“If anyone here knows either of these two, then you must know the power of their persuasion, their exuberance for event planning and their love of community. When you double that up – look out and hold on. That is exactly what the Crocus Country board did…we grabbed their coat tails and were hauled along for the ride. Since 2025 was such a positive and smashing success that we decided to roll it out again in 2026.”
Horrigan said the categories for the awards were set up to recognize everyone who contributed to the region. Established businesses were covered by Business of the Year and Legacy Business, while newer ones are under Rising Stars. Customer Service Excellence and People’s Choice are awarded for how businesses treat people. Several individuals are covered by Women in Business Leadership, Employee Excellence, Community Champion, Lifetime Achievement and Non-Profit/Service Group recognizes organization. The Employee Excellence category, Horrigan said, was added for 2026 to recognize workers alongside owners.
“Nominations came from the public, and winners were selected using a scoring rubric based on the written nominations,” she explained. “The People’s Choice winner was chosen by a vote of gala guests during the event.”
A tribute, with awards, was also held for the Early Learning Centres in Pierson, Waskada and Melita.
The Crocus Country EDC is comprised of the Town of Melita and the Municipalities of Two Borders and Brenda-Waskada. It started as the Melita and Area Economic Development Corporation in 1997, and after a period of hiatus, restarted as Crocus Country in 2022.
“The three municipalities work together because our communities share an economy – people live in one community, work in another and shop and volunteer across the region. By pooling resources, we can offer business support, promote the region and attract new residents and investment more effectively than any one community could on its own.”
They are committed to job creation through strategic initiatives to increase the region’s prosperity, with a focus on the area communities collaborating with each other to increase opportunities and quality of life.
Horrigan said they plan to continue the Crocus Awards into the future.
“The response from the communities has been wonderful, and we look forward to continuing the Crocus Awards, with 2027 plans underway and to be held in the town of Waskada. It is really exciting to be part of such a positive evening where we get to celebrate the people, businesses and groups that make SW Manitoba such a unique and resilient corner.”
by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff