On May 8, 2019, [CME](https://cme-mec.ca/) Southwestern Ontario Branch (CME-SWOB) celebrated its 24th annual Manufacturer’s Scholarship Awards and Recognition Night. The semi-formal event – which features an exhibitor showcase, industry speakers and the awards ceremony – drew more than 250 guests primarily from the manufacturing and educational sectors. [The Ivey Academy](https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/academy/) Manufacturer of the Year award was also presented, with [Brose Canada](https://www.brose.com/ca-en/brose-in-canada/) receiving the honour.})Since 1995, with help from dedicated sponsors like founding partner [3M Canada Company](https://www.3mcanada.ca/3M/en_CA/company-ca/), CME-SWOB has awarded $260,000 to 176 students pursuing post-secondary education in engineering and the skilled trades. ### **Among the 2019 scholarship winners are:** - Heather Chau and Gary Wang of [Western Engineering](https://www.eng.uwo.ca/), - Tanner Laroque and Eduardo Freitas De Sa of [Fanshawe College School of Applied Science and Technology](https://www.fanshawec.ca/programs-and-courses/academic-schools/school-applied-science-and-technology), - Luis Ruiz Navarro and Joshua Duffy of [Lambton College School of Technology and Trades](https://www.lambtoncollege.ca/custom/LambtonApps/Programs/ProgramListAZ.aspx?areaId=2147486216), - Eric Fehr and Nathaniel Taylor-Wesley of [Thames Valley District School Board](https://www.tvdsb.ca/en/index.aspx), and - Robbie Jamieson and Quinton Pluzak of London District Catholic School Board As part of the scholarship presentations, the students delivered heart-felt speeches expressing excitement and thanks. ### **Growing Agri-Business in Southwestern Ontario** The evening included a discussion on innovation within the functional foods and plant-based categories with award-winning entrepreneurs: - Shannon Kamins, Owner and Master Fermenter of [Booch Organic Kombucha](https://boochorganickombucha.com/), - Margaret Coons, The Big Cheese at [Nuts For Cheese](https://nutsforcheese.com/), and - James McInnes, Co-Founder of [Globally Local](http://www.globallylocal.ca/) Moderated by Jeff van Heumen, Business Development and Commercialization Manager at the Ontario Centres of Excellence, the discussion touched on health benefits, disruption of traditional industries, local sustainability and scale-up challenges.})CME-SWOB’s unique celebration of education in manufacturing continues to gain momentum each year. > Southwestern Ontario is an advanced-manufacturing hub with over 500 companies in the London-region alone. While it's encouraging to see our numbers grow year-over-year, I'm confident we can do better. It's about raising awareness and maintaining organic growth" > > Sherry Parker, CME-SWOB Chair / Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Health Care Business Group, 3M Canada Company On May 6, 2020, CME-SWOB will celebrate a milestone 25th anniversary and is looking to incorporate past winners into the program themed: “Where are they now?” Stay tuned for more information leading up to next year’s event on [CME’s website](https://cme-mec.ca/home-departments/).}) ### **About CME-SWOB** CME-SWOB has been active since 1988 as a non-profit branch of the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters. Led by volunteers in manufacturing and related industries, CME-SWOB's mandate is to raise the profile of manufacturing, promote education in the skilled trades and support those pursing manufacturing careers with scholarships. Looking to get involved with CME-SWOB? Contact: Candace Campbell at [caycamp@ledc.com]({site_url('mailto:caycamp@ledc.com')}).