Manitoba Movers

PEOPLE

Allison Kesler

is the new executive director for Ronald McDonald House Manitoba. Kesler's wealth of knowledge in major gifts, campaign direction and legacy giving make her a perfect fit for the exciting direction we are heading. Ronald McDonald House Manitoba is an organization that keeps families together through our two core programs: Ronald McDonald House and the Ronald McDonald Family Room.

Elmer J. Gomes

has been recognized by Lexpert, Canada's leading source of news and information about the business of law. Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP congratulates Gomes on being named one of Lexpert's Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40 in Canada. Gomes is a partner who shines in the areas of business law with a focus on property and development, commercial lending and agribusiness.

Debra Woodgate

civil service commissioner for the Manitoba government, has been named one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2012. This prestigious award celebrates accomplishments of the nation's best and brightest women. Woodgate was selected based on her significant career achievements in public service. With over 35 years of service in the Manitoba government, she is often called upon by senior government leaders throughout Canada for her advice, direction and input.

COMPANIES

Rainbow Stage

Jascha Boge, chairman of the board of directors, is pleased to announce the appointment of Julie Eccles as executive director. Eccles has been with Rainbow Stage in the capacity of general manager since March of 2010. Ray Hogg has been appointed artistic director.

NorWest Co-op Community Health

is pleased to be named among the Best 50 Small and Medium Employers in Canada. This is the first year NorWest has been considered for this study. The study, now in its eighth year, is published annually in Profit magazine.

The Canadian Society for Quality

is pleased to announce it has entered into a memorandum of understanding with its Chinese counterpart, the China Association for Quality, during a visit by the Chinese delegation to Winnipeg recently, which will facilitate both organizations in their efforts toward deepening bilateral relationships and find paths for future co-operation and collaboration activities. "The aim is to learn from one another and explore ways to work together in education, training, research and consulting needs in the fields of quality control and quality assurance management," said Madhav Sinha, president of the Canadian Society for Quality.

AWARDS

Air Strength Canada

was honoured to receive an award of excellence for the design of the interior tropical plant environment at Manitoba Hydro Place at the Plantscape Industry Alliance 2012 Interior Plantscape Hall of Fame and Awards Banquet. This prestigious international award recognizes that Air Strength Canada has exceeded the top sustainable and innovative practices for their interior landscaping design and its commitment to excellence, innovation, and professionalism. This is Air Strength Canada's third interior landscaping P.I.A. Award of Excellence from a diverse array of projects that include commercial buildings, and shopping centres.

Manitoba Chapter, Osteoporosis Canada

is pleased to announce the following awards presented at its national AGM: Marg MacDonell received OC's highest award, Volunteer of Distinction; and Barbara Cinnamon received the prestigious Backbone award. Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Awards were presented to Janet Choboter, Marian Kremers, Marg MacDonell and Sally Thomas by Cheryl Baldwin, chairwoman of OC's national board, at the chapter's public education forum.

The Downtown Winnipeg Business Improvement Zone

announced its 2012 BIZ Achievement Award winners at its recent annual meeting. This year's winners are: Downtown Rookie of the Year -- Stella's Café and Bakery; Outstanding Long Term Contribution to Downtown -- Winnipeg Art Gallery; Downtown Economic Ambassador -- Klaus Lahr, president and CEO of the Winnipeg Convention Centre; Downtown Champions -- Rick Bel and Ida Albo, Fort Garry Hotel; Downtown Vibrancy -- The Pyramid Cabaret; Downtown Spirit -- Grant Nazarko and Pat Britton, Canada Day Living Flag; Downtown Living -- Timbercreek Asset Management; Downtown Rejuvenation -- the Avenue Building; Spotlight -- Hue Shoe Repair.

BOARDS

Golf Manitoba

is pleased to announce their board of directors: Tammy Gibson, St. Boniface; Barry Hooke, Portage; Michelle Lee, St. Charles; Kevin O'Donovan, Breezy Bend; Wayne Leslie, St Charles; Brian Gilhuly, Selkirk. Officers: president, Rob MacDonald, Elmhurst; president-elect, Louise Daymond, Pinawa; treasurer, Vince Mariani, Elmhurst; vice-president, Kevin O'Donovan, Breezy Bend; past president, Harvey Goehring, Breezy Bend. Directors: Carol Martel, Transcona, Bob Fallis, Pine Ridge.

The West End Business Improvement Zone

has elected its 2013 board of directors: Carla Anjos - RBC; Carla Deluca - Deluca's; Jeremy Epp-Independent Jewelers; Gerry Harms -- Winnipeg Building & Decorating; George Ingram -- Ingram Consulting; Melanie Matheson -- Rolling Rhino Communications; Gord Partridge -- Spectrum Health Centre; Dieter Scheffer -- Frank Motors; Manny Singh -- Sovereign Construction; Gary Stevenson -- Norampac Winnipeg; John Unger -- Johns the Hair Designers; Rennie Zegalski -- CB Richard Ellis; Shane Storie -- SRS Signs, member at large.

Pollock's Hardware Co-op Ltd.

has announced its 2012-13 board of directors, elected at the co-op's annual general meeting: John Loxley, president; Louise Thiessen, treasurer; Paul Worster, secretary; Colin Butler; Terry Derraugh; Dennis McNab; Sonia Prevost-Derbecker; Tom Simms; Justan Suss and Talia Syrie.

The Congregation Shaarey Zedek

has elected its 2012-13 board of directors: president, Dr. Brent Schacter; vice-president, Uri Kraut. Directors: Dr. Ruth Ashrafi, Dr. Wil Fleisher, Jen Goldenberg, Joel Lazer, Howard Morry, Anita Neville, Hart Pollack, Stuart Pudavick, Syd Thompson and immediate past president, Dr. Bonnie Cham. The board also includes Sisterhood president, Louise Raber, Rabbi Alan Green, and executive director, Ian Staniloff.

The PC Progressive Conservative Rossmere Association

is pleased to announce its 2012-13 board: Peter J. Manastyrsky, president; Theodore Geurds, 1st vice-president; Lana Ochman, 2nd vice-president; Kevin Gordon, secretary; Les Isaacs, treasurer; Kaur Sidhu, candidate of record; Darcy Ochman, director; Regan Archambault, director-at-large; Dr. Brett Carter, director-at-large; and Mike Watson, northeast regional director.

Got a promotion, appointment or new contract? Contact Linda Mertin at 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6, fax 204-697-7412 or email: linda.mertin@freepress.mb.ca .

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition December 10, 2012 B7