EDAM Awards

In 2017 EDAM hosted the first Economic Developers Association of Manitoba Awards to create a recognition program for Economic Development in Manitoba. The first year saw the development of two awards – Economic Development Project of the Year and Rising Star in Economic Development.

Based on the success of the first awards event in 2017, EDAM has continued to recognize individuals and development projects from across Manitoba. The award categories have evolved over time and in 2022 the following awards were presented:

1. Rising Star Award

This award celebrates an individual in the field of economic development whose accomplishments have made a significant contribution in the field of economic development and demonstrates exceptional best practices.

The following criteria must also be met:

  • Less than five years in economic development
  • Initiated or completed a major project that benefits Manitoba communities
  • Formed new partnership in CED
  • Has had an impact in the field of economic development
  • Member of EDAM

2. Economic Development Project of the Year, under $100,000

Recognizes a municipality, CDC, town, group, or committee that has undertaken a project or activity in the last eighteen months that has or will have significant and long-term economic effect.

The following criteria must also be met:

  • Must be new project
  • The project could be replicated
  • Local, regional or provincial scope
  • Community or business focused
  • Demonstrated, significant impact to community / region

3. Economic Development Project of the Year over $100,000

Recognizes a municipality, CDC, town, group, or committee that has undertaken a project or activity in the last eighteen months that has or will have significant and long-term economic effect.

The following criteria must also be met:

  • Must be a new project with total project cost over $100,000
  • The project could be replicated
  • Local, regional or provincial scope
  • Community or business focused
  • Demonstrated, significant impact to community / region

4. EDAM Award of Distinction

Awarded to an individual in the field of economic development whose accomplishments have made a significant contribution in the field of economic development and demonstrates exceptional best practices such as providing leadership, mentorship and motivation to fellow community development practitioners, cultivating community economic development in Manitoba.

The following criteria must also be met:

  • More than 5 years in economic development
  • Has had an impact in the field of economic development
  • Member of EDAM

EDAM Award Winners 2023

  • Rising Star – Cyndie Mitchell, Economic Development Officer,Lac du Bonnet Community Development Corporation
  • Project of the Year Under $100,000 – Russell Thrift Shop, Russell, MB
  • Project of the Year Over $100,000 – Hamiota 55+ Senior Centre and R Store Community Co-op Inc, Hamiota, MB
  • Award of Distinction – Tammy Dziadek, Community Futures East Interlake

EDAM Award Winners 2022

  • Rising Star – Eric Forster, Regional EDO, Crocus Country Economic Development Corporation
  • Project of the Year Under $100,000 – FrancoFish, CDEM
  • Project of the Year Over $100,000 – Facility Expansion, Russell’s Lots-A-Tots Inc
  • Award of Distinction – Susan Bater, Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program Manager, Community Futures Manitoba and Saskatchewan

EDAM Award Winners 2021

  • Rising Star – Chantelle Parrot, Beausejour MB
  • Project of the Year – Boyne Lodge Personal Care Home, Carman MB
  • Marketing Excellence – Prairie Gateway Tourism – Regional Brand Launch, Virden & RM of Wallace Woodworth MB
  • Award of Distinction – Joel Lemoine, Ste-Agathe MB

EDAM Award Winners 2019

  • Rising Star – Eve O’Leary, FDC Regional Development Commission
  • Project of the Year – Neepawa Storefront Improvement Program, Town of Neepawa
  • Marketing Excellence – The Poutine Trail/Sentier de la Poutine (CDEM)
  • Award of Distinction – Tyler King, Town of Carman/RM Dufferin

EDAM Award Winners 2018

  • Rising Star – Iris Vercaigne, Melita
  • Project of the Year – FDC Regional Development Commission, Flin Flon
  • Marketing Excellence – Nellies Homes, Manitou
  • Award of Distinction – Lana Cowling-Mason, Warren

EDAM Award Winners 2017

  • Rising Star – Vern May, Portage la Prairie
  • Project of the Year – Roquette Pea Processing Plant, Portage la Prairie