Smart Partners Of Manitoba
Fifth Annual Smart Awards
Dale Oswald
Co-chair of Smart Partners of Manitoba
Dale Oswald, Co-chair of Smart Partners of Manitoba (Managing Director of Strategic Trade Partners) welcomes guests and sponsors to the 5th Annual Awards event. This year the annual gala event welcomed a new sponsor Big Pipe Inc., a Shaw Company, as well as returning sponsors Canadian Information Processing Society, Manitoba Energy, Science and Technology and Western Economic Diversification Canada. Thank you!
Honourable Minister David Chomiak
The Honourable David Chomiak, Minister of Energy, Science and Technology brings greetings from the Province of Manitoba.
John Jung,
Chairman of the Intelligent Community Forum
Our Keynote Speaker, John Jung is chairman of the Intelligent Community Forum. The ICF is a non-profit think tank based out of New York that focuses on the creation of prosperous local economies in the "broadband economy" of the 21st Century. ICF conducts research, hosts events, publishes newsletters and presents awards, helping communities understand the opportunities and challenges of the broadband economy, and to promote best practices in economic and social development.
ICF Chairman John G. Jung is also Vice President, International Marketing at the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance (GTMA) where he is involved in developing and implementing international strategic initiatives. He annually leads international business missions to U.S., European, Asian, Indian and Australian cities. Formerly President and CEO of the Calgary Economic Development Authority, he is a registered professional urban planner, urban designer and economic developer. John is a regular speaker at universities and conferences and the author of numerous articles in planning and economic development journals. He has received global and Toronto-based awards for his work in collaboration and strategic development and sits on numerous task forces and international advisory boards. He recently initiated a new alliance among the cities of Ottawa, Waterloo and Toronto to form the “Ontario Technology Corridor”.
The 2005 Smart Award Winners
Smart Award for Research - Composites Innovation Centre
Sean McKay, Executive Director (on left) Composites Innovation Centre
Presented by Bruce Hardy of Function Four Ltd.
The Composites Innovation Centre Manitoba Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation located in the Smartpark at the University of Manitoba. Its mandate is to support and stimulate economic growth through innovative research, development and application of composite materials and technologies for manufacturing industries. This is achieved by working directly with industry, on industry sponsored projects that result in a measurable economic benefit to the project participants and the community.
Sean McKay is the Executive Director of Composites Innovation Centre. He participated in the Centre’s inception and its implementation. Mr. McKay has over 26 years of industrial experience in developing and implementing composite materials and technologies. He has acted in the role of private consultant to the composites industry as well as holding a number of positions with Boeing Canada, Acetek Composites, EDO Canada and British Aerospace.
Smart Award for Innovation - K9 Storm Incorporated
Jim Slater, President
Glori Slater, Vice President
Presented by Lucy Camara from Olatech (on right)
K9 Storm Incorporated is a privately owned Manitoba company whose objective is to provide tactical canine body armour and gear to agencies working within the security and defence sectors worldwide. K9 Storm Tactical Body Armour is the only canine armour that is custom fit using a unique sizing template system, has a built-in load bearing harness system rated to 2,500 pounds, and is a patented design.
K9 Storm Tactical Body Armour and Gear are manufactured solely in Manitoba in a 5000 square foot loft-style factory located in Winnipeg’s Exchange District. K9 Storm employs eight people. Jim Slater, company president, is responsible for design and manufacturing. Glori Slater, Vice President, is responsible for administration and marketing. What began in 1998 as the need for one bullet-proof vest to protect working Winnipeg Police Service Dog, Olaf, has evolved into an innovative Canadian company that is providing protection to working dogs in twelve countries.
Smart Award for Business - Scootaround Inc
Lea Meagher, President and CEO Scootaround Inc.
Presented by Carole Marshall from Modern Earth (on right)
Lee Meagher has enjoyed great success in the Winnipeg business community from her years in the insurance industry and many local and national business achievements, to her championing of numerous charitable causes.
After her father began using a mobility-scooter for travel following a stroke in 1986, Lee began to see a definite need for mobility rentals in their vacation destinations. Lee wanted to travel without having to bring along her father’s scooter, but found it very difficult to find vehicles to rent since there was rarely a category for them in the yellow pages. Further, the companies that did rent scooters, often did not advertise – Lee needed to do a lot of digging to find them.
From this recognized need, Lee and her family turned their personal experience into Scootaround Inc. – a national scooter and wheelchair rental company. Started in 1997, the company began as a home-based business and quickly grew, adding fulltime employees and developing a call center to handle the growing number of rental inquiries.
Since then, Scootaround has grown to become North America's leading mobility rentals provider. The company operates with a centrally located call center, a dedicated staff of customer service representatives, a full service Corporate Service and Media Department and a nation-wide affiliate and staff network that now represents the Scootaround model.
