Membership

Myrna Wiebe is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Access Credit Union, Manitoba’s largest credit union, with over thirty years of experience in the financial services industry. Leading a diverse team of more than 900 employees across Manitoba, including Brio Insurance, Myrna Wiebe is committed to fostering innovation, operational excellence, and community engagement. Myrna Wiebe holds the ICD.D designation from the Rotman Director Education Program, the FCUIC designation from Dalhousie University, a Certificate in Management from the University of Manitoba, and both a Post Baccalaureate Diploma and MBA from Athabasca University.

Actively involved in the credit union system, Myrna Wiebe serves on the boards of Credit Union Central of Manitoba and the Canadian Credit Union Association, contributing to both provincial and national initiatives. Outside of work, Myrna Wiebe is dedicated to volunteerism, serving on committees, and was appointed to the Board and as Chair of the Investment Committee for the Teachers’ Retirement Allowances Fund (TRAF). Myrna Wiebe is also a member of the Winnipeg Women’s Conference Committee.

Access Credit Union

Access Credit Union, with over $12 billion in assets, serves more than 203,000 members at nearly 60 locations. Recognized as one of Manitoba’s Top Employers for nine consecutive years and one of Canada’s best employers for recent graduates, Access Credit Union is dedicated to supporting its communities and inspiring its employees to achieve their best.

Chris Avery is the President & CEO of the Arctic Gateway Group (AGG), an Indigenous- and community-owned organization that owns and operates the Hudson Bay Railway and the Port of Churchill. Chris is an accomplished executive with over 25 years of leadership experience in the transportation industry. Since his appointment in July 2024, he has championed Churchill and the railway as a critical Canadian infrastructure that unlocks new economic opportunities for northern Manitoba and strengthens national supply chains. Under his leadership AGG has set a vision to be a major port in Canada and a significant set of trade enabling infrastructure in support of our national goals to diversify our trade, become an energy super power, and assert our sovereignty in the North.

As the former President & CEO of Canadian North and First Air, Chris led the successful merger and integration of the two airlines and guided the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, Canadian North was named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies and recognized as Regional Airline of the Year (2022) by Air Transport World. He spent 13 years at WestJet in a variety of senior leadership roles and has also held management positions with Alaska Airlines, Canadian Airlines, and other companies in the travel and transportation sectors.

Chris holds a Bachelor of Economics from Western University and an MBA from the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University and serves on the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce Board of Directors.

Arctic Gateway Group (AGG)

Arctic Gateway Group is a proudly Indigenous- and community-owned Manitoba company that owns and operates the Port of Churchill, Canada’s only Arctic deepwater seaport serviced by rail, as well as the Hudson Bay Railway, which runs from The Pas to Churchill.

Joshua Zaporzan is an entrepreneur focused on building companies across the clean energy and artificial intelligence sectors. He is the Founder & CEO of H2MB Inc., a Manitoba-based clean energy company developing the province’s first green hydrogen production, storage, and distribution facility to support decarbonization, energy security, and long-term economic growth.

Joshua also leads Audax Ventures, an AI strategy, custom software, and product development company that helps organizations identify, implement, and scale artificial intelligence. Through Fractional Chief AI Officer (CAIO) services, AI strategy engagements, and custom software development, Audax partners with businesses to move beyond AI planning by designing and building AI-powered software, internal systems, and digital products that create measurable business value.

Beyond his entrepreneurial work, Joshua is the Past Chair of the Young Associates, a member of the Manitoba Premier’s Business & Jobs Advisory Council and was recognized as one of Manitoba Inc. Magazine’s “Top 10 to Watch” Young Professionals. Joshua continues to champion innovation, entrepreneurship, and the adoption of emerging technologies across Manitoba and beyond.

Audax Ventures

Audax Ventures is a Canadian AI strategy and custom software company that helps organizations identify, implement, and scale artificial intelligence to improve operations, productivity, and long-term growth. Through Fractional Chief AI Officer (CAIO) services, AI strategy, and custom software development, Audax partners with businesses to move beyond AI planning by designing, building, and managing AI-powered software, internal systems, and digital products that solve real business challenges and create measurable value

Anita Wortzman was named as President of The Asper Foundation on December 5, 2022.   She graduated with her Bachelor of Commerce degree and Law degree (Gold Medal recipient) from University of Manitoba. Anita practiced law for 9 years specializing in tax and mergers and acquisitions. She then worked in various high growth businesses including Assante Corporation, Activa Consumer Promotions, Acumen Corporate Development and Farmers Edge. Previously, Anita chaired the Gray Academy Board of Jewish Education and was President of the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba. Currently, Anita sits on the Boards of Business Council of Manitoba and Nature Conservancy of Canada (Manitoba Region) and co-chairs Lions of Judah (Jewish Federation of Winnipeg) with her two daughters.

