Three years ago, Jordan Farber, a 32 year old Jewish businessman [who works at Qualico and is the grandson of the late well known writer Gene Telpner ] and a couple of friends created the Future Leaders of Manitoba Awards.  These awards, handed out annually, recognize the next generation ( individuals between the ages 25 and 39) of Manitoba leaders in three categories – Arts, Business/Professional and Community Service. 

Local lawyer Jeremy Feuer and Patricia Katz, a marketing project manager at MTS Allstream are also on the committee for the Future Leaders of Manitoba Awards.

“A few years ago, we saw a number of our friends move away for what they believed to be greener pastures,” said Farber.  “The reality is that there is some tremendous talent in our province -be it people that grew up here or even moved here- and we felt it was extremely important to recognize these individuals. Creating the Future Leaders of Manitoba Awards was our way of both thanking and acknowledging the future leaders of our province.”

At the inaugural 2009 event there were over 400 attendees and well over 500 at the 2010 event including Mayor Sam Katz,  as well as countless local politicians and a large number of Manitoba’s business owners and top executives.

“Corporate and community support has been fantastic. “said Farber, “We are extremely grateful to the Business Council of Manitoba along with both the Winnipeg and Manitoba Chambers of Commerce.

“As we embark on our third year we are encouraging people to submit nominations for the 2011 awards event which takes place on January 27 at the Fort Gary Hotel.  If you know of someone who you consider to be a ‘Future Leader’, we encourage you to visit our website (www.flmc.mb.ca) and submit a nomination.”

Nominations will be judged by Jim Carr, former Leader of the Manitoba Liberal party and President of the Business Council of Manitoba along with Sandy Riley, Dr. Bill Pope, Leslie Weir, Rosemary Vodrey, and Gerry Price (Honourary Chair).

The deadline for nominations is November 30th.