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Economic and Rural Development

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Province Announces Celebrating Communities Conference Award Finalists

July 31, 2009

NOTE: A list of award finalists follows this release. Complete profiles can be found at http://celebratingcommunities.ca/winner.php .

Blend the passion of Nova Scotia's best communities with the excitement of their community builders and you have the ingredients for this year's Celebrating Communities Awards nominees.

Eighteen finalists have been selected from 37 entries in six categories focusing on community achievement. The vibrant community leaders will find out who wins at the Celebrating Communities Conference and Awards, Growing Together, in Truro Sept. 23-25.

"Developing the community leaders of tomorrow and nurturing the strength of today's leaders is cause for celebration of these nominees," said Economic and Rural Development Minister Percy Paris. "We must sustain and recognize the achievements of our communities and people that are moving us toward a more prosperous future."

Well known CBC news personality Ian Hanomansing will host the awards ceremony and deliver a keynote address.

"We were delighted to see such a large and diverse number of nominations and finalists who really demonstrate community leadership," said Jim Ellsworth, regional director of the National Crime Prevention Centre and member of the judging panel.

"The opportunities and learning that will result from the conference are invaluable and build a stronger Nova Scotia for our families and communities," said Jim Stanley, principal of the NSCC Annapolis Valley Campus and member of the judging panel.

Amie LeBlanc of the Eastern Communities Youth Association Youth Council, Canso, said the group is thrilled to be nominated and chosen as a finalist.

"We have worked hard to become known in Nova Scotia and nationally for our work with youth that contributes to a safe and thriving community," said Ms. LeBlanc, chair of the youth council.

The Celebrating Communities Conference and Awards showcases best practices to build sustainable communities and a prosperous future for Nova Scotia. The awards celebrate growing together for community excellence and recognizes Nova Scotians across cultural, social, economic and environmental sectors.

For more information about Celebrating Communities and for early registration, visit http://celebratingcommunities.ca/winner.php .


FOR BROADCAST USE:

Eighteen finalists have been selected from 37 entries in six

categories for the Celebrating Communities Awards.

The vibrant community leaders will attend the Celebrating

Communities Conference and Awards, Growing Together in Truro from

September 23rd to 25th .

Economic and Rural Development Minister Percy Paris says it

is important to sustain and celebrate the achievements of

communities and people that are moving Nova Scotians toward a

more prosperous future.

The Celebrating Communities Conference and Awards showcases

best practices in building sustainable communities and a

prosperous future for Nova Scotia.

For more information about the conference and award

finalists, visit the celebrating communities website.

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Media Contacts: Heather Deighan
Economic and Rural Development
902-424-5836
E-mail: deighahx@gov.ns.ca

Alan Johnson
Colchester Regional Development Agency
902-893-1694
E-mail: ajohnson@corda.ca


The 18 award finalists and categories are:

Excellence in Youth Leadership:
Conseil Jeunesse Provincial de la Nouvelle-Ecosse
Eastern Communities Youth Association Youth Council, Canso
Nova Scotia Co-operative Youth Alliance

Outstanding Volunteer Achievement:
David Harris, entrepreneur and volunteer with Community Business Development Corporation Yarmouth
Murray Hill, chair of the Pictou Regional Development Commission
Peter Herbin, Wolfville Business Development Corporation

Innovation in Community Development:
Action for Neighbourhood Change, United Way of Halifax, Spryfield Dartmouth North-HRM
Baie Sainte-Marie Spoken word Festival Project, Societe acadienne de Clare
Unama'ki Student Firewood, Chapel Island First Nation, Cape Breton

Excellence in Community Development
Caisse populaire de Clare
Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development
Westfield Community Centre Society, Southwestern Valley Region

Excellence in Collaboration
Guysborough County District RCMP
The Community of St. Andrews, Antigonish Co.
Women Unlimited, Southwestern Valley Region

Excellence in Client Service
Bonnie Anderson, Halifax Regional Municipality
John Dobrowolski, Halifax Regional Municipality
New Ross Family Resource Centre, Lunenburg Co.,
Honourable Mention
Ron Levy, Pictou Co., Honourable Mention