Finalists announced for 2003 Community Economic Development Awards

Industry, Trade and Rural Development Minister Judy Foote today announced the finalists for the third annual Community Economic Development Awards that will be presented during RuralEXPO 2003. Winners will be announced during a gala banquet to be held in Gander on the evening of September 26, 2003.

"The Community Economic Development Awards are a celebration of the accomplishments and spirit of those individuals and organizations who have excelled as leaders in community economic development in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Foote. "The third annual Community Economic Development Awards will be a highlight of RuralEXPO 2003. We are pleased this year to have Seamus O�Regan, co-host of Canada AM, as the master of ceremonies for this exciting event and anticipate the gala to be bigger and better than ever."

A total of 90 nominations were received in the six Community Economic Development Award categories. A judging committee reviewed the nominations and selected three finalists in each of five categories. A Lifetime Achievement Award will also be presented.

The finalists, in alphabetical order, are:

Business As Usual (locations throughout the province)
St. Anthony Basin Resources Inc. (SABRI), St. Anthony
Youth Ventures Corporation (located throughout the province)

This award recognizes the distinguished efforts of an organization or an individual in promoting, mentoring and/or fostering entrepreneurship at the community level.

Island Advisory Services (IAS), Bell Island
Labrador Straits Development Corporation (LSDC)
Newfoundland International Motorsports Ltd., St. John�s

This award recognizes exceptional efforts and achievements of organizations working together to achieve positive results in community economic development.

Joan Butler (Conception Bay South) and Margaret O�Driscoll (Conception Harbour)
Sheila Downer, Happy Valley - Goose Bay
Ronald O�Brien Sr., L�Anse au Loup, Labrador

This award recognizes the distinguished contribution of an individual to community economic development.

Brother T.I. Murphy Centre, St. John�s
Community Capacity Building Initiative (located throughout the province)
Regional Economic Development and Schools (REDAS) Program

This award recognizes exceptional efforts and achievements of an individual or group in bringing together education and community economic development programs and activities for the betterment of their communities.

Darren Butt, St. John�s
Adam Harnett, Clarenville
Mariner Resource Opportunities Network Inc. (M-RON), Carbonear

This award recognizes a young person or youth group that has demonstrated exceptional initiative, visibility, leadership and success in engaging youth in community economic development.

"I congratulate all of the finalists who have been selected for the 2003 Community Economic Development Awards," said Minister Foote. "Again this year the department received in excess of 90 nominations which is a reflection of the high calibre of individuals from the across the province who have been recognized by their peers as leaders in community economic development. While 15 finalists have been chosen, all nominees are to be commended for their hard work and dedication toward fostering community partnerships and ensuring a viable future for their community."

Nominations were judged by an awards committee made up of four representatives drawn from the 20 regional economic development boards and one representative each from the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities, the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Co-operatives, and the Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development.

The third annual Community Economic Development Awards will be presented as part of RuralEXPO 2003, which is being held in Gander from September 25-27, 2003. Other components of RuralEXPO 2003 include a Rural Business Exhibition and Showcase, a RuralEXPO 2003 Conference Program and a Rural Youth Forum.

For more information on the Community Economic Development Awards or RuralEXPO 2003, or to obtain a copy of the complete RuralEXPO 2003 schedule of events, visit the RuralEXPO 2003 website at //www.gov.nl.ca/ruralexpo/

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-4570

2003 09 12                                        2:55 p.m.