The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce

06/24/2024

06/15/2024

06/15/2024

Congratulations to all our finalists tonight 🎉

We had such a magical time celebrating the leaders working to make Winnipeg a better place to work and play for all.

A very special thank you to:

Founding Partner - BDO Canada
Reception sponsor - Canadian National Railway Companyy
Gratitude Sponsor – RBC
And Event Supporter – Asper School of Business

Also, our printed program this evening is provided by Cushman & Wakefield Stevenson

Thank you to our award sponsors:

Our Rising Star sponsor: Robertson College
Our Trade sponsor: World Trade Centre Winnipeg
Our CODE sponsor: Johnston Group
Our Spirit of Winnipeg category sponsor: Auto Gallery of Winnipeg
Our Non-profit and Social Enterprise sponsor: Assiniboine Credit Union
Our Environment and Energy Sponsor: Manitoba Environmental Industries Association
Our Workplace Culture sponsor: CPHR Manitoba
And our Technology sponsor: Rogers

Now, we’re excited to see all the incredible innovations and advancements 2025 has in store.

And you can bet we’ll be celebrating them too 😉

Until then, thank you, and keep bringing the spirit ❤️

06/15/2024

And as previously announced, the Spirit of Winnipeg Award goes to...

NFI Group (New Flyer)

Headquartered in Winnipeg, NFI Group is a cornerstone of our city’s economy and community. Home to brand like New Flyer and MCI, NFI employes over 3,000 Winnipeggers who support the world’s transit systems.

Support for community is a key element of NFI’s identity, and a fundamental part of how they do business. From 2009 to 2023, the NFI team raised over $3.9 million for United Way Winnipeg agencies. The impact of the funds NFI raised spans across our province.

NFI’s mission to create a better world extends beyond business excellence, inspiring stakeholders and setting the standard for corporate leadership and social responsibility.

Congratulations, and thank you for embodying the spirit of Winnipeg.

06/15/2024

And the Spirit of Winnipeg CODE Award goes to...

North Forge

As a not-for-profit business incubator accelerator, they equip founders with the tools and guidance needed to turn their ideas into reality.

Whether it’s supporting women entrepreneurs breaking barriers in tech, aiding newcomers in establishing their businesses, or inspiring high school students to pursue entrepreneurship, North Forge is there every step of the way.

Their Global Entrepreneurship Program has nearly doubled the national average of women-founded tech companies coming to Canada, and their dedication to inclusivity extends to Indigenous communities, with plans underway to enhance entrepreneurship programs tailored to their needs.

Through perseverance and dedication, they’ve proudly showcased Winnipeg’s vibrancy and potential on both national and global stages.

Congratulations, and thank you for embodying the spirit of Winnipeg.

06/15/2024

And the Spirit of Winnipeg Trade Award goes to...

Optimus Gear

Recognizing pets as not just furry friends but as family, Optimus Gear created The Defender Harness, which is crash tested to the same standard as a child’s car seat. Their promise to keep pets’ safe drives the design of their entire product line, integrating function with safety to create durable merchandise.

Optimus Gear ensures the best quality and sustainable manufacturing by creating their products locally, allowing them to decrease their carbon footprint and oversee the fine details of their product development.

From introducing new products to deepening their community engagement, Optimus Gear is committed to making a difference in the lives of pets and their families.

Congratulations, and thank you for embodying the spirit of Winnipeg.

06/15/2024

And the Spirit of Winnipeg Design and Building Award goes to...

Assiniboine Park Conservancy (Assiniboine Park & Zoo)

With dedication and creativity, Assiniboine Park Conservancy breathed new life into the park, by the opening of The Leaf, which blends natural beauty with architectural ingenuity.

The Assiniboine Park Conservancy designed a space that not only captivates the eye but also explores human connection to the natural world. Each corner of the park tells a story of thoughtful planning and passionate dedication to creating environments that foster connection and appreciation for our surroundings.

From vibrant gardens bursting with life to serene pathways that invite contemplation, every element is carefully crafted to enhance the way we experience and interact with our environment. The Assiniboine Park Conservancy's vision is to be a thriving, welcoming space where Winnipeggers can come together to make memories and express gratitude for the extraordinary city we call home.

Congratulations, and thank you for embodying the Spirit of Winnipeg.

06/15/2024

And the Spirit of Winnipeg Nonprofit and Social Enterprise Award goes to...

Toba Centre for Children & Youth

Created in 2013 to provide a safe, child-friendly setting for children impacted by abuse or witness to violence to meet with service providers and forensic interviewers, Toba Centre has grown to become a fully functioning co-located advocacy centre providing wraparound supports for children, youth and their caregivers.

Now, their multidisciplinary team provides coordination and services to improve outcomes for vulnerable children and youth, and their families, ultimately restoring the health and wellness of those impacted by abuse.

They are helping our community pivot from a system that can be chaotic and unfriendly to victims, toward a system that puts children’s and families’ health and wellbeing first.

Congratulations, and thank you for embodying the spirit of Winnipeg.

06/15/2024

And the Spirit of Winnipeg Workplace Culture Award goes to...

BUILD Building Urban Industries for Local Development

With a steadfast belief that everyone deserves a chance to thrive, BUILD Inc. creates an environment where people not only learn valuable trade skills, but also receive comprehensive support for their personal and professional development.

By offering extensive training and support, including cultural sensitivity training, wellness programs, and access to counselling services, BUILD ensures that every team member has the tools they need to succeed.

This commitment to holistic support extends beyond the workplace, with initiatives aimed at addressing systemic barriers and empowering people to overcome challenges in their personal lives.

By prioritizing the well-being and development of its employees, BUILD not only constructs better homes but also creates a brighter future for the entire community.

Congratulations, and thank you for embodying the spirit of Winnipeg.

06/15/2024

And the Spirit of Winnipeg Environment and Energy Award goes to...

The Forks North Portage Partnership!

From its humble beginnings as a trading post to the bustling hub it is today, The Forks stands as a beacon of community, innovation, and sustainability in Winnipeg.

Through projects like their Target Zero initiative, they’ve set out on a bold journey: zero garbage, zero water waste, and zero carbon emissions. From harnessing geothermal energy to power their heating and cooling systems, to diverting hundreds of metric tons of food waste through composting, The Forks walks the walk towards a greener future for our city.

As The Forks continues to evolve and grow, one thing remains clear: their commitment to sustainability is not a passing trend, but at the very centre of all they do.

Congratulations, and thank you for embodying the spirit of Winnipeg.

06/15/2024

And the Spirit of Winnipeg Technology Award goes to...

QDoc.ca

In our city, we’re lucky enough to live within reach of various hospitals and clinics. However, many people don’t have the luxury of living near medical facilities, and the ones available often have long wait times.

Problems like these are why two Manitoban doctors started QDoc, a web-based healthcare service that connects patients and local physicians for virtual appointments in real-time.

Created during the 2021 COVID-19 pandemic, QDoc envisioned making Canadian healthcare more accessible and efficient. Over the last three years, their services have helped over 70,000 patients receive care when they need it from the comfort of their own homes.

Congratulations, and thank you for embodying the spirit of Winnipeg.