Last Thursday, SREDA presented the first annual Wanda Hunchak Leadership Award to Shawn Moen, CEO and Co-Founder of 9 Mile Legacy Brewing. This award celebrates emerging leaders who are passionate voices for the Saskatoon Region business community and demonstrate strong volunteerism.
The award was created to recognize the exceptional leadership of former SREDA Board of Directors member and past Chair Wanda Hunchak, who led SREDA through a pivotal period of change and helped establish the organization as one of the leading economic development agencies in Canada. Her outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship, economic development and mentoring have provided immense value to SREDA and the Saskatoon business community as a whole.
The award was presented to Shawn Moen at SREDA’s Annual General Meeting on May 6th.
“I am extremely honoured to receive the 2021 Wanda Hunchak Leadership Award,” said Moen. “The past year has been one that required a mix of foresight, creativity and resolution, along with a commitment to stick together as neighbours and push through to the other side together. I am immensely proud of how the Saskatoon business community rose to the occasion throughout this memorable period and it is honestly very touching to be recognized by my peers for any role I played in assisting that collective effort. In many ways, a leadership award is a team award – and I am greatly looking forward to celebrating this recognition with my team of professional, creative and caring 9Milers once the clouds lift on the pandemic!”
Moen was nominated by Stephanie Clovechok, CEO of Tourism Saskatoon. “Courageous leadership on the prairies is epitomized by Shawn Moen,” said Clovechok. “He has been instrumental in the establishment and evolution of Saskatoon’s strong, authentic visitor economy.”
“Strong leadership and outstanding commitment to supporting local businesses is key to helping our economy thrive,” said Alex Fallon, SREDA Team Lead and CEO. “Shawn stepped up during a challenging time to advocate for the safety of employees and the role of employers in navigating the impact of COVID – particularly in the retail and food & drink industry. SREDA is pleased to celebrate his leadership over the last year.”
Nominations for the next Wanda Hunchak Leadership Award will open in 2022. For more information, contact SREDA at info@sreda.com or read the award description.