As the Holiday Season is upon us, we find ourselves reflecting on the past year and on those who have helped to shape our city in a significant way. Before we ring in the New Year, the BIZ takes a moment to look back on the year that was and what has been accomplished in the heart of our city in 2012.

The tireless work of one of Winnipeg’s downtown advocates, Stefano Grande, Executive Director of the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, was celebrated at the BIZ’s last board meeting in 2012, where Councillor Jenny Gerbasi presented him with a prestigious honour – the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

owntown shoppers have yet another reason to get fired up this holiday season – as they will get a unique opportunity to “be the hand” tending the Yule log on the MTS TV Fireplace.

A world-renowned art gallery, a historic and truly iconic Winnipeg hotel, and a little shoe repair shop on Graham Avenue, were among nine local businesses and institutions that were honoured in 2012 with Downtown BIZ Achievement Awards for their socio-economic contributions to downtown Winnipeg.