Media Release
Economic Development Winnipeg Inc. Introduces 2015-2016 Board of Directors: Don Boitson Joins Michael Scatliff as Co-Chair
September 8, 2015: Winnipeg, MB – Economic Development Winnipeg Inc. (EDW) is pleased to announce that Don Boitson, vice-president and general manager of Magellan Aerospace (Winnipeg), and Michael Scatliff, principal of Scatliff + Miller + Murray, will serve as co-chairs of EDW’s board of directors for the 2015-2016 term. This will be Scatliff’s second consecutive year serving as co-chair, having shared this responsibility with Mary Jane Loustel during the 2014-2015 term. Loustel’s departure from the board after six years—the final five as either chair or co-chair—means Boitson will be assuming co-chair duties for the first time. Given his appointment to the senior-most position, Boitson is now also a member of the board’s executive committee.
“I’m honoured to continue my role as co-chair of EDW’s board of directors,” said Scatliff. “EDW has made great progress in bolstering Winnipeg’s reputation internationally in recent years. Winnipeg is alive with opportunity, and I look forward to working with Don and the rest of the board to ensure that Winnipeg continues to build on its reputation as a smart and connected city of the future.”
“As a board member for the past several years, I’ve witnessed the impressive evolution of EDW and its board in articulating compelling business and tourism cases for Winnipeg,” said Boitson. “Together with Michael, I’m confident we can sustain this momentum and maximize EDW’s ability to convince businesses to invest here, to persuade talented people to live and work here, and to entice a growing number of visitors here to experience Winnipeg’s world-class tourist attractions.”
EDW is also delighted to welcome four new members to its board this year: JR Alibin, chief financial officer of Blueprint Global Partners; Drew Fisher, general manager of The Fairmont Winnipeg; Margaret Redmond, president and CEO of the Assiniboine Park Conservancy; and Dean Schinkel, a partner at Deloitte, who has agreed to serve as chair of the board’s finance committee and to be a member of the executive committee.
In addition to Loustel’s departure, retiring four-year board members include Jenifer Bartman, who served for the last three years as chair of the board’s finance committee; Lorne Perrin; and Keith Sinclair. Their collective contributions have been considerable, and their presence will be missed.
EDW’s 2015-2016 board also includes the following members:
- Jim August, director of community and economic development for the Government of Manitoba
- Sean Barnes, vice-president and district manager of PCL Construction Canada
- Pascal Belanger, vice-president and chief commercial officer of the Winnipeg Airports Authority
- Kevin Donnelly, senior vice-president of venues and entertainment for True North Sports & Entertainment
- Don Finkbeiner, owner of Heartland International Travel & Tours
- Norman Gousseau, chief executive officer of Enterprises Riel
- Damon Johnston, president of the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg
- BJ Reid, vice-president of fund services and CFO of mutual funds for Investors Group
- Jason Fuith, chief of staff for Mayor Brian Bowman
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About Economic Development Winnipeg Inc.
Economic Development Winnipeg Inc. (EDW) is the lead economic development agency for Winnipeg. EDW facilitates investment promotion and attraction, capacity building, tourism development, marketing and communications, and the management of market information. By applying competitive intelligence and by fostering relationships with industry leaders, government officials and community stakeholders, potential opportunities and innovation drivers are evaluated to develop key industries and define future economic growth. EDW supports targeted sector, community and social development, and promotes Winnipeg’s diverse economy and high quality of life.
EDW leads global investment attraction, and local business retention and expansion, with its YES! Winnipeg initiative. YES! Winnipeg’s business development team assists in the creation and retention of jobs, identifies opportunities that attract new investment, focuses on expansion and helps local entrepreneurs launch new commercial ventures.
Tourism Winnipeg is the city’s official destination marketing organization tasked with increasing visitation and delivering the best possible visitor experience. A division of Economic Development Winnipeg Inc., Tourism Winnipeg’s mission is to facilitate a healthy, prosperous, responsible and fully integrated tourism industry that enhances Winnipeg’s economic growth through the acquisition of meetings, conventions, sports and events, group travel and leisure tourism.
www.economicdevelopmentwinnipeg.com
For more information, please contact:
Croft Petersmeyer
Director, Marketing & Communications
Economic Development Winnipeg Inc.
Phone: 204.954.1961 Cell: 204.898.4866
Email: croft@economicdevelopmentwinnipeg.com
