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Every year the Downtown Winnipeg Business Improvement Zone (BIZ) holds our Annual General Meeting to conduct the business of our organization. On November 23, 2011, about 100 business people attended the Downtown BIZ's AGM to hear about achievements in 2011 and to approve the 2012 proposed program and budget. Seven oustanding businesses and individuals also received Downtown BIZ Achievement Awards for their contributions to creating a better downtown. The Downtown BIZ also announced a new bursary in honour of outgoing Chair of the Downtown BIZ Management Board, Kevin Donnelly. The annual bursary to the University of Winnipeg's Business and Administration program will award a deserving student who demonstrates strong leadership qualities with a bursary of $500, beginning in 2012.
2011 Downtown BIZ Achievement Award Winners The Downtown BIZ Awards Committee sought nominations from the BIZ board and staff this fall for the 2011 BIZ Achievement Awards. The Committee received and reviewed several nominations, including nominations from last year that were forwarded for consideration this year. After coming up with a shortlist of about 20, the Committee narrowed down the winners to the following seven:
Outstanding Community Institution Builders
John and Bonnie Buhler
For their outstanding support and commitment of the Manitoba Children’s Museum’s complete renovations (opened 2011) and the Buhler Centre on Portage Avenue (opened 2010).
Leadership in Downtown Growth & Development
James Richardson & Sons Limited
For their on-going dedication and vision for our city and reinvestment in the Richardson Centre Concourse complete renovations, lighting the Richardson Building, and their contributions to The University of Winnipeg’s Richardson College for the Environment and Science Complex.
Best Contribution to Downtown Revitalization
Winnipeg Jets
For longstanding commitment and vision of downtown Winnipeg as a world class sports and entertainment destination. The return of the Winnipeg Jets has reinvigorated our downtown and will have an immense economic spin-off in our city centre.
Outstanding Media Commentator
Richard Cloutier – CJOB
For his outstanding work as a journalist, engaging the community in fair, objective dialogue around important downtown issues, providing constructive criticism, and continually shining a spotlight on our city centre.
Leadership in Downtown Retail and Environmental Design
Mountain Equipment Co-op
For having the vision to locate in downtown Winnipeg and kickstarting an outpouring of new development projects. MEC was a trailblazer in not only downtown retail development—showcasing exactly the type of unique, destination retail downtown needs—while also operating with superior environmental standards.
Outstanding Long-term Entrepreneur Commitment to Downtown
Pony Corral Downtown - Peter Ginakes
For their longstanding commitment and on-going investments to their downtown location. The Pony Corral Downtown this year launched their new Vegas-style lounge and the restaurant hosts numerous events, attracting people downtown in the evenings all week long.
Outstanding Innovative Business
Guppy Graphic Design
For on-going commitment to and passion for downtown Winnipeg, this small graphic design studio on Graham Avenue is thriving and finding creative ways to do business, like selling T-shirts in their front lobby.
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