It was the 8th Annual Best Business Awards and Gala last night in Portage la Prairie. The night celebrated business and community, giving out the best business awards and volunteer awards.

"It's a fantastic night for everyone to get to together and celebrate the fact that we have an amazing business community, and amazing volunteers in this community that make Portage la Prairie a great place to live,” says Cindy McDonald, Portage and District Chamber of Commerce executive director. “IANE, the Interprovincial Association of Native Employment, has joined us this evening to give away some awards as well."

Chamber President Preston Meier adds it's important to recognize people and businesses that do an outstanding job. 

“I think every business community has certain people that stand out, or certain businesses that stand out,” explains Meier. “And I think it's important that they're recognized, because they go that extra step. They do that extra thing in order to be able to make Portage a little better."

Among the awards:

Citizen of the Year: Lynne Parker.

Outstanding Small Business Award: JL Agronomics.

Outstanding Medium Business: Portage Consumers Co-op.

Outstanding Contribution to the Community by a Business: Portage Clinic.

Long Term Achievement Award: Southport.

Outstanding Contribution to the Community by a Business Executive: Vern May of Portage Regional Economic Development.

Art and Culture Person of the Year: Lee Beaton.

Sports Person of the Year: Cathy Holmes.

Outstanding Not for Profit: Recreation Opportunities for Kids Central.

Youth Volunteer Award: Alexandrea Nadeau.


IANE Portage Chapter Awards:

Spirit of Growth 2017 Inaugural Award: Arrowhead Development Corporation received by Tim Daniels.

Best Business Award: Rene Ouellette.

Outstanding Contribution to the Community by an Indigenous Elder: Terry Pashe.

Outstanding Contribution to the Community by an Indigenous Youth: Kayla Tanner.