Andrew Parkinson is an experienced leader with a strong background in communications, stakeholder engagement, government and Indigenous relations. After a stint as a political staffer, Andrew joined MTS in 2011 and has since occupied many positions of increasing responsibility.

With a passion for building meaningful partnerships, Andrew has led initiatives that drive positive social impact across Manitoba. His work with programs like Bell Let’s Talk demonstrates a commitment to mental health advocacy and community development. As a member of the Business Council of Manitoba, Andrew brings a collaborative approach and a deep understanding of the unique opportunities and challenges facing the province.

Bison Transport

Raif Richardson is an accomplished transportation and logistics executive with extensive experience driving operational excellence and growth in the intermodal sector. As SVP Multimodal, Raif leads strategic initiatives that optimize network performance, enhance customer experience, and deliver sustainable, cost-effective solutions across North America.

With a proven track record in supply chain strategy, cross-functional leadership, and process improvement, Raif combines deep industry knowledge with a forward-thinking approach to innovation. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement to meet evolving market demands.

In addition to his work at Bison, he sits on the Boards of Richardson International, the Richardson Foundation, the Siobhan Richardson Foundation, CentreVenture Development Corporation, and Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism.

Bison

Bison is North America’s Trusted Supply Chain Solutions Partner. Mile after mile our people-driven culture, innovative approach and dedication to excellence in customer service set us apart from the rest.

As Senior Vice President & Head, BMO Commercial Bank, Canada for the Prairies, Mr. Hillyard has oversight for all aspects of performance for the region. Mr. Hillyard is the former Senior Vice President & Head, BMO Commercial Bank, Canada for the Atlantic Provinces, and Head, Cross-border Banking for BMO’s North American Commercial Bank, and Regional Leader for Treasury and Payments Solutions for the Prairies. Also, a former Managing Director for our Corporate Finance Diversified Industries group where he was responsible for managing relationships with a large group of Prairies clients in the agriculture, mid-Stream Energy, retail, municipal, professional services, university, school, and hospitality sectors.

Mr. Hillyard has also held Regional Leader, Treasury & Payment Solutions and Director roles within Corporate Finance at BMO. He has a wealth of experience attained over a 25-year career that includes experiences at Deloitte Incorporated where he was a leader in the Deloitte Finance and Performance Management group, managing a private company and public sector book of business that consisted of high-profile clients in the Ottawa region. He was also the Deputy Chief Operating Officer and Director, Finance and Administration, with Allbritton New Media of Washington, DC, where he led the finance and operations teams through various acquisitions.

Mr. Hillyard holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Dalhousie University), Bachelor of Arts (Economics) (Dalhousie University), a Master of Business Administration, Finance (Saint Mary’s University), and he is Certified Professional Accountant.

Mr. Hillyard is a Board member for Feed Nova Scotia, and a Campaign Advisor for The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and the Arthritis Society of Canada.

About BMO Financial Group 

Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a highly diversified financial services provider – the 8th largest bank, by assets, in North America. With total assets of $974 billion as of July 31, 2020, and a team of diverse and highly engaged employees, BMO provides a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management and investment banking products and services to more than 12 million customers and conducts business through three operating groups: Personal and Commercial Banking, BMO Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets.

A fourth generation family leader at Bockstael Construction, Dan has led a life surrounded by construction. First employed by the company as a teenager, he has experienced all facets of the company, from field labor to his present role as CEO. With Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in civil engineering from the University of Manitoba, Dan first worked as a design engineer on large-scale hydroelectric projects before transitioning to Bockstael Construction full time in 2011. Dan built up Bockstael’s capacity for Construction Management and Design-Build delivery while introducing new tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Target Value Delivery. As CEO, Dan remains focused on growth, client service, and earning the title of Manitoba’s Builder every day through tireless dedication to the community and to our people.

Dan has three young kids that keep him actively involved in youth sports and education. He is also a strategic partner and founding mentor at the Wiitahnookiinitaw Tahshkayzing Entrepreneurship Centre, a long-serving Board Member of the Winnipeg Construction Association, and an advisor to several local charities such as Main Street Project and Siloam Mission.

Bockstael Construction

Bockstael Construction is a fourth-generation company and one of Manitoba’s largest builders. What distinguishes us is our commitment to creating Clients for Life – we look beyond the delivery of the immediate project to develop a mutually-beneficial relationship for years to come. We are founded on family values of trust, reliability, and integrity; and fueled by an unwavering commitment to exceptional client service and innovation. Bockstael Construction was founded in Manitoba in 1912 and has continued to grow and operate within the province. We have found continued success in a stable and growing economy, as we build across all sectors and industries. Bockstael Construction offers Construction Management, Design Build, General Contracting, and Concrete Forming services.

