future. Neultin Fly-In Lodges is a leader in sustainable fishing practices, initiating policies including catch and release, barbless hooks and shorter fishing seasons.
Travel Manitoba Award of Distinction
Chad Olafson was recognized as a finalist in this category for his tireless efforts to make the Lake Manitoba Narrows area a tourism hotspot, through the Narrows West Lodge and other developments in the area, including over 300 cottage lots.
International Peace Garden Board and Staff were recognized as finalists in this category for their leadership in offering a tourism attraction that combines education, active lifestyles, peacemaking, environmental conservation and community building.
Philippe Mailhot was recognized as a finalist in this category for his role as executive director of the Saint-Boniface Museum, which under his leadership has seen enhancements to the building, exhibits and programming. Mailhot is seen by the media and the tourism industry as a leading expert on local history and the legacy of Louis Riel.
Volunteer of the Year Award
Paul Bennett was recognized as a finalist in this category for his role in bringing the 2009 Canadian Football Hall of Fame Induction Weekend to Winnipeg, taking on tasks including fundraising and volunteer recruitment.
Gerry Clark was recognized as a finalist in this category for his role as "ambassador" for the town of Flin Flon - volunteering with various organizations, providing detailed tours of the town and for organizing a travel club, which encourages members to promote Flin Flon on their travels around the world.
Lionel Laval was recognized as a finalist in this category for his efforts in promoting the town of Deloraine through his 40 years of volunteering with numerous organizations and committees, including the Deloraine and District Chamber of Commerce.
