FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 24, 2005                                                            

TO: All Media Outlets
FROM: Yukon Convention Bureau

YUKON CONVENTION BUREAU PRESENTS 2005 BRAVO AWARDS!

Whitehorse, Yukon. The Yukon Convention Bureau (YCB) together with Northwestel will be hosting the semi-annual Bravo Awards on Wednesday May 25th, 2005.

The Bravo Awards, recognize organizations who have championed hosting a meeting/ event in the Yukon, who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the success of a meeting/ event or who have assisted in securing a meeting/ event for Yukon.

Fifteen Bravo Awards will be presented on Wednesday May 25th, 2005 at the Beringia Centre from 5 – 6:30pm.

“The Yukon Convention Bureau encourages Yukoners to raise their hand in offering to bring a meeting home to the Yukon. We want to recognize the efforts of organizations which have done so and thank them with a Bravo Award,” said Jenn Houtby, CMP Managing Director of the Yukon Convention Bureau.

“The Yukon Convention Bureau has over $13 Million in meeting and event business registered on its convention Calendar” added Houtby. “Whether a meeting or sporting event, each one garners significant economic impact within the Territory.”

“Northwestel is pleased to help promote the successes of a number of Yukon organizations by sponsoring the Yukon Convention Bureau Bravo Awards,” said Northwestel President and CEO Paul Flaherty.

“We are very supportive of the efforts the local individuals and groups who have gone the extra mile in attracting new meetings and events to the Yukon, or who have contributed in exceptional ways to ensure the success of a meeting or event,” added Flaherty. “Their achievements benefit all Yukoners through the economic impact of every meeting and event hosted here, and they deserve our recognition and thanks.”

The Bravo Awards program was launched in the fall of 2004. Northwestel has committed to sponsoring the program for a three-year period.

“The Bravo Awards would not have been possible without the support of Northwestel,” said Paul Choquette, Yukon Convention Bureau President. “. “Northwestel is great community supporter within Yukon and the Yukon Convention Bureau is very pleased to partner with Northwestel on this exciting program,” he added.

The Yukon Convention Bureau positions the Yukon as a favorable destination for meetings an events. With over 30 events already confirmed for 2005, YCB is currently booking 2005 through 2010.

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