Smart Award for Culture - St. Laurent Métis Heritage Committee
Jacinte Lambert (centre holding award) & the St. Laurent Métis Heritage Committee
Presented by Jim Bakken (far right)
Saint Laurent's Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian Project was intended to tell the story of the current life of the Métis people of St. Laurent. St. Laurent was selected to be in the Smithsonian because it is a very unique community. It is one of the largest Métis communities in Manitoba. There were over half the Métis families from the community represented in the exhibit. The challenge was to bring about a feeling of being in the community. To be successful that feeling had to be captured.
The exhibit itself is educational as it tells the contemporary story of the Métis people of St. Laurent. A very significant educational component of this project was the dearth of public awareness and acknowledgement up to this point in time of a Métis Nation. The exhibit is a testimony that Métis people are very much alive and have a very distinct culture and language that is uniquely Métis. The exhibit is also a testimony that the descendants of the Red River Settlers survived the historical oppression and hardships of being from two different Nations.
The Grand Opening took place September 21, 2004. There were approximately 150 community members who attended. The St. Laurent Métis Youth Fiddlers performed for Washington DC’s elite at the Canadian Embassy and in the Native Nations Procession on the National Mall. Master Fiddler Emile Lavallee from St. Laurent performed in the Festival of Nations Opening Ceremonies
Smart Award for Connectivity -
Don Reece Director of Information Technology
Pembina Trails School Division
Presented by Murray Matiowsky from Manitoba Hydro (on right)
Don Reece is the Director of Information Technology for the Pembina Trails School Division. He is currently the Chair of the MERLIN Advisory Board and Chair of the Computer Education Coordinators of Manitoba. He was awarded Canadian Hero of Innovation in Toronto 2004. Pembina Trails School Division was created in 2002 through the amalgamation of the Assiniboine South and Fort Garry School Divisions.
Pembina Trails is the fourth largest school division in Manitoba and has been recognized provincially as demonstrating best practice in information technology. Pembina Trails School Division has been recognized nationally with extraordinary scores on a 2004 Gartner Based Total Cost of Ownership study.
The Pembina Trails fibre build is 44 kilometres of 48 strands of dark fibre. The Pembina Trails school division will connect sites at 1-gigabit per second with a virtually unlimited potential speed. The project is owned by the division and promises the potential of cost recovery with leasing of surplus strands, voice over IP in the division and partnerships.
Smart Award for Health & Wellness
- Manitoba Cardiac Institute (Reh-Fit) Inc
Thomas Dooley, President Manitoba Cardiac Institute (Reh-Fit) Inc
Presented by Anton Abiiaka from Olatech (on right)
The Reh-Fit Centre is a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit community based organization dedicated to the prevention and reduction of chronic disease through assessment, exercise, and education, in a caring environment.
Since 1979, when it opened just over a quarter century ago, the Reh-Fit Centre has built community wellness by supporting and encouraging individuals, groups, and the larger community to enjoy and participate in regular, healthy active living.
In 2005, the Reh-Fit Centre underwent an $11.5 million expansion and renovation that has given the City a state-of-the-art facility and enhances the Reh-Fit’s ability to deliver on its commitment to support the wellbeing of the citizens of Manitoba for another quarter century.
Smart Award for Education Special Needs
- Dragonfly Toy Company
Lee Doerksen (on Left) Dragonfly Toy Company
Presented by Mike Boyd from Winnipeg - DCE
Lee Doerksen was born and raised in Manitoba. He spent time in his family's businesses before obtaining a degree from the University of Winnipeg. While pursuing that degree, he and his wife, Renata, began the Dragonfly Toy Company. The need for such a company, and the fit with his studies, prompted the pair to create this multi-award winning enterprise just over ten years ago.
There is a patent pending for Lee's new way to publish printed catalogues. There are all kinds of new tools that help Dragonfly do its business, which is getting the right toys to kids that have special needs. Renata would find a special business need, something to serve her clients in a more appropriate manner, and Lee would whip up something to fill that need. A good partnership.
Renata has won many awards, including Entrepreneur of the Year, and has shared the stage, and boardrooms, with the Prince of Wales, and the presidents of Canada's big banks. The work she does has been written about, talked about, filmed, and studied in schools. She intends to lead Dragonfly on, over the next 10 years, to do more great things. Lee now spends much of his time running Manitoba's first Video GameCompany, the Dragonfly Games Division, and also his publishing technology company, PrintObjects.
Smart Award for Community - Dee Buchwald
Dee Buchwald, Co-Chair (on left) Winnipeg Library Foundation
Presented by Jocelyn Prefontaine of Great-West Life Assurance Company
In 2005, Dee Buchwald, Co-Chair of the Winnipeg Library Foundation, led us to achieve a great feat. We rebuilt our library, increased our collection; and entered the new millennium with all the resources and technology that our children and indeed our entire community deserve. Taking the New Millennium Library from dream to fruition, Dee worked tirelessly for ten years. She handled all the challenges that have faced her and the Foundation in the past ten years with wisdom and style. She has given all of us a gift that is almost as grand as our new Library by demonstrating how to remain steadfast and driven to a goal. In total, under the leadership of Dee Buchwald, the Winnipeg Library Foundation raised $18 Million.
