Programs | Business Achievement Awards
2024 Award Recipients
Business Person of the Year
Carla Milne
MNP LLP
Carla Milne, Partner & Regional Leader at MNP LLP, has spent 24 years advising small and medium-sized businesses. As the first female President of the Construction Association of Rural Manitoba (CARM), she built vital industry connections and was honored with the Carla Milne Outstanding Women in the Industry Award and the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal. She and her husband, Brad, have two children, Presley and Lennox.
Business Excellence Award Recipient (Large Business)
The Paw Resort & Wellness Centre
The Paw Resort and Wellness Centre, where each furry friend is cherished like family. With a commitment to excellence, they provide a first-class environment where pet owners can be rest assured that their beloved companions are loved and cared for with utmost dedication. Their state-of-the-art facility offers safety, comfort, and endless fun for pets, while the Muttessori Academy sets a new standard for enrichment. As multi-award winners, they pride themselves on being socially conscious, earth-friendly, and globally engaged.
Business Excellence Award Recipient (Small Business)
Resurrection Tint & Auto-Detailing
Resurrection Auto Detailing has been offering a unique service of ceramic coatings, tint and paint protection services since October 2018. Their primary key to success is the time they spend to educate their client on not only the importance of keeping a clean and maintained vehicle but also the importance of protecting their primary mode of transportation and investment. As the 2022 Outstanding New Business award recipient, Darren credits their growth to work ethic, social media, exceptional customer service, and their dedicated team of employees who go above and beyond for each customer.
Lifetime Business Builder Recipient
Ben Hernandez
Ben moved to Brandon in 2002 and quickly became a community pillar by opening the beloved Remington’s. He was deeply involved in the restaurant scene, working at Montana’s and opening Five Guys Burgers and Fries. After Remington’s, he fulfilled his dream of opening Benny’s by rebranding The Green Olive. Known for his exceptional customer service, Ben greeted every customer by name and was always ready to support the community through volunteerism, events, and donations. We honor Ben Hernandez for his significant contributions to Brandon, cherishing his legacy of kindness.
Outstanding New Business of the Year Recipient
Circle B Fitness
Established in September 2020, Circle B Fitness is a 24-hour facility offering toddler and youth gymnastics, birthday parties, class programming, sport-specific training, team training, personal training, and individual program design. Owner & Head Trainer Angie Ball takes pride in creating a supportive space where friendships flourish and everyone feels comfortable, making the gym less intimidating.
Community Impact Award Recipient – Individual
Glen Parker
Glen is a dedicated community leader with extensive volunteer and public service experience. He served as President of the East End Community Centre from 2021 to 2023, leading successful fundraising efforts for major renovations. Glen coached 24 hockey teams and was President of Hockey Brandon for 17 years, recognized for his commitment to youth sports. Since 2016, Glen has served on city council, reflecting his strong dedication to public service and community engagement.
Community Impact Award Recipient – Business
Kuipers Family Bakery
For over 31 years, Kuiper’s Bakery has been a cornerstone of community support, donating food, financial resources, and volunteer time to various causes. They believe in the power of food to unite people and strive to nourish both bodies and community through their high-quality baked goods. Supporting initiatives like the Christmas Cheer hamper program, Brandon School Division’s Breakfast Program, and United Way, Kuiper’s Bakery builds a stronger community by baking delicious food and backing local causes.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Ty Worthington
Pinnacle Event & Rentals
Ty’s journey began with a backyard laser tag venture that grew into Pinnacle Event Rentals, a thriving event rental business through strategic acquisitions. Adapting during the COVID-19 pandemic, he ensured stability and expanded full-time career opportunities in a traditionally seasonal industry. Ty emphasizes a positive work culture and team development, central to his success. Active in the community, he serves on the boards of Family Visions Inc. and Career Connections Inc., demonstrating his commitment to local engagement.
Westman’s Top 4 Under 40
Mayur Nankar
West-fit Physiotherapy
Mayur holds a Masters’ degree and specializes in innovative treatments for Parkinson’s patients and launched Tele-Rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mayur’s community work includes supporting the Whiskey Jacks Baseball team and offering clinical placements for physical therapy students. He coordinates the spinal cord injury database at HSC Winnipeg and is a member of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Program, focusing on mentorship and impact.
Katie Peters
Katie Peters is the General Manager of Alair Homes Brandon, where she leads the company’s human resources, marketing, and operational efforts. She began her journey with Alair in 2021 as a part-time Social Media Manager, quickly expanding her role to include marketing and human resources. Beyond her professional role, Katie is active in her community, organizing events to raise money for charitable organizations and volunteering with various groups. Katie also serves on the Construction Association of Rural Manitoba Events Committee as a co-chair and leads an international campaign to contribute 100 acts of helping others live better.
Megan Foster
Megan Foster owns Mosaic Engagement, a consulting firm specializing in business efficiency and leadership. With a Master’s in Strategic Organizational Change, she leads a team of seven contractors and is an experienced Master coach. Actively involved in Leadership Brandon and the Professional Women’s Networking Group, Megan supports equity and inclusion through initiatives like the Mosaic Women’s Retreat and scholarships for young leaders.
Kim Magalhaes
Kim earned her Certified General Accountant designation in 2014 and is currently pursuing an Advanced Executive certificate at Queen’s University. Kim actively mentors future finance professionals through CPA Alberta and plays a key role in Westman Communications’ strategic planning. She also serves on the Manitoba Cooperative Association’s Board of Directors and participates in the Canadian Communications System Alliance’s Contract Review Committee and Audit & Risk Committee.