2024 Tribute to Tourism Awards

What a lovely time we had celebrating all of our exceptional nominees at our annual Tribute to Tourism Awards Gala!

The event was held at the gorgeous Oakland Estate venue on the evening of June 12th, 2024 and we had a fantastic line-up of nominees this year… a huge shout out goes out to all of them for all the hard work and dedication they put into making Westman’s tourism destination offerings as wonderful as they are!

Despite severe weather taking place in what seemed to be all around us – the storm somehow completely and miraculously missed us and we were blessed with absolutely beautiful weather. Considering this was our first time hosting the event at an outdoor venue – we feel incredibly lucky, indeed.

*nominee group shot (full list of nominees in previous news section post)

Award recipients are…

Event of the Year (budget over 5k) – sponsored by Travel Manitoba: The Event of the Year (budget over 5K) Tribute recognizes a hallmark festival or event that creates a substantial economic impact within the local community, attracts visitors from outside the region/province/country, generates regional/national media attention and positively promotes Southwest Manitoba.

Softball Canada U15 Girls Canadian Fastpitch Championship – Brandon

*pictured left to right are: Mark Humphries (MC), Bruce Luebke & presenter Colin Ferguson (Travel Manitoba)

With more than 700 passes sold to catch the action, in addition to those circulated through sponsors, this event generated more than $80,000 in revenue and enabled the re-investment in the host facility not only for the event, but for the benefit of its community at large. Engaging 150 volunteers and supporting the participation of 24 teams, this event resulted in 1921 room nights booked and it is estimated that the economic impact of the four-day tournament was $1 Million for the host city. Held at the Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex in August 2023, this championship tournament signaled the first national level softball competition in Brandon in twenty years and has resulted in Brandon establishing itself as an excellent host for future national championships.


Event of the Year (budget under 5k) – sponsored by Pinnacle Event Rentals: The Event of the Year (budget under 5K) Tribute recognizes a hallmark festival or event that creates a substantial economic impact within the local community, attracts visitors from outside the region/province/country, generates regional/national media attention and positively promotes Southwest Manitoba.

Carberry Homecoming Festival

*pictured left to right are: Mark Humphries (MC), Alyssa Hall, Jolene Balciunas & presenter Shonah Rathwell (Pinnacle Event Rentals)

Featuring live bands, children’s activities, a car show and a demonstration by the local fire department, among other activities; this festival creates an economic spike for local businesses who see an increase in visitation and conversions directly from the event. The event has exceeded expectations in not only bringing former residents home, but also introducing new visitors to the community for the first time as well – and drawing in over 1,000 visitors for the solo day of activities, which in a town with a population of 1,800 speaks for itself.


Partnership – sponsored by Manitoba Tourism Education Council: The Partnership Tribute recognizes alliances that demonstrate a co-operative approach to tourism development and promotion.

Main Street Market Store & Studio

*pictured left to right are: Mark Humphries (MC), Alyssa Hall, Jolene Balciunas & presenter Darlene Janssen (Tourism Westman board of directors)

What started off as an effort to put on a Christmas pop-up market turned into an event so popular that it grew into a full-time venture; bringing new life into a distinguished heritage building in its host community and creating a shared space for local artisans, bakers and small businesses to sell their wares.  By joining together over 50 local, primarily women owned and operated businesses and sharing their marketing efforts; they have been able to expand their social media and advertising presence. The space also offers a stage, gathering place for small groups, photography studio, art & class space, with plans in the works for further community collaborations.


Partnership – sponsored by Manitoba Tourism Education Council: The Volunteer of Year Tribute recognizes an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the community without financial compensation.

Jim Ludlam – Souris

*pictured left to right are: Mark Humphries (MC), Jim Ludlam and presenters Trish & Shaun Fjelsted (The BloomBox)

Few people know that the introduction of this nominees hometowns mascot was due to him envisioning that they would prove to be a spectacle that would draw visitors in and create a buzz for the community. Since the idea was brought to life more than 50 years ago; he has been tending to the famous resident peacocks care and community in numerous roles including; serving on the Parks Board, the Beautification Committee, the Plum Museum Board, the Lions Club, Christmas community suppers & more. His unwavering decades-long passion for people and the community he calls home have made him a cherished figure in Souris-Glenwood!


Indigenous Tourism – sponsored by CJRB Radio 1220: This award recognizes excellence in the delivery of a product or service that demonstrates cultural authenticity and sensitivity to the ecological, cultural and economic integrity of the community.

Turtle Village – Wasagaming

*pictured left to right are: Mark Humphries (MC), Ashley Smith, presenters Betty Sawatzky (CJRB Radio) and Keeson Smith

This nominee’s holistic approach blends cultural preservation, sustainability and community engagement with an outstanding tourism attraction that includes an ideal mix of adventure and comfort, offering an ice fishing village experience with fresh Bannock roasted on an open fire as well as comfortable off-grid glamping accommodations that run on solar power to minimize environmental impact. This nominee advances Indigenous culture with environmental respect and weaves a narrative that honours the legacy of the ancestors and contributes to the sustainable development of Wasagaming. 