John Bockstael is the Chairman and former CEO of Bockstael Construction Limited, a fourth-generation company and one of Manitoba’s largest regional general contractors. John joined Bockstael Construction Ltd. in 1985 and has worked in all areas of the family-owned company that was started by his grandfather in 1912. The company grew with the railway and grain industry expansion into western Canada and settled into the development of the province of Manitoba with his father at the helm.

Together with his brothers, they drove organic growth through projects in health, education and special structures. The growth was partially fueled by John’s mission to deepen the technical expertise of the company by making education and training in construction technologies and processes available to all employees.

John was the 2019 chair of the Canadian Construction Association (CCA). He joined the CCA board in 2005 and has chaired the CCA General Contractors Council and Standard Practices Committee. He joined the CCA executive in 2010, serving the last three years as an elected officer prior to his term as the chair. He has also held the position of president of the Manitoba Chapter of the American Concrete Institute, served 14 years on the board of the Winnipeg Construction Association including two as president, and is the outgoing chair of Canadian Construction Innovations.

A founding member and first chair of the Friends of Engineering of the University of Manitoba, and a supporter of trades and technology programs at Red River College, John is committed to developing people, including women, for success in the world of construction and engineering.

John obtained the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors in October 2018.

My leadership style comes from a stewardship perspective. A steward takes what has been intrusted to them, makes it better before they hand it off to the next. I thrive on continuous improvement, am collaborative, encourage people to set high standards for themselves to achieve their full potential.

I enjoy business books, board work and strategic planning. I enjoy my grandkids, the outdoors, geography, golfing, fishing, and exercise to offset my chocolate diet.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-bockstael-0a2315194/

Bockstael Construction

Bockstael Construction is a fourth-generation company and one of Manitoba’s largest regional general contractors. What distinguishes us is our commitment to creating Clients for Life – we look beyond the delivery of the immediate project to develop a mutually-beneficial relationship for years to come. We are founded on family values of trust, reliability, and integrity; and fueled by an unwavering commitment to exceptional client service and innovation.

Bockstael Construction was founded in Manitoba in 1912 and has continued to grow and operate within the province. We have found continued success in a stable and growing economy, as we build across all sectors and industries.

Bockstael Construction offers Construction Management, Design Build, General Contracting, Concrete Formwork.

The storied history of the Boyd Group begins with the opening of the first Boyd Autobody collision repair facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada on November 1st, 1990. Founder Terry Smith made his vision of clean, bright, professional, and welcoming autobody shops a reality, and ensured the company’s focus was squarely on customer service. Guided by an astute, dedicated group of industry professionals, Boyd began to flourish. Expansion followed in various cities across western Canada, and by 1995 Boyd had grown to twelve locations. The Boyd Group became incorporated in 1997, opening a new chapter in the company’s history. With a goal of becoming the true leader of the autobody industry in North America, plans for growth continued.

In 1999, Boyd gained the title of largest collision repair operator in Canada, and confidently opened the company’s first U.S. locations. In 2004, Boyd expanded its U.S. footprint, acquiring Gerber Collision & Glass and its sixteen locations, which was followed by several other multi-shop acquisitions in subsequent years. Boyd also pursued growth of its auto glass business by acquiring Glass America in 2013, which significantly expanded Boyd’s auto glass business in the U.S.

Boyd continues to pursue accretive growth through a combination of organic growth as well as acquisitions and new store development. Acquisitions will continue to include both single-location acquisitions as well as multi-location acquisitions. Through organic growth, acquisitions and new store development, Boyd expects to generate growth sufficient to double the size of its business (measured against its 2019 revenue on a constant currency basis) over the five year period from 2021-2025, implying a compound annual growth rate of 15%.

After over 30 years in business, Boyd operates in Canada and the U.S., with more than 10,000 employees at over 800 locations. The company continues to be guided by the principles of customer satisfaction, continuous improvement, and sound financial management. The leadership team of the Boyd Group believes that there is a significant opportunity to continue to grow the business and enhance shareholders’ value.

Rob Penner is the former President & CEO for Bison Transport.  He began his career in the transportation industry in 1984 as a professional Driver and joined Bison Transport in 1991, moving through all aspects of Operations.  Rob was appointed Vice President, Operations in 1998 and promoted to President & CEO in January 2017 before his retirement in May 2024.

Rob was involved in the transportation community, having served on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Trucking Alliance, the American Trucking Association, and the Truckload Carriers Association as Past Chairman.

Beyond transportation, Rob is a former member of the Business Council of Canada, as well as a distinguished member of the Business Council of Manitoba. Community involvement includes being a former Trustee of the Richardson Foundation, the Board for Winnipeg Airports Authority, and Director and Member of the Board for Ducks Unlimited Canada.

