Member Highlight James Cohen President & CEO, Gendis Inc James Cohen is the President and CEO of Gendis Inc. www.gendis.ca, a formerly TSX-listed and now 100% privately-owned company involved in the management of several commercial real estate properties as well as investments in energy infrastructure, oil and gas wells, agribusiness, and a chain of independent drug stores. James worked in all sectors of the […] Read More Member Highlight James Cohen President & CEO, Gendis Inc James Cohen is the President and CEO of Gendis Inc. www.gendis.ca, a formerly TSX-listed and now 100% privately-owned company involved in the management of several commercial real estate properties as well as investments in energy infrastructure, oil and gas wells, agribusiness, and a chain of independent drug stores. James worked in all sectors of the business prior to being named CEO in 2010 and has led the transformation of the company from the sale of its former retail subsidiary to the recent privatization of the business after nearly 60 years on the TSX. James has led two of the Province’s major arts and culture organizations having served as Chair of Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet from 2005 – 2007 and Chair of the Manitoba Museum from 2018 – 2020 as well as Chair of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Development Committee from 2021 – 2023 and Chair of the Young Presidents Organization Manitoba Chapter for 2022-2023. In 2024, in recognition of his volunteerism and philanthropy, James was inducted into the Order of Manitoba and was also the Manitoba Museum Tribute Honoree along with his wife Linda, to whom he has been married since 1995. In addition, James is a signed musician and songwriter whose band James Cohen and the Prairie Roots Rockers www.prairierootsrockers.com released their debut album on Soccermom Records/Warner Music Canada in 2011 and featured several songs that charted nationally. Hockey is another of his passions and he normally plays 80 games of organized competitive hockey per season. IndigenousEducationAwards LEARN MORE APPLY NOW APPLICATIONS DUE MAY 31 Indigenous Education Awards LEARN MORE APPLY NOW Podcast The Council’s podcast explores the people behind our mission to make Manitoba a preferred place to live work and invest. Taking Care of Business goes one-on-one with Manitoba’s president and CEOs to learn more about who they are, how they got to where they are, what inspires them, and how they take care of business and the community. LISTEN Podcast The Council’s podcast explores the people behind our mission to make Manitoba a preferred place to live work and invest. Taking Care of Business goes one-on-one with Manitoba’s president and CEOs to learn more about who they are, how they got to where they are, what inspires them, and how they take care of business and the community. LISTEN Podcast The Council’s podcast explores the people behind our mission to make Manitoba a preferred place to live work and invest. Taking Care of Business goes one-on-one with Manitoba’s president and CEOs to learn more about who they are, how they got to where they are, what inspires them, and how they take care of business and the community. LISTEN Newsletter The Taking Care of Business newsletter is designed to keep you up to date on the latest happenings in the Manitoba business community directly from BCM member companies. READ Podcast The Council’s podcast explores the people behind our mission to make Manitoba a preferred place to live work and invest. Taking Care of Business goes one-on-one with Manitoba’s president and CEOs to learn more about who they are, how they got to where they are, what inspires them, and how they take care of business and the community. LISTEN Newsletter The Taking Care of Business newsletter is designed to keep you up to date on the latest happenings in the Manitoba business community directly from BCM member companies. READ Podcast The Council’s podcast explores the people behind our mission to make Manitoba a preferred place to live work and invest. Taking Care of Business goes one-on-one with Manitoba’s president and CEOs to learn more about who they are, how they got to where they are, what inspires them, and how they take care of business and the community. LISTEN MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Bram Strain I am very honored to have been entrusted to be only the third President and CEO in the history of the Business Council of Manitoba. The Council, established in 1998, is proud of its record of accomplishments, offering a constructive, non-partisan voice on major challenges and opportunities for Manitoba and Canada. I look forward to working with our members and our key stakeholders in building on our past successes and continuing to contribute towards realizing the full potential of our great province. READ MORE Our membership, through private sector investments and working in partnership with various levels of government, is focused on sustainable long-term growth, jobs and prosperity for all Manitobans present and future. We welcome inquiries from readers who are interested in the work we do and the opinions we hold. We recognize the value in building support for positive change to make our province more competitive as we look forward to future opportunities and challenges. Our goal is simple, to provide fact based and innovative input into major policy issues focused on making Manitoba a place where all can live, work and invest in vibrant and healthy communities. Please follow us on twitter and LinkedIn MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR Rick Duha It’s an honour to step into the role of Chair of the Business Council of Manitoba and to help guide this dynamic group of leaders as we continue to champion Manitoba’s growth and prosperity. I’m inspired by the legacy of those who came before me and energized by the opportunities ahead. The Business Council brings together CEOs and senior executives who are united by a shared belief in Manitoba’s potential. Since 1998, we have collaborated across sectors, with community partners, and all levels of government to promote policies that encourage innovation, economic growth, and inclusive opportunities. READ MORE We know that today’s challenges—both local and global—require steady leadership and collaborative solutions. Whether navigating economic uncertainty, geopolitical shifts, or evolving workforce needs, the Council remains committed to advocating for what’s best for Manitoba and its people. As the Business Council, our strength lies in our interconnected community and shared purpose: to make Manitoba a place where businesses thrive, communities flourish, and future generations can succeed. Thank you to all who share in our vision for a stronger Manitoba. I’m proud to help lead the Council into its next chapter. I invite you to follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected with our latest updates and initiatives