Business of the Year (large) – sponsored by Community Futures Westman:  This award recognizes a tourism business, facility, event or attraction with more than 20 employees that provides exceptional visitor experiences that result in a high level of customer satisfaction through the experiences or services provided.

The Hills Spa – Brandon

*pictured left to right are: Presenter Rand Tashman (CF Westman board of directors), Robyn Sneath, Bill Hogan (CF Westman), Niki Joye, Megan Warnica & Loren White

This nominee offers up a world-class facility that is the only one of its kind in the area and presents a rare opportunity for the residents of it’s community and surrounding areas to indulge in luxurious self-care. The staff are committed to innovation, service excellence and professionalism; ensuring that clients feel a sense of calm and relaxation from the minute they enter. This business features a hammam suite, cedar sauna and steam room, differentiating it from other businesses and provides a much-needed space for Manitobans to be able to warm up during the long, cold Winters. The nominee has brought life back to its downtown location and has quickly become a primary tourism destination in downtown Brandon; drawing in guests from the Region and beyong and going so far as to having captured international attention when it was chosen by IKEA Global to be one of five businesses featured as part of their IKEA for Business launch for future marketing campaigns!


Business of the Year (small) – sponsored by Oakland Estate:  This award recognizes a tourism business, facility, event or attraction with less than 20 employees that provides exceptional visitor experiences that result in a high level of customer satisfaction through the experiences or services provided.

Lucky Break Ranch – Rivers

*pictured left to right are: Mark Humphries (MC), Presenter Willy Penner (Oakland Estate), Kim Richardson & Wayne Moreau

This nominee believes passionately in the profound connection between humans and horses and are dedicated to harnessing that bond to create positive change and personal transformation; providing guests the opportunity to do just that through their diverse selection of programming, including trail rides, Summer camps, equine-assisted learning programs and the newest popular addition; the Cowboy Supper Trail Ride – which offers guests an authentic cowboy experience while exploring the beautiful landscapes and trails of the Riverdale Valley on horseback.  With a vision to be Manitoba’s number one equine experience, this nominee assesses the needs and experience of each visitor carefully, pairing riders with guides and horses accordingly and offering all a chance to foster personal growth, connection and empowerment through the transformative power of their equines. Each year since 2022, this nominee gives back to the community with their haunted forest event held on their property – raising money for cancer research, the local River Harvest Food Bank and more! 


Employee of the Year – sponsored by The Backyard on Aberdeen by Aida’s Catering: This award recognizes a front-line employee in the tourism industry who demonstrates service excellence and has made outstanding contributions to the tourism industry.

Callie Sudak – Carberry

*pictured left to right are: Aida Harisson (The Backyard on Aberdeen/Aida’s Catering) and Callie Sudak

This nominee is in the driver’s seat on the development and delivery of programming that supports her community and draws in visitors to experience what the town has to offer and does a fantastic job at doing so! In addition to her primary role to ensure the active use of both the Community Hall and the Carberry Plains Community Centre for sporting, cultural and community events, Callie has also been called upon to assist the Recreation Board with the development of a new campground and has also taken it upon herself to assist various community organizations with planning and grant applications. The hats she wears in her roles are numerous and this nominee goes above and beyond at ensuring all of the community’s tourism initiatives run smoothly; making her community feel very lucky to have her!


Lifetime Achievement – sponsored by Tourism Westman: This award is being presented to an individual/individuals in recognition of significant and sustained contribution to the local tourism industry over the whole of a career, rather than or in addition to single contributions.

Don Horner & Nancy MacKay of Ski Valley – Minnedosa

*pictured left to right are: Mark Humphries (MC), Don Horner & Nancy MacKay

Offering nine runs from beginner to black diamond, ski lessons, school programs and licensed dining, it’s no surprise that the lodge nestled in the Little Saskatchewan River Valley continues to greet large numbers of visitors consistently each year. First opened in 1975, co-owner Don Horner has been with the attraction since the very beginning. Now, along with partner Nancy McKay, their shared passion for skiing and ensuring a top-notch visitor experience is demonstrated in the quality of all that have done over the years – from maintenance, staffing and programming – the pair has had their hands in every aspect of making the sure the attraction ran smoothly and successfully and have earned themselves the title of having “Manitoba’s Best Snow”! Ski Valley has been a feature winter destination in Minnedosa, drawing tourists into the community for many years and it is no surprise that the popular spot is nearing 50 years in business. 2024 was Don and Nancy’s last year as owners of Ski Valley, but their legacy will remain in that beautiful part of the valley forever.


Thank you to our special guests, sponsors and all who showed up to celebrate with us and congrats to all award recipients and nominees alike!

* More photos can be found in the gallery below

???? Event was held Oakland Estate in Nesbitt, MB (Treaty no. 2)
???? Flowers/centerpieces by The BloomBox
???? Sabine Chorley