There were a number of factors that contributed to the decision — made by The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors — to choose ACU for the Spirit of Winnipeg Award, including:

• Its history of corporate social responsibility, demonstrated through a multitude of partnerships with organizations like SEED Winnipeg, United Way, Manitoba Start, Urban Circle Training Centre, and many more. ACU is committed to community inclusion, working to increase the social and economic participation of marginalized members of the community such as Indigenous people, newcomers to Canada, disadvantaged women or youth, and people living with disabilities.
• A commitment to environmental sustainability and green commuting, which has led to ACU being named as one of Canada’s ‘Greenest Employers’ for five straight years, one of Manitoba’s ‘Top Employers’ in 2017, and one of Canada’s ‘Best Employers for New Canadians’ in 2016.
• Dedication to diversity and inclusiveness through promotion of gender equality within the organization, partnerships with the Manitoba Real Estate Association, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and Province of Manitoba to invest in home ownership opportunities for Indigenous families, and a strong focus on grants and sponsorships that invest in events, programs, and organizations that create social inclusion and support community enterprise development.
• Long-standing support of Winnipeg’s local business community, through its Manitoba Business Start Program and the Canada Small Business Financing Program helping entrepreneurs access financing for business start-ups and growth.