Polly Craik 

Polly Craik is a trailblazing leader and passionate advocate for innovation and community development.

Polly grew FineLine Solutions into a leading supplier of data management and customer engagement programs for enterprise-class clients across North America. FineLine was successfully acquired in 2015, marking a significant milestone in her entrepreneurial journey.

Currently, Polly serves as a Director of Exchange Income Corporation (EIC), the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation, and the Winnipeg Chapter of the International Women’s Forum (IWF). Polly has also previously served as Chair of the Board for the Business Council of Manitoba and CentreVenture Development Corporation.

In 2007, she chaired the IIHF World Women’s Hockey Championship Tournament in Winnipeg and was recognized as one of the most influential women in sport and physical activity by the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women in Sport and Physical Activity. She was the first woman to be named Manitoba Business Magazine’s Entrepreneur of the Year in 2005. Earlier this year, Polly was the Conference Chair for the 2024 Business Transitions Forum in Winnipeg.

Her contributions to the community have earned her prestigious recognition, including the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce Lieutenant Governor’s Award in 2016 for outstanding community contributions. Polly also served as Board Chair for Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, a provincially-owned crown corporation, from 2016 to 2019.

Polly sincerely believes that ideas can turn into businesses, and that’s what keeps her motivated. Building something meaningful is hard work and doesn’t always succeed, but it’s better to fail from trying than not to try at all. 

She and her co-founders spent the past several years building Vexxit, a marketplace aimed at revolutionizing the legal services industry by making it accessible and affordable for all Canadians. Despite great efforts, community support, and positive momentum, they were unable to make it sustainable. Despite this, she takes great joy in investing, mentoring and contributing to help other entrepreneurs achieve success.

Polly’s dedication, curiosity, and passion for utilizing disruptive technology to help businesses lead are evident in every aspect of her career. She remains a force for innovation and community impact in Manitoba and beyond.

Edward Kennedy is President and CEO of Eskay Partners Limited, an advisory and private capital enterprise. He is also CEO of Livlite Co. a zero waste e-commerce grocery business.

Edward recently retired after 25 years as CEO of The North West Company. Prior to becoming CEO, Edward worked in senior management positions at North West for five years, including Chief Operating Officer of North West and Chief Executive Officer of the Alaska Commercial Company, the Company’s U.S. subsidiary located in Anchorage.

Edward is from The Pas, Manitoba and attended high school as a boarding student at St. John’s-Ravenscourt in Winnipeg.  He holds an Honours Degree in Business from the Ivey School at Western University and a Bachelor of Laws Degree from Osgoode Hall Law School. Prior to joining North West, Edward practiced law briefly in Toronto and then worked in investment banking. 

Edward is a board member of Canada West Foundation and Canada’s History Society. He is a member of the World Presidents’ Organization, the Associates of the Asper School of Business as well as a member and past officer of the Business Council of Manitoba. He was the Chair of the 2011 Winnipeg United Way Campaign and is a past board member of several for-profit and non-profit organizations. He currently participates on advisory committees for the United Way and the Build Winnipeg Partnership Taskforce.
 
Edward has received several national industry and community recognitions over his career. 

Edward is a competitive athlete, and his other pursuits include writing and public policy, with a focus on socio-economic development. Edward and his wife Stella make their home in Winnipeg and have four children.

Steve was born and raised in Winnipeg Manitoba. After receiving his undergraduate degree from the University of Manitoba, he attended UBC Law School where he graduated with his J.D. in 1992.  Upon graduating, Steve returned to Winnipeg where he practiced law as a commercial litigator for five years at Fillmore Riley before making a career change from law to business in 1997.

Steve joined Conviron, a company founded by the Kroft family, in 1998 where he operated the business and its associated companies (the CEL Group) as President, CEO and then Executive Chairman until its sale in September 2022.

Under Steve’s leadership, the CEL Group had significant growth and became widely recognized as the world leaders in the supply and manufacture of controlled environment equipment used primarily in agricultural research and high value plant production applications. Today, their engineered solutions are relied on by the world’s most prestigious universities, government, and private research institutes, and Ag biotech multinationals in more than 90 countries. Conviron remains based in Winnipeg, with sales and service offices on four continents.

In 2012, the company was named Manitoba’s Exporter of the Year by the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, and in 2016 was named Life Science Company of the Year by the Life Science Association of Manitoba. 

Steve now dedicates most of his business time to Falcon Capital Corporation, his family investment office, which specializes in investing in a diverse range of companies and real estate.

