Celebrating Community Spirit: Our Award at the Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce AGM

Stephanie Kababie, Kristin Knockaert, Ruby Reimer, Ben Lee, Kristi Meek, Jill Chapman, Ryan Kuffner

For immediate release: May 16, 2025

The What an incredible week it has been! On Monday, we had the honour of attending the Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce AGM, where we were awarded the Community Builder Award sponsored by the Winnipeg Airports Authority. This recognition is given to organizations or businesses committed to enhancing the community for everyone. We were excited to connect with many passionate members of the business community, all working together to foster a healthy economy that benefits the West Winnipeg area and Winnipeg as a whole.

It was a delight to interact with Minister Nellie Kennedy, who holds her ties to the Assiniboia community in high regard, where her family resides. With her extensive experience as a community service worker in the Community Living Disability Services program, she truly grasps the significance of inclusivity. We also had the pleasure of conversing with Jill Chapman, the Chair of the Assiniboia Chamber Board of Directors and Executive Director of Investment Attraction & Partnerships at Centreport, a remarkable hub in Winnipeg and one of North America’s largest trimodal inland ports and Foreign Trade Zones. Jill’s extensive background in nonprofit work and partnerships is a tremendous source of insight, and we are thankful for the opportunity to glean valuable wisdom from her.

Furthermore, we had the opportunity to connect with Ryan Kuffner, President and CEO of Economic Development Winnipeg, to discuss collaborative strategies for inclusion. We look forward to partnering with his team and sharing insights from our organizations to further improve Winnipeg’s approach to inclusivity, making it the ideal place to live, work, and visit.We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Kristi Meek, President and Executive Director of the Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce, as well as Ben Lee, a chamber member and project manager, and industrial engineer at Stantec. We are truly thankful for the invitation to this event and for the incredible honor of receiving this award. Additionally, we are grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many wonderful community members and share the inspiring stories of our exceptional team and those we serve. While there is much work ahead, we are confident that with allies like these, we are on the right path to Building a Better Community!

For interviews and information requests, please contact:
Stephanie Kababie
Director of Strategic Communications and Philanthropy
Epic Opportunities Foundation
E: stephaniek@epicmb.ca C: 431-399-3141