Good evening everyone,

I am Nancy Cooke, President of Old St Vital Biz and Managing Partner of Elm Park Dental.

Thank you to everyone for joining us this evening. We enjoy community events where we can meet community members and business leaders.

Thank you to our organizing committee – Mandy Pepe, our E.D. and Cory Gergulich of Crescent Financial.

We have a few important acknowledgements today.

First, I would ask that our recent Mayor’s Biz Award winner, Kyle Stewart of Urban Garage join me on stage. Kyle and his automotive business have been long standing members of Old St Vital Biz, Kyle joined the board in 2022 and was a significant support when we were experiencing increased crime, graffiti and fire hazards related to encampments along the river.

Together with the Biz owners and the board Kyle and the team worked to activate all the local supports including the community police officer, Manitoba Fire Commissioners Office, city of Winnipeg and St Boniface Street links to help us address these issues in the most compassionate and effective manner.

We are presenting Kyle with a certificate on behalf of the Biz to acknowledge his dedication to the Biz. We wish him all the best as he has relocated his growing business to Marion Street.

It is now my honor to to celebrate someone who has not only been a leader, but a pillar of this community—Mr. Jim Fuller of Top Hat Florists. Jim please join me on stage.

Jim's story with the Old St. Vital Business Improvement Zone began at the, when the BIZ was just an idea. Jim and other business leaders and community members started the Glenwood Neighborhood Association in 1992 with a vision to revitalize a neighborhood, to bring local businesses together, and to make Old St. Vital a place we could all be proud to call home.

The Manitoba/Winnipeg Community Revitalization Program granted $3 million dollars to allocate to community projects.

That vision became reality in 1995, when the City passed the by-law that officially established the Old St. Vital BIZ. And Jim was there—not on the sidelines, but at the helm.

The early projects include the Old St Vital Archway and enhancements on the bridge along St. Mary’s Road just north of the junction to participating in the development of the Reader Board and the Watershed art installation in conjunction with the Winnipeg Arts Council.

Jim, alongside fellow founder Linda Elmhurst, built something lasting. They didn’t just help start a board; they helped start a movement. From the Welcome Arch to the flower planters, the Moonlight Swim programs to the Safety on Wheels initiative, Jim has had a hand in shaping the very streets and spirit of our community.

Over the years, Jim has stepped forward again and again—serving not just once, but returning multiple times to lead, support, and re-energize the BIZ. He served as President, organized Streetscaping projects, and brought his dedication to countless community initiatives. And even when he wasn't on the board, he was always present. Always helping. Always cheering others on.

What’s remarkable about Jim is not just his service—it’s the passion behind it. Whether he was planting flowers at Top Hat Florist or chairing a board meeting, Jim did it all with heart, humility, and humour. His fingerprints are on almost every project we’ve celebrated over the

last 30 years. He’s been a constant voice for community pride, and an example of what it means to serve not for recognition, but for results.

Today, as Jim steps into retirement, we are not saying goodbye. We are simply thanking him—deeply—for decades of impact. For the countless hours, the boundless energy, and for never giving less than his full heart to the betterment of Old St. Vital.

Jim, your legacy lives in the storefronts, the smiling faces, and the strengthened bonds of this community. On behalf of the Old St. Vital BIZ, and everyone whose life you’ve touched—thank you.

Congratulations on your retirement, Jim. You've more than earned it.