Steve’s passion for Manitoa and Canada is evident in the considerable amount of time he devotes to the community. He serves on the Board of Directors of the North West Company (NWC.TO) and the True North Youth Foundation where he chairs the Audit Committee. He is also on the Board of Directors of the recently established Manitoba First Fund.

Steve is the past chair of the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Manitoba Gold Chapter of the Young Presidents’ Organization, and is a Director Emeritus and Past Chair of the Business Council of Manitoba.

Steve held the position of Vice Chair of Manitoba Hydro for two years and has also served as the past chair of the Manufacturing division of the United Way. He has held positions on the Boards of the Assiniboine Park Conservancy, the Asper Jewish Community Campus, St. John’s-Ravenscourt School, and the Manitoba division of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters. Additionally, he has served on the President’s Advisory Council at the University of Manitoba and on the Premier’s Innovation Council. Steve is also a member of the Associates of the Asper School of Business.

Steve is the recipient of the 2024 University of Manitoba Distinguished Alumni Awards Lifetime Achievement Award.

Aside from his Juris Doctorate degree, Steve is a graduate of the Directors Education Program within the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, obtaining his ICD.D designation. He is also an alumnus of Singularity University in Palo Alto, California and a member of the Manitoba Bar.

Darryl Levy is the former President & Chief Executive Officer of Wynward Insurance Group.  Headquartered in Winnipeg, Wynward is a subsidiary of James Richardson & Sons, which is highly regarded as one of the most prominent privately owned companies in Canada.

Prior to joining Wynward in 2011, Mr. Levy was President-Western Canada at Rogers Communications and served in various senior executive positions at Rogers from 1994-2011. Mr. Levy is Chair of the Business Council of Manitoba, Trustee of the Richardson Foundation, and a Board Director of FP Canadian Newspapers- the Publisher of the Winnipeg Free Press & Brandon Sun. He has served as a member of the Winnipeg region United Way Cabinet since 2012 in various Chair capacities, most recently as Co-Chair of the Major Corporations division, in addition to serving as a member of the Major Donor Cabinet. He has also served on the Boards of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Junior Achievement of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg Faculty of Business Advisory Board, and “Tell Us About Us”, a Winnipeg based tele-service Company. Mr. Levy is also a member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO).

Barry Rempel served as President & CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc. (WAA) from April 2002 to January 2022. Under Barry’s leadership the airport campus has transformed and become Canada’s greenest major air terminal and the campus is the heart of Winnipeg’s intermodal Airport City.   

Made in Manitoba – Barry has a long serving career in aviation.  Prior to joining Winnipeg Airports Authority, he was President & CEO of Tradeparks Development Corp. He also served as Chief Executive for two Canadian Airlines International operating divisions:  Cargo and Canadian North.

Barry believes in community.  Currently serving as Vice Chair of the Manitoba Strategic Corridors Advisory Council, Chair of the Consular Corps of Manitoba, Strategic Advisor to two privately held aviation corporations, and continues to be a member of the RCAF Commander’s Council.

Barry was formerly on the board of the Business Council of Manitoba and now sits as a distinguished member. Barry is past-chair of the Airports Council International — North America Division, and the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s Inuit Art and Learning Centre Capital Campaign.

Barry also serves as Honorary Consul for the Republic of Korea and was the first-ever Honorary Colonel of 1 Canadian Air Division.

Barry and Janice Rempel reside in Winnipeg.  When not involved in community activities, they enjoy touring the many magnificent communities of Manitoba, with special attention to Carman, Manitoba…Barry’s birthplace. 

Murray J. Taylor holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree from the University of Manitoba majoring in Actuarial Mathematics (1976) and he became a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries and the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (1980).  He retired after 12 years as President and CEO of IG Wealth Management (previously Investors Group) in 2016 – the final part of his 40-year career with the Power Financial Group of Companies.   He served in various industry and business leadership groups in Manitoba and nationally.   He encouraged companies to be involved in corporate responsibility roles in their communities.   Over the years and especially in retirement, he and his wife devote their personal energies to support many non-profit Christian charities in the good work they do.

Cambrian Credit Union

Everything we do at Cambrian is guided by our core values: Integrity and honesty; Member Focused; Competitive; Community involvement; Community spirit. We strive to help each of our members build strong financial foundations for making their dreams come true.

Cambrian Credit Union opened its doors to members on January 1, 1959 as Co-operators Credit Union, formed from an amalgamation of the Co-operators and Service Credit Union. We now have 11 branches proudly serving the Winnipeg and Selkirk marketplaces.