Dee worked with many people to achieve this goal including Abe Anhang, Ed Schreyer, Bob Silver, Paula Mitchell, Annitta Stenning, George Skinner, Joe Bova, Karen Keppler, Todd Pennell and Rick Walker. Architects David Kressock and John Patkow created a breathtaking building. Be sure to visit the Millennium Library and view the spectacular reading terrace and the four-story glass wall.
Dee is involved in other community services including the Guardian Angels Project for Women’s Cancer, The Winnipeg Jewish Community Council, Jewish Child and Family Service, The United Way and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.
Dee is fond of a quotation from Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.”
Smart Award for Youth
- Youth Employment Services Manitoba Incorporated
Corrine Normand, Executive Director Youth Employment Services Manitoba Incorporated
Presented by Jay Davidow of Profit Master Canada
Youth Employment Services is the longest running employment outreach program in Western Canada, and has been recognized as “A Best Local Resource for Youth in transition from school to work”. This distinction has been achieved through ongoing partnerships with private and public business professionals, volunteers, and government organizations.
Since 1973 these relationships have brought together incredible individuals with equally incredible youth, allowing support to more than 20,000 youth between the ages of 16-29 to find meaningful employment in our community. This has translated into an 85% success rate in retaining employment in their jobs of choice.
Youth Employment Services is extremely proud of these achievements but equally aware that any distinction or award occurs through the collaborative efforts of ongoing partnerships ensuring Y.E.S. another 30 years of success and commitment to our young people!
Smart Award for Green Technology - Red River College
Jeff Zabudsky, President (far left) Red River College
Presented by Susan Zuk of CIPS
Red River College proudly represented Manitoba for the first time in the North American Solar Challenge Race in July 2005 with its entry – the Red River Raycer. The 4,000 kilometre solar car race from Austin, Texas, to Calgary Alberta, was held over 11 days from July 17th to July 27th. Of 56 institutions entered into the race, 27 institutions brought a vehicle to Texas. Following one week of qualifying trials, 20 vehicles actually started the race with 18 completing it. Red River College – the only community college in North America in the race – finished 16th and 5th in its class. The Red River College entry was the first time a college vehicle and team qualified to participate in the North American Solar Challenge Race on its first attempt.
The 500-pound, 16 foot solar car derives its power completely from 460 solar cells and energy stored in a lithium ion battery. While the vehicle is capable of a speed of 120 kilometres per hour, it averaged about 72 kilometres per hour during the race to conserve energy – an important strategy in a solar race. The total cost of the vehicle, including in-kind and labour, was estimated at $200,000 with major financial sponsorships from Manitoba Transportation and Government Services, Western Economic Diversification, and Red River College. Approximately 16,000 hours of student, staff and volunteer time went into the construction of the vehicle. The hard work paid off, as Red River College received four of the 10 awards distributed at the end of the race, including a $5,000 Green Award for best use of alternative energy overall (with a support team of hybrid vehicles), the KISS Award for design, Best Workmanship and Best Mechanical. The Red River Raycer will participate again in a Formula solar race in Kansas in May 2006 and in the North American Solar Challenge Race in 2007.
Smart Award for Education - University of Winnipeg
Ken McCluskey, Associate Dean of Education University of Winnipeg
Presented by Ed Suzuki from Destination Winnipeg (on right)
Since becoming President over a year and a half ago, Lloyd Axworthy has led The University of Winnipeg in new and innovative directions, while maintaining its rich tradition of academic excellence, including taking a lead role in Aboriginal education in an urban setting and the revitalization of Spence Street as a pedestrian mall for the entire community.
The creation of the University’s Global College with its recent announcement of a $500,000 gift from alumnus Douglas W. Leatherdale to create the Global Citizen Internships, and the OmniTRAX/Broe QUEST series of highly successful public conferences, the relocation of the headquarters for the World Council for Gifted & Talented Children, as well as the Centre for Sustainable Transportation, and the opening of the Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre, and the LearningCITI Wireless Corridor are but a few examples of the University’s successful outreach into the local, national, and global communities. Plans are underway to make education even more accessible, including Saturday courses, more evening offerings, a timetable that reflects students’ study/work patterns, and the potential expansion of daycare hours.
Located in the heart of downtown, the University of Winnipeg is a compact, diverse, multicultural academic community committed to access and excellence.
University of Winnipeg has been ranked by graduates in Maclean's magazine, in the Top Ten of all Canadian universities relating to the “Entire Educational Experience.” University of Winnipeg is home to more than 8,900 full and part-time students.
Warren Wilson
Past Chair Smart Partners
“Thank you” Warren Wilson for presenting the awards.
The Red River College Solar Powered Car
Minister David Chomiak |
John Jung |
Karen Keppler |
Dale Oswald |
Smart Partners of Manitoba sincerely “Thanks” the sponsors of our annual event:
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We wish to thank Lincoln Park Gallery for the design services and printing of the Awards Program
We also wish to thank Harpist, Debbie Covernton.
Stained glass artwork provided by 
