For the second year in a row, the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba’s Annual General Meeting was a virtual affair Tuesday night.
Approximately seventy-five shareholders participated in the AGM, which was held via Zoom, with members hearing from President Greg Crisanti and various committee chairs, having the opportunity to ask questions on what happened in 2021 and the prospects looking ahead to the new year.
As well, three new board members were elected and nine board members were re-elected, and the Board presented the Exhibition’s current financial situation.
BDO’s Don Simpson told shareholders that despite the cancellations of both the Royal Manitoba Winter and Summer Fairs, the Prov Ex, its staff, executive and directors managed reasonably well.
“The Provincial Ex entered 2021 committed to host events and generate new revenue.” Said Simpson, “However, in a year that events were impacted again – the Provincial Exhibition board, volunteers, and staff really hit it out of the park. They did a great job in putting us in a strong position for 2022.”
This year’s revenue/income in total was $998,803.82 with expenses totaling $740,803.66, leaving our year end with a surplus of $258,000.16. Considering the health restrictions and lack of hosting events, our fundraising efforts along with Midway Madness and Manitoba AG EX were successful. Simpson was also pleased to report that all funds from deferred sponsorships and deposits from the cancelled 2020 RMWF are accounted for and on hand.
“We are not yet in calm waters, but I leave as President confident that our Family of 39 Directors, the strength of our staff and this amazing community has what it takes to tackle anything flowing our way.” Said Crisanti.
Among the highlights in 2021 – a successful Midway Madness on Labour Day weekend, the return of the Manitoba Ag Ex in October and a number of successful fundraising initiatives, including Love-a-Fair, an August Drive In at the Dome and the Polaris Ranger Side by Side raffle with C&C Rentals and Recreation, that saw sales go throughout the summer and fall.
In addition to outlining the Provincial Exhibition’s financial picture and the election of new board members, longtime volunteer Connie Bok was named the 2021 recipient of the Jim Figol Memorial Award.
Presented annually since 1991, the award recognizes a volunteer that embodies the same commitment, spirit, and dedication to all of the fairs and community as Past Director and President James M. Figol. Bok, who works on several committees and is Co-Chair of the Summer Fair, was recognized at the AGM by Crisanti.
This marked the second straight year that the AGM has been held online due to the pandemic.
Lastly, we would like to welcome all new and returning Directors to the Board of the Provincial Ex! And we look forward to sharing more details after the 2022 Executive Board is elected on February 7, 2022.
For more information and to arrange an interview contact:
Rick Dillabough – Operations Manager and Sponsorship Lead 204-726-3590