We provide Personal & Commercial Banking, Loans & Mortgages, Saving & Investing, Wealth Management, Advisor Services

Lea Ledohowski is the President of Canad Inns, Manitoba’s largest hospitality provider.   Lea grew up in Winnipeg where she attended High School at St. Mary’s Academy, and graduated from the University of Manitoba with a B.A. Honours.  She also holds a Master’s in Architecture from the University of BC, is a LEED Accredited Professional, and holds a Master’s of Science Degree in Real Estate Development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

As first born child of Canad Inns founder Leo Ledohowski, Lea grew up talking Manitoba Business. Over the years, she has had lived and worked as in a variety of cities domestically, and abroad, and brings a unique leadership perspective to a home-grown company that prides itself on being Manitoba Owned, Manitoba Grown and Manitoba Proud.

Canad Inns

Canad Inns is Manitoba’s largest Hospitality Provider, one of Manitoba’s Top Employers, one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for two decades, winner of the

Manitoba Hotel Association Impact Award, and the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce Outstanding Large Business Award.

Canad Inns Destination Centres feature the finest in accommodations, food and beverage, entertainment, banquet and conference facilities and so much.

Their Mission is to provide their valued guests with the Best Service and the Best Value in the Hospitality Industry. 

Canad Inns operates seven destination centres in Winnipeg, one in Portage la Prairie, one in Brandon, and one in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Canad Inns is also the owner and operator of the Radisson Winnipeg Downtown, Tavern United Bell MTS Place, Garbonzo’s Sports Pub Polo Park, The Metropolitan Entertainment Centre, three Canad Centre commercial properties and Canad Place (formerly known as the Somerset Building).

Canad Inns is Manitoba Owned, Manitoba Grown, Manitoba PROUD.

About Cando

Cando Rail & Terminals is Canada’s leading provider of specialized rail operating services that allow industrial shippers to optimize their supply chains and connect to Class 1 railways by leveraging Cando’s operating capabilities and network of owned multi-purpose rail terminals. The company provides a wide range of rail services including short line operations, industrial switching, material handling, terminal & transload services, railcar staging, train assembly, and related services. Fully embedded in their customers’ supply chain, Cando Rail & Terminals ensure their customers’ products get to where they need them, when they want them.

Cando is committed to working with our customers, employees, and communities in the safest, most respectful, and responsible way possible. Sustainability of our community, environment, and natural resources is essential to our operations, but it runs even deeper than that. Cando was founded as a small rail salvage company in rural Manitoba and more than 40 years later we remain dedicated to our roots. Our Corporate office remains in rural Manitoba and a sense of community is built into the foundation of our company. We have since grown across North America, but we are committed to maintaining that community mindedness in every region we operate and ensuring we are helping build a sustainable future.

In December 2017, Bryn joined Capital Commercial Real Estate Services Inc. as Principal of their Brokerage and Property Management companies and a founding partner of Capital Commercial Investment Services (CCIS). Prior to joining Capital, Bryn spent 10 years with a competing global real estate brokerage and property management company, where he was recognized as a top producer while specializing in the area of investment services.

Bryn has amassed a significant portfolio of investment brokerage experience while working with many of Canada’s largest institutional and private real estate investors, having completed many of the most scalable single asset and portfolio investment transactions throughout both Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Together with his CCIS partners, Bryn and the team have generated in excess of $1B in transaction volume and are recognized as market leaders within the Canadian Prairies. Bryn also sits on the Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) Capital Markets Team as the team lead within the Central Canadian Prairies.

Capital Commercial Real Estate Services

Capital Commercial is a fully integrated commercial real estate brokerage and property management company located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. We provide brokerage and advisory services to clients from across Canada and the US in the areas of investment services, office leasing & sales, industrial leasing & sales, and retail development/leasing & sales. Capital also manages over 3.5M square feet of commercial property throughout Manitoba and Northern Ontario.

For as long as Jeff can remember, agriculture was life. Growing up on cattle farm in rural Manitoba, from an early age, Jeff understood how important farmers were to nourishing communities, but also how challenging life on a farm can be. He became passionate about helping farmers succeed and pursued a career in building connections between farmers, producers and business, from field-to-fork.

As President of Cargill Limited, Jeff has dedicated his career to supporting a strong food supply chain in Canada and fulfilling the company’s core purpose: to nourish the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way.

Cargill Limited is a subsidiary of Minneapolis-based Cargill, Incorporated, an international provider of food, agriculture, and risk management products and services. Cargill links farmers to markets, customers with ingredients and people and animals with the food they need to thrive.

In Canada, Cargill operates 88 locations and employs around 8,000 people across six provinces. Our Canadian operations have been named one of Canada’s Top Employers, Canada’s Top Diversity Employers and Canada’s Top Employer for Young People.

Cargill partners with farmers, ranchers and food companies of all sizes to support a strong and dependable food system in Canada. Cargill processes meat and oilseed, and manufactures livestock feed. In addition, Cargill is involved in crop input product retailing, grain handling, salt distribution and merchandising.

