Employee of the Year

With more than 15 years in tourism and hospitality, Jeannie Cole has helped The Fort Garry Hotel enhance its signature luxury service. Drawing from her experience at world-renowned hotels in Los Angeles, including The Hollywood Roosevelt and The London West Hollywood, Jeannie has brought an elevated level of concierge service to Winnipeg in her pioneering role at the hotel. Her expertise in crafting bespoke itineraries that highlight Winnipeg’s best restaurants, attractions and hidden gems ensures every visitor leaves with unforgettable memories.

Jeannie’s strong relationship building is at the heart of her success. Within the hotel, she collaborates closely with every department, ensuring seamless service for guests. Externally, she has cultivated a robust network across Winnipeg’s tourism community, forming connections with restaurants, theatres, attractions and vendors to offer tailored guest experiences.

Beyond direct guest service, Jeannie responds to reviews across multiple online platforms, managing The Fort Garry Hotel’s reputation for excellence. She also shares the hotel’s rich history through guided tours for students and industry professionals.

Her passion for hospitality, commitment to service and ability to create meaningful connections make Jeannie an invaluable asset to The Fort Garry Hotel and Winnipeg’s tourism community.

With more than 30 years in the hospitality industry, Michael Hunter has built a reputation for exceptional service, attention to detail and genuine hospitality. Known as Hunter in the industry, his career spans some of Winnipeg’s “best of” list, including Amici & Bombolini, Tavern in the Park and Niakwa Golf and Country Club. He is currently a valued member of WOW! Hospitality Concepts.

Michael has served at high-profile galas, weddings, corporate events and private celebrations, catering to local and international celebrities, politicians and philanthropists—including former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien. His expertise extends beyond the city, as he is frequently called upon for events in Steinbach, Gimli, Kenora and beyond.

In 2023, Michael was selected as the lead server for The Den dinners, a one-of-a-kind dining experience created within a snow structure by architect Clint Masse, the mastermind behind the world’s largest snow maze.

Michael’s ability to anticipate guests’ needs, remember their preferences and create a warm, personalized experience sets him apart. He is a mentor, a leader and a true professional, always adapting to ensure every guest leaves with a memorable experience. His passion for hospitality continues to elevate the industry in Winnipeg and beyond.

With 34 years in the hospitality industry, Gilles Landry has built a reputation as a dedicated, community-driven and hands-on leader. As the General Manager of Best Western Plus Pembina Inn & Suites, he is known for his commitment to staff, guests and the broader hospitality industry.

Gilles started his career as a dishwasher in Brandon, Manitoba, quickly rising through the ranks to move to Winning and become General Manager. As a Governor for Best Western District II in Canada, Gilles supports new and existing properties, from preliminary planning to staff training, ensuring each hotel meets the highest standards. His open-door policy makes him a trusted voice for Manitoba’s Best Western properties.

Beyond his leadership, Gilles is deeply committed to his team and community, hosting staff appreciation dinners, supporting local charities and fostering strong relationships. Gilles has always given back to industry and community by supporting schools with fundraising, local charities like Siloam Mission and Dream for Kids. Gilles has partnered with university sports programs as a hotel of choice for out-of-town teams. His passion for hospitality and generosity make him a respected leader and mentor in the industry.

Cory Messel’s dedication to excellence is evident in every aspect of his work at Lady of the Lake. Whether orchestrating intimate gatherings, large-scale celebrations or curating merchandise in the shop, he ensures that every detail is thoughtfully executed, right down to the placement of each centerpiece. His exceptional leadership, organizational skills and keen attention to detail keep all aspects of the business running smoothly.

Cory’s ability to navigate challenges with poise and provide innovative solutions has been a driving force behind the continued success of Lady of the Lake. His passion for quality and unwavering support of the team reflect the values that define the business. As a cornerstone of tourism in the Westman region, Lady of the Lake thrives in large part due to Cory’s behind-the-scenes efforts, ensuring a seamless and welcoming experience for every visitor. His commitment to excellence, deep ties to the community and dedication to his team make him an invaluable part of Lady of the Lake’s ongoing impact.

Emmy Sanderson is a passionate advocate for downtown Brandon, serving as the Executive Director of Brandon Downtown BIZ. She is a dynamic leader whose energy and enthusiasm have been instrumental in revitalizing the downtown core. Through innovative marketing campaigns, Emmy has changed perceptions of downtown, spearheading initiatives such as the summer photo contest, which showcased Instagrammable spots and provided valuable promotional content for Brandon Tourism.

Her dedication extends beyond marketing, as she actively organizes events like downtown lunch walks, encouraging locals and visitors to explore businesses and attractions. Emmy’s ability to build relationships and unify stakeholders has strengthened the downtown community, ensuring a collective voice for business owners. She also works tirelessly at the government level to advocate for policies that support downtown growth.

Emmy’s impact is undeniable—her efforts are drawing attention from key players at both the city and provincial levels. Her belief in the potential of downtown Brandon is infectious, making her not only a champion for local businesses but also a true ambassador for tourism in the region.

Brooke White has been a driving force in enhancing tourism across Flin Flon, Creighton and Denare Beach. Since 2022, she has played a key role in unifying tourism efforts between Manitoba and Saskatchewan by fostering collaboration among municipalities and local businesses to create a seamless visitor experience. Her dedication to customer service ensures every tourist receives personalized, welcoming and informative guidance, helping them explore the region’s attractions with ease.

Brooke’s leadership has led to vital infrastructure improvements, including modern wayfinding signage and an updated regional map, making navigation more accessible. She has also spearheaded creative projects such as Adirondack chair installations, transforming underutilized spaces into vibrant, photo-worthy destinations that encourage longer visitor stays and increased local business activity.

Her innovative approach to digital marketing and stakeholder engagement has significantly boosted the region’s visibility, attracting Canadian and U.S. visitors. Brooke works closely with Indigenous leaders to integrate cultural narratives into tourism initiatives, ensuring respectful and meaningful experiences. Through her strategic vision and commitment to inclusivity, Brooke continues to elevate the region’s tourism landscape, strengthening community pride and positioning the area as a dynamic, must-visit destination.