Twelve Yukon organizations have been honoured for their contributions in bringing meetings, conferences and other events to the Yukon.

The 2008 Bravo Awards, sponsored by Northwestel, were presented by the Yukon Convention Bureau last night at a Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, held at the Yukon Arts Centre.

“These awards are one way to thank organizations and individuals who go beyond the call of duty to attract a conference or meeting to the Yukon, or to ensure the event’s success,” said Maureen Bundgaard, Yukon Convention Bureau Managing Director. “The Bureau works year-round to showcase the Yukon as a fantastic place to host events and meetings. We are very pleased to be able to recognize some of the Yukoners who share our commitment to promoting the territory as a destination for conventions and events.” [see attached list of award recipients]

The Bravo Awards program, a partnership between the Yukon Convention Bureau and Northwestel, was launched in 2004.

“Conventions, meetings and events held in the Yukon have a significant positive effect on the territory’s economic well-being,” said Paul Flaherty, Northwestel President and Chief Executive Office. “Whenever an event is hosted here, we all benefit from the dollars spent by participants from the North and beyond. Northwestel is proud to help recognize those who have worked hard to attract events to the territory.”

This year’s recipients helped to organize a wide range of events which attracted nearly 2000 visitors to the Yukon. These included an international fast pitch tournament and a motorcycle rally, as well as a number of conferences, including a meeting of science writers from across the country, an annual meeting of Canadian occupational therapists and a conference of the Trumpeter Swan Society.

“These events have attracted visitors from fascinating and diverse backgrounds and walks of life,” added Flaherty. “We know that visitors to the Yukon often act as our ambassadors after they return home, telling others what a great place the Yukon is to visit. It’s heartening to think that so many people from across the country and around the world have experienced the Yukon through these events and conferences, and now are helping to spread the word about our territory.”

In 2008, Northwestel contributed more than $670,000 in cash and in-kind donations to many northern community groups, including the 2008 Arctic Winter Games. Throughout its history, Northwestel has played a key role in the economic, social and cultural development of the North. Northwestel is recognised as a key contributor to the well-being of northern communities through its community investment program and the volunteer contributions of its employees.

Northwestel provides complete telecommunications solutions in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon, northern British Columbia and High Level, Alberta. The company’s operations span nearly 4 million square kilometres of the most remote and rugged areas of Canada.