The Southeast Event Centre has announced it will retain its name while introducing a new tagline, 'Fuelled by Pork' – a reflection of the community support behind the project and the region's deep ties to the pork industry.
The Southeast Events Group (SEG), a not-for-profit organization partnering with the City of Steinbach to operate the facility, played a pivotal role in making this vision a reality. SEG committed to raising $25.5 million in private funding from the community, with a significant portion of the donations coming from stakeholders in the local pork industry.
“The decision to keep the name Southeast Event Centre reflects our commitment to inclusivity,” said Grant Lazaruk, Chair of the SEG Board of Directors. “The group of donors chose not to honour individuals, families, or specific companies but to celebrate the entire region. The tagline ‘Fuelled by Pork’ represents our gratitude for the industry’s contribution and connection to the broader farming community.”
The tagline acknowledges how deeply the pork industry is woven into the fabric of southeastern Manitoba. When visitors come through the facility’s grand timber-framed atrium, a donor wall will share the history behind the tagline. It highlights the remarkable story of community-minded pioneers like Don Janzen, Claude Vielfaure, Denis Vielfaure, and Grant Lazaruk. Their journeys began humbly in a single-family barn and expanded to establish southeastern Manitoba as a major hub for pork production.
These individuals attribute their successes to their hardworking teams and the resilient community that supported them. Their gratitude has inspired them to give back by contributing to a project that will benefit the entire region.
“About 30 years ago, my partners and I set out to start a pork production business here in southeastern Manitoba,” recalled Don Janzen, who currently serves on the SEG Board. “The community welcomed us with open arms and offered incredible support. Now, my wife and I are giving back to the community that has given us so much.”
Echoing this sentiment is Claude Vielfaure, also an SEG board member. “For us at HyLife, giving back is part of our culture. Our communities have done so much for us, both professionally and personally. This is our way of fostering continued growth and highlighting southeastern Manitoba as a wonderful place to live.”
Together with HyLife, these leaders envisioned creating a space where the community could come together to celebrate its shared pride and accomplishments. The Southeast Event Centre is a testament to this vision – a symbol of collaboration, passion, and pride.
The name Southeast Event Centre: Fuelled by Pork represents more than business success. It tells a story of a community working together to achieve extraordinary results.
The Southeast Event Centre eagerly awaits your visit in March 2025, welcoming you to a place that belongs to all of us.
Here is the “Fuelled by Pork” story as it will be displayed on the Major Donor Wall in the atrium of the Southeast Event Centre:
Fuelled by Pork
From humble beginnings in a single-family barn, a shared vision grew. Don Janzen, Claude Vielfaure, Denis Vielfaure, and Grant Lazaruk have become respected leaders within HyLife and the global pork industry. Their dedication has put southeastern Manitoba on the map as a significant hub for pork production.
Since the early 1990s, these individuals have worked tirelessly to shape and innovate within their field. They credit their success to their hardworking team members and the determined people they've collaborated with. They know that without the unwavering support of their team and the contributions of the community, the company wouldn’t be the success it is today.
To show their appreciation, Don, Claude, Denis, and Grant have given back in a meaningful way. Together with HyLife, they envisioned a space where the community could unite and celebrate its shared pride and accomplishments. The Southeast Event Centre stands as a testament to this commitment. Its tagline, "fuelled by pork," honours not just these four trailblazers but also the people whose hard work and passion have shaped this story.
This is more than a facility – it’s a symbol of collaboration, community, and a legacy built together.
Welcome to a place that belongs to all of us