Celebrating the HR Profession in Manitoba

Familiar faces crowded an unfamiliar setting at the Club Regent Event Centre for the 2016 HRMAM HR Excellence Awards that took place Wednesday, April 13. Chrissy Troy returned for a second year to host the night that saw more than 270 people fill the venue. “You’re far too humble,” said Troy. “So this is your evening.”

The gala, co-presented by the Winnipeg Free Press and Manitoba Blue Cross, is designed to celebrate outstanding Human Resource achievements in Manitoba, honouring employers and individuals who are leaders in diversity, development, impact and innovation. There were an additional four nominees this year from last, totaling 19.

The awards recognize “HR initiatives that have resulted in significant and measurable benefits to their organizations,” said HRMAM Chair Roma Thorlakson, who offered her greetings along with Gala Committee Chair Savita Bawa.

After introductions, a three-course dinner was ushered out. The first course was the market spinach salad with goat cheese, strawberries, sundried cranberries, toasted pecans and apple cider vinaigrette. Next came the entrée—roast thyme chicken supreme, served with croquette potatoes and roasted vegetables. To end the evening, guests were treated to tiramisu with cappuccino crème anglaise.

The buzz in the room finally abated, as the first nominee was distinguished for the HRMAM Scholarship Award. Taylor Gulenchyn, full-time student in the Asper School of Business, claimed the honour. Having also had the opportunity to work for the North West Company and Sysco Food Services in HR capacities, she has exemplified an outstanding range of academic, leadership, extra-curricular and human resource activities.

There were four nominees for the Rising Star Award, one that spotlights impressive accomplishments and results within the first five years of HR experience.

“Being nominated, in itself, is really a major accomplishment,” said Troy, but in the end Jaysa Toet, Partner at Acuity HR Solutions Inc., took home the award.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of an industry that is transforming organizations and partnering in their success,” says Toet. “HR is truly a critical and strategic component in any business, and to see the traditional norms of our field being challenged and exceeded is incredibly inspiring.”

For developing and implementing a measurable initiative, Wendy Funk claimed the HR Professional of the Year Award. Since joining PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2014, Wendy has made significant differences in the culture at the firm, increasing engagement and retention, along with inspiring leaders to be excited about an inclusive and supportive environment.

The HR Patron of the Year Award recognizes executives who endorse, support and champion the HR function within their organization. This is a unique award, as multiple recipients may be recognized. Both of this year’s recipients—President and Chief Executive Officer of New Flyer Industries Paul Soubry and Executive Director of NorWest Co-op Community Health Nancy Heinrichs—have supported the HR function as a strategic component in their organizations.

“Have you ever worked at a job where you wake up in the morning thinking ‘I am so glad I’m going to this job today and this job is mine?’” says Heinrichs. “That’s how I feel about NorWest Co-op.”

From there, Chrissy Troy shifted the evening toward the Business Excellence Awards, which for the first time were awarded in a small/medium business category (fewer than 250 employees) and a large business category (more than 250 employees).

To kick it off, the Health, Wellness & Safe Workplace Award was awarded to Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI). They implemented a proactive program to help prevent workplace incidents, injuries and occupational illnesses, based on a culture of collaboration, innovation and accountability.

The Employee Development, Relations & Total Rewards Award went to Richardson International Limited in the large business category. The Richardson Management Development Program was created to provide participants with the skills and tools to effectively manage their teams and support their own career development.

From two small/medium business nominees, Enterprise Holdings claimed the Workforce Planning & Talent Management Award. They implemented a number of growth initiatives to develop and retain a qualified workforce.

Maple Leaf Foods won the Workforce Planning & Talent Management Award for the large business category.

“I know it’s cliché, but it’s really about the people for us,” said Luka Amona, the Maple Leafs Food HR representative, and he wasn’t kidding. Amona brought up five coworkers on stage to accept the award with him.

For the second time in the evening, NorWest Co-op Community Health won an award, this time for Organizational Strategy & Engagement in the small/medium business category, beating out two other nominees.

Heinrichs followed suit and brought up all 10 of her colleagues on stage with her. “We truly are a team working together,” she said.

The large business category of the same award went to another repeat winner, MPI. They created Your Journey Starts Here, an interactive online tour of MPI and how they operate. This system helps new employees feel welcome, enabling them to comfortably adapt to their new roles.

Thorlakson concluded the ceremony by congratulating her colleagues. “Your journey has only just begun. We know that this is the beginning of all the wonderful things still to come for each and everyone of you. This truly has been a night of HR excellence.”  

Award Nominees and Recipients
 

HRMAM Scholarship Award

• Taylor Gulenchyn

Rising Star Award

• Jaysa Toet
• Idayat Ogungbade
• Krista Poplawski
• Sarah Giesbrecht

HR Professional of the Year Award

• Wendy Funk

HR Patron of the Year Award

• Nancy Heinrichs
• Paul Soubry

Health, Wellness & Safe Workplace Award (large business)

• Manitoba Public Insurance
• Maxim Truck & Trailer

Employee Development, Relations & Total Rewards Award (large business)

• Richardson International Limited
• Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries

Workforce Planning & Talent Management Award (small business)

• Enterprise Holdings
• Purple Squirrel Talent Academy

Workforce Planning & Talent Management Award (large business)

• Maple Leaf Foods

Organizational Strategy & Engagement Award (small business)

• NorWest Co-op Community Health
• GHY International Ltd.
• Turning Leaf

Organizational Strategy & Engagement Award (large business)

• Manitoba Public Insurance

Click here for photos of the event
Click here for nominee videos