Leadership recognized with Award of Distinction

Marie Delorme is a successful business owner who has everything going for her, except the time to take in her good fortune.

Take last February at the River Cree Resort, the site of the Alberta Business Awards of Distinction gala ceremonies, where she and her Calgary-based company, The Imagination Group, won two awards, including the Aboriginal Woman Entrepreneur Award of Distinction.

“My business travel schedule has been a bit hectic since the awards dinner,” said Delorme.  “So it is currently residing on the table in my office keeping company with the beautiful glass feather which (the government of Alberta) Aboriginal Relations also presented that evening. I will find a special place for both of these honours.”

Delorme’s company was praised by the Alberta Chamber of Commerce, which facilitates the awards, for its focus on Aboriginal-themed products and services. The Imagination Group offers business consultation expertise to Aboriginal organizations, corporations and governments. Two other companies founded by Delorme concentrate on promoting Aboriginal art and culture. NATION-Imagination distributes promotional and corporate products and gifts created by more than 35 Aboriginal artists and services 200 corporations with its merchandise available at more than 250 retailers. A third company, Authentically Aboriginal, is an online registry to authenticate First Nations works of art, which includes a national certification mark for validity.

Delorme and her ventures have received awards before, including the Alberta Chamber of Commerce Business Award of Distinction and the Métis Nation Entrepreneurial Leadership Award. But the latest armful of trophies came during a particularly special landmark in her career.

“This year is a milestone one for us as our group of companies celebrate 10 years in business,” said Delorme.

“Everyone was delighted. I had the privilege of receiving the award, but there were many other people who were with our companies every step of the way as we learned and grew. I am inspired by the artists, customers, suppliers and our team at The Imagination Group, who believed in our vision and were always there for us.”

A member of the Métis Nation, Delorme frequently gives back to her community that not only reflects her bloodlines, but the city in which she has set up her enterprise. She currently serves on Mount Royal University’s board of governors for Mount Royal University and holds an advisory post that oversees the institution’s Aboriginal programs. Other activities include co-chairing the Calgary United Way campaign and membership in the International Women’s Forum.

“Awards not only celebrate excellence, but encourage it,” said Delorme. “While modern economies may differ from traditional ones, Aboriginal people have always been entrepreneurs. Aboriginal women are leaders in our communities and in business and send the message to others that it is important to succeed and to get ahead, but that it is equally important to give back to society in some way.”

Of the 11 awards issued this year by the Alberta Business Awards of Distinction, four were dedicated to Aboriginal practices. The other recipients in that group included Seven Lakes Oilfield Services, Cold Lake (Eagle Feather Business Award of Distinction), Canadian Pacific Railway (Diversity Leadership Award of Distinction) and Syncrude Canada Limited (Aboriginal Relations – Best Practice Award of Distinction).