Friesens Corporation is being singled-out by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce.
The Altona-based book manufacturer will receive one of the organization's 2025 Future Champion Awards at a reception in Winnipeg in May.
Nominated by their peers in Manitoba’s business community, the awards are handed out to those that use their influence to drive social and economic innovation with impact, innovation and heart.
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“The Manitoba Champions Awards shine a light on the remarkable leadership and innovation that define our province,” said Chuck Davidson, President & CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, in a media release. “The recipients of these awards are building a better future for Manitoba – not only through economic excellence but by investing in people, communities, and purpose.”
In a separate media release, Chad Friesen, CEO of Friesens Corporation said, “We humbly accept this recognition. As an employee-owned company we know that when employees benefit from ownership, great things happen for our company, for our families, and for the community. Without employee-ownership, this company would not have delivered those benefits and would have likely been sold years ago. It was the visionary thinking of the founding family that preserved the company for future generations through employee-ownership.
It is with that in mind, that in 2023 we launched the Tallgrass Employee Owner Equity Fund to help other businesses transition to employee-ownership and to help keep more Manitoba companies owned by Manitobans for generations to come.”
Kal Smith, President of the Altona and District Chamber, says Friesens deserves the recognition, providing great benefit to the community through its employee-ownership model.
"They're able to disburse some of the funds through their employees. That's fantastic. That means the employees are happy, and then on top of that, they're able in turn to provide some economic benefit to the entire community whether that's going to a retail shop, going out for lunch or using some of the services that the community has."
Also being recognized with a Future Champion Award is Valley Fiber.