Tourism Westman will hold a gala awards evening in Virden in just over a week.
Nominees include several Virden organizations, nominated in three categories.
This is the fi rst time in their 12-year history that the Tribute to Tourism Awards gala will venture outside of Brandon.
Michelle Frechette, Regional Tourism Coordinator, explains, “The member-based mandate is to promote the whole region.” She hopes that she is “starting a tradition,” with ongoing plans to have the banquet and awards ceremony hosted in different member communities each year.
The non-profit organization receives provincial funding and their mandate is to support and promote tourism in the entire Westman area.
Prior to the Tourism Westman Awards gala in Tundra Oil & Gas Place, Tourism Westman will hold their AGM. There are, at present, nine board members; Kelvon Smith, representing Virden and
area, is currently on the board of directors.
At a recent Town of Virden Council meeting, councillors voted to support this event at a Tribute Sponsorship level of $250. Mayor Jeff McConnell pointed to this as an opportunity to promote Virden, with about 250 people from the Westman area expected to attend this gala. At least one other Virden business is also a sponsor.
Virden Nominees
Two years ago, Virden’s recreation facility, Tundra Oil & Gas Place, was the recipient of an award from Tourism Westman.
Last year, an Elkhorn area business, Westwood Ranch Garden Centre, was a winner.
Virden Legion Demolition Derby/Virden Indoor Rodeo & Wild West Daze, Virden Lions Park and Virden Indoor Rodeo & Wild West Daze have been nominated for the 12th Annual Tribute to Tourism Awards in the respective categories of Partnership, Service Excellence, and Event of the Year.
Tourism Westman hosts the annual Gala to recognize and celebrate the exceptional individuals, businesses, organizations, and communities within the Westman region that have made significant
contributions to tourism development and promotion over the past year.
Tribute to Tourism Awards will present awards in six categories;
Aspiring Youth, Event of the Year, Marketing Excellence, Partnership, Service Excellence, and Volunteer of the Year. There is no cash prize attached, but it is a significant honour
to win the award.
In addition to the regional recognition, all winners will also be nominated to the Manitoba Tourism Awards which will be hosted in Winnipeg.
Twenty-three nominations have been submitted for the 2015 Awards, from communities including Brandon, Carberry, Deloraine, Melita, Souris, Minnedosa, Pierson, Rivers, Neepawa and Virden.
Award winners will be announced at the Tribute to Tourism gala being held May 27 at Tundra Oil & Gas Place in Virden. The evening will feature a lovely three-course meal and wine, entertainment by Son Latino Band, as well as the Awards Ceremony.
This is a public event, open to everyone. Tickets are available through the Tourism Westman office.