Jeff began his career at Cargill in 1996 as a facility assistant at the Yorkton, SK grain elevator. During his tenure, Jeff has held several leadership positions with Cargill’s grain and Oilseeds business, including General Manager of business in Australia, leader of Canadian operations, and global leader of Operations and Supply Chain. Today, in addition to his role as President of Cargill Limited, Jeff serves as the Managing Director of Cargill Agriculture Supply Chain Canada.

Jeff is a proud alumnus of the Assiniboine Community College Agribusiness program and is a member of the Business Council of Canada. Jeff also volunteers his time coaching youth sports and sitting on community boards. Jeff lives in La Salle, Manitoba with his wife Lori and their three sons.

Cargill Limited (Canada)

Cargill provides food, agriculture, financial and industrial products and services to the world. Together with farmers, customers, governments and communities, we help people thrive by applying our insights and more than 155 years of experience. We have 160,000 employees in 70 countries who are committed to feeding the world in a responsible way, reducing environmental impact and improving the communities where we live and work.

Cargill Limited is headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba and operates 88 locations across six provinces, employing around 8,000 people. Our Canadian operations have been named one of Canada’s Top Employers, Canada’s Top Diversity Employers and Canada’s Top Employer for Young People.

Cargill partners with farmers, ranchers and food companies of all sizes to support a strong and dependable food system in Canada. Cargill processes meat and oilseed, and manufactures livestock feed. In addition, Cargill is involved in crop input product retailing, as well as grain handling, salt distribution and merchandising.

We join with community leaders, non-profits and others to enrich the places where we live and work in Canada, building a strong, sustainable future for agriculture. We support local food banks, school meals, food safety and community gardens. We strengthen farmer livelihoods through development programs for future farmers and ag-education programs in classrooms. We work to safeguard the environment for future generations through a number of programs protecting wetlands, supporting youth environmental education and community cleanups.

At Cargill, everything begins with our purpose to nourish the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. We help farmers grow more, connecting them to broader markets. We are continuously developing products that give consumers just what they’re seeking, advancing nutrition, food safety and sustainability. And we help all of our partners innovate and manage risk, so they can nourish the world again tomorrow.

Carlyle Printers Service & Supplies LTD.

We are a company with deep roots in the computer supplies industry.  The original Carlyle name comes from Carlyle Johannson who started Carlyle Computer Products in 1980 with his son Derek.  At its peak it was the largest computer supplies company in western Canada with offices in the 7 major cities in the west.  In 1997 it was sold to Boise Cascade, and merged with Grand & Toy that they had acquired a year earlier.  Its success was in being specialists in the consumable part of the IT industry, products like paper, ribbons, diskettes, magnetic tapes, and toner cartridges.  When version two Carlyle Printers, Service & Supplies was formed in 2006, we looked at the marketplace of the new millennium and decided that being a supplies specialist was not enough.  The key difference between the original and the new Carlyle is that the new Carlyle Printers, Service and Supplies Ltd. brings together a one stop shop for not only supplies, but for hardware and service as well.  Carlyle has grown dramatically over the last 15 years managing devices throughout North America. 

In March of 2015 Carlyle acquired Canon Canada’s direct business unit located in Winnipeg.  Canon was confident in this reversal of the typical manufacturers buying dealers trend, due to a thorough vetting of Carlyle’s financial and service delivery capabilities.  The result was that Carlyle would become solely responsible for servicing the devices of Canon Canada’s corporate customers located in Manitoba.

Carlyle introduced to the Manitoba market the cost per page for companies’ entire printer fleet.  In the past Copier vendors sold the equipment and charged a cost per page for the service agreement that included parts, toner, and service labor.  Carlyle took that a step further and included all the desktop printers in the office.  Up to 50% of office printing happened on desktops and that area was not being managed.  For the first time a company could identify how much it cost to print a page and could start working on ways to save money by reducing how much they print.

Today Carlyle Printers Service and Supplies provides printer and copier equipment, along with service of those devices, and supplies blended down to a cost per page.  Servicing over 1,200 customers throughout North America Carlyle is responsible for managing service to over 7,500 devices.  With 5 out of 5 of the largest law firms in Winnipeg, 6 out of 7 of the largest credit unions in Manitoba and 62% of the largest private employers headquartered in Manitoba as customers, Carlyle is building on a solid foundation.

We pride ourselves on working with our customers to fully understand their office printing environments and propose solutions that will fit their unique needs and bring them financial savings, while meeting or exceeding the expectations of the users.  Working with our customers to find unique solutions and exceed expectations is core to what Carlyle does.

