Community Economic Development Awards to be annual event

Government�s Community Economic Development Awards, first held during RuralEXPO 2001, last October will become an annual event, Beaton Tulk, Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development, announced today.

"We recognize and appreciate the valuable role that volunteer organizations and individuals play in economic development at the community level," said Minister Tulk. "While these organizations and individuals seek no personal gain for the countless time and effort they devote to the economic advancement of their regions and communities, it is important that their efforts be appropriately acknowledged. Based on the success and feedback received from the Community Economic Development Awards last October, we have decided to make this an annual event to acknowledge and celebrate the ongoing contributions communities and volunteers are making toward our overall economic recovery."

An allocation of $50,000 is provided for the Community Economic Development Awards in the 2002-2003 budget of the Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development.

The date and other details regarding this year�s awards will be announced in the near future.

Media contact: Josephine Cheeseman, Communications, (709) 729-4570.

2002 03 21                            3:20 p.m.