Biomass North celebrated achievements in the field of biomass and the bioeconomy during its second annual awards evening on Oct. 11.
Awards in six categories were handed out at an evening ceremony as part of the 2017 Biomass North Forum, held Oct. 11-12, in Thunder Bay.
A list of the awards and winners follows:
Municipal Leadership in the Bioeconomy
Awarded to: Marathon Economic Development Corporation
Accepted by: Bob Hancherow, general manager
This award celebrates a Canadian municipality or municipally focused organization that has made an outstanding contribution to local community needs, through a biomass-related initiative that represents significant local change, involves local people, and has the potential to be replicated in other communities.
Indigenous Leadership in the Bioeconomy
Awarded to: Wahkohtowin Development GP Inc.
Accepted By: Colin Lachance, president
This award celebrates a Canadian First Nation or Indigenous-focused organization that has made an outstanding contribution to local community needs, through a biomass-related initiative that represents significant local change, involves local people, and has the potential to be replicated in other communities.
Industry Leadership in the Bioeconomy
Awarded to: Resolute Forest Products
Accepted by: Timothy Yanni, operations manager (Thunder Bay Sawmill)
This award celebrates a private sector business in Canada that has demonstrated leadership in their biomass-related products, services and/or operations.
Research and Innovation in the Bioeconomy
Awarded to: Dr. Pedram Fatehi (Department of Chemical Engineering, Lakehead University)
Accepted by: Weijue Gao, research associate
This award celebrates a Canadian academic institution, researcher, organization or business that has made a significant contribution to biomass-related research, innovation, knowledge transfer and/or product development.
Innovative Project in the Bioeconomy
Awarded to: Bioénergie La Tuque (for Vision La Tuque 2023 project)
Accepted By: Patrice Mangin, CEO
This award celebrates a Canadian project that has made an outstanding contribution to biomass innovation.
International Leadership in the Bioeconomy (honorary award)
Awarded to: Finpro
Accepted by: Saku Liuksia, Program Manager
Finpro was, along with its Team Finland partners, monumental in the arrangement of the 2017 Team Finland Visit to Canada, with the goals of sharing technical and business expertise, opening doors, and building relationships. As a result, this visit has become the largest group of Finnish business delegates to visit Canada in a single mission (to date).
