Finalists announced for 2004 Community Economic Development Awards

Innovation, Trade and Rural Development Minister Kathy Dunderdale today announced the finalists for the fourth annual Community Economic Development Awards. Winners will be announced during a gala banquet to be held in Rocky Harbour on the evening of November 6.

"The Community Economic Development Awards recognize the accomplishments of organizations and individuals who have excelled in community economic development in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Dunderdale. "These are the legions of people, often volunteers, who give freely of their time and expertise to the improvement of our province. As Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, I am pleased to be able to recognize this important group of contributors to community social and economic growth."

A total of 65 nominations were received in the six Community Economic Development Award categories. A judging committee reviewed the nominations and selected three finalists in each of six categories. The finalists are:

Excellence in Partnerships Award : recognizes exceptional efforts and achievements of organizations working together to achieve positive results in community economic development.

1. Development Alliance of Western Newfoundland (DAWN)
2. Conservation Corps Newfoundland and Labrador
3. Northlink

Outstanding Individual Achievement Award : recognizes the distinguished contribution of an individual to community economic development.

1. Gail Morgan, Change Islands
2. Max Taylor, English Harbour West
3. Harold Mullowney, Bay Bulls

Excellence in Fostering Entrepreneurship Award : recognizes the distinguished efforts of an organization or an individual in promoting, mentoring and/or fostering entrepreneurship at the community level.

1. Labrador Fishermen's Union Shrimp Company Limited
2. First Coastal Credit Union Ltd.
3. Futures in Newfoundland and Labrador's Youth (FINALY!)

Innovation in Education 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.

1. Tramore Theatre Troupe
2. Organizing Committee - Big Land Fair
3. Action Committee for Tourism

Excellence in Youth Leadership Award: recognizes a young person or youth group that has demonstrated exceptional initiative, visibility, leadership and success in engaging youth in community economic development.

1. Cynthia Kelly, Harbour Breton Community Youth Network
2. Shauna Harris, Hyron Youth Development Council
3. Jamie Pye, Lodge Bay, Labrador

Lifetime Achievement Award: recognizes an individual or organization whose work has made lasting contributions to the economic development community and has demonstrated outstanding achievement by empowering people to foster economic growth.

1. Grant Laite Hiscock, St. George�s
2. Norman Abbott, Musgrave Harbour (posthumous)
3. Bride Martin, St. Vincents

"I congratulate the finalists who have been selected for the 2004 Community Economic Development Awards," said Minister Dunderdale. "The caliber of nominations this year was excellent and it is heartening to see so many organizations and people working to build their communities, particularly in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. The 18 finalists that have been chosen by their peers are leaders in community economic development. I commend all the nominees for their hard work and dedication in fostering community partnerships and ensuring a viable future for our province."

Nominations were judged by an awards committee consisting of four representatives drawn from the 20 Regional Economic Development Boards and one representative each from: Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities; Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Co-operatives; Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development; Canada Business Development Corporation; Futures in Newfoundland and Labrador�s Youth (FINALY!); and the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Business Development Centers Inc.

The fourth annual Community Economic Development Awards will be presented by Minister Dunderdale at a gala banquet in Rocky Harbour on the evening of November 6.

For information on the 2004 Community Economic Development Awards, go to www.gov.nl.ca/intrd/cedawards.htm

Media contact: Lynn Evans, Communications, (709) 729-4570 or (709) 690-6290

2004 10 21                    10:35 p.m.