Saskatoon, SASKATCHEWAN – Community Futures Saskatchewan is pleased to announce that Andria Brady is the winner of the 2016 Award for Excellence in Community Futures Volunteerism; and that Community Futures Mid-Sask has won the 2016 Award for Excellence and Innovation for their Chief Whitecap Waterway initiative.
The annual awards, which are sponsored by Western Economic Diversification Canada, recognize the outstanding contribution of an individual in furthering the Community Futures program and an outstanding economic development project undertaken by Saskatchewan’s Community Futures organizations.
“Two of the greatest assets of the Community Futures program remain the volunteers who lend their expertise and leadership to our Boards of Directors and the ability of each Community Futures office to respond innovatively to the specific economic development needs of a community or region. The recipients of these awards truly reflect these strengths,” said Jason Denbow, Executive Director of Community Futures Saskatchewan.
Andria Brady served as the Board Chairperson for Community Futures Sunrise for five years. Andria states, “when I joined the Board initially, I was interested in supporting business in my community and at the time I was living here but working out of town. This was a way to stay involved and support prosperity in my community.” When asked what has driven her to continually share her time and expertise with Sunrise, Andria said, “the feeling I have when we approved a loan and got a business up and running, or when someone pays back a loan because they were successfully operating. I feel like I am giving back to the community I live and work in, and making it a better place by supporting these businesses.” Outside of the Community Futures world, Andria has a long list of volunteer activities. All of the work she’s done has been to better her community and make a difference to its residents.
Community Futures Mid-Sask’s project, Chief Whitecap Waterway Project, is an initiative to brand, map, and promote the portion of the Trans Canada Trail from Gardiner Dam to Saskatoon as a water passage. It is one the few sections of the Trans Canada Trail that is in the water and highlights a little used, but magnificent section of the South Saskatchewan River. As this region shifts from agriculture support to tourism and engaged lifestyle, the Chief Whitecap Waterway defines their brand.
The Community Futures Program strengthens rural economies by providing small business loans and assisting entrepreneurs through counselling and training. Each Community Futures organization delivers a variety of services ranging from local economic strategic planning, technical and advisory services to businesses, and loans to small and medium-sized businesses. Community Futures offices also assist community and volunteer organizations with their projects through planning and helping them access government programs and partnerships. Community Futures is supported by Western Economic Diversification Canada.
Community Futures Saskatchewan Inc. is an association representing the 13 Community Futures organizations established throughout rural and northern Saskatchewan.