Recognizing that over all print volume has been and continues to decline Carlyle has diversified into workflow software.  Square 9  is the leading solution in this space helping companies to digitize the office workplace by  replacing paper based manual processes with digital ones.   We are excited to explore this new service with our customer to continue to bring them value-based solutions.

Jason Stefanson is Vice Chairman, CIBC World Markets Inc. with offices in Winnipeg, Calgary and Toronto.  At CIBC Capital Markets, Mr. Stefanson coordinates client coverage in several industry sectors and across the Bank’s various products and services including equity and debt markets; M&A advisory services and corporate lending.  Prior to joining CIBC in January 2007, Jason was involved in the formation of Canterbury Park Capital LP, a private equity firm based in Winnipeg. Previously, he spent three years with ENSIS Capital Corp. as a Vice-President. In addition, Jason has served as a Vice-President of Corporate Development at Assante Corporation and practiced corporate and securities law at Pitblado & Hoskin.  Jason attended the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Arts and received his Bachelor of Laws degree from Osgoode Hall Law School.

Jason lives in Winnipeg and is married to Heather Stefanson and they have 2 children. Family hobbies include politics, sports, travelling and enjoying their time together at their summer cottage at Lake of the Woods.

CIBC World Markets

CIBC (CM: NYSE, TSX) is a leading Canadian-based global financial institution with a market capitalization of $41 billion and a Basel III Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 11.8%. Through our major business units – Canadian Personal & Small Business Banking, Canadian Commercial Banking & Wealth Management, U.S. Commercial Banking & Wealth Management and Capital Markets – our more than 45,000 employees provide a full range of financial products and services to 10 million individual, small business, commercial, corporate and institutional clients in Canada, the U.S. and around the world.

CIBC’s Capital Markets business provides best-in-class insight, advice, and execution across global markets, investment banking, corporate banking and research to corporate, government and institutional clients in key markets globally.

Rob Coghlan is the president and CEO of Coghlan’s Ltd, a third generation family owned company. Rob joined Coghlan’s Ltd in 1979 and has worked in all areas of the company that was started in 1958 by his father Norm Coghlan in a small retail store located in downtown Winnipeg .

Rob is a life long Winnipegger  and has been actively involved  in various community organizations and events in the city and the province, currently sitting on the board of Take Pride Winnipeg and previously The Frontier Center For Public Policy.

Married [Sandi] with two daughters [Natalie, Cailey], Rob’s interests include rec league hockey [Winnipeg Winter Club], golf [St Charles C.C.] along with tennis and downhill skiing.  Rob and Sandi  enjoy time with family and friends at their Lake Of The Woods Cottage .

Rob is a true believer in Winnipeg, its people, and the life it has afforded him and his family “I wouldn’t want to call anywhere else home” is a statement often used.

Coghlan’s Ltd

Coghlan’s Ltd owns and operates leading brands in the Outdoor Industry, with distribution in 30 countries around the world .

From humble beginnings in a small retail store located at 285 1/2 Fort St [currently Yoga Public] Coghlan’s has grown in to be a world leader in the outdoor recreation industry with brands Coghlan’s, Gear Aid and Mawaii .

Coghlan’s Ltd is based in Winnipeg Manitoba, with offices and distribution centers in Winnipeg  , Minneapolis MN., Bellingham WA., and Walsrode Germany.

Nolan was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and joined Concord Projects in 2005. He oversees all aspects of the company, leading a team of experienced construction professionals. Nolan attained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) as well as a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), majoring in finance and accounting, from the Asper School of Business. Nolan is passionate about philanthropy, technology in construction, and integrating Concord’s vision, mission, and values into all aspects of the company. Nolan’s experience and knowledge in real estate development, real estate investing, and property management also provide clients with added value. Nolan and his wife Rachel have three children, enjoy family time together at the cabin and travelling as time allows.

Concord Projects

Since 1978, Concord Projects has built lasting relationships with a growing list of repeat clients. Concord is committed to a team-oriented, fair, and honest approach to construction management, general contracting, and the design-build process.

Credit Union Central of Manitoba (CUCM)

Credit Union Central of Manitoba (CUCM) is the trade association and a service provider for Manitoba’s credit unions. Manitoba credit unions jointly own CUCM, and representatives from five peer groups sit on its board of directors. CUCM is financed through assessments and fee income derived through its operations.

CUCM is governed by Manitoba’s Credit Unions and Caisses Populaires Act.

Our organization has 70 employees working to assist credit unions from our downtown office at 317 Donald Street in Winnipeg.

Todd Burns is the Founder and CEO of Cypher Environmental Ltd., a Winnipeg-based cleantech firm that manufactures solutions that have been used to successfully complete projects in over 50 countries worldwide. Taking Cypher from a one-man operation with a vision to make an impact, the company has now grown into seeing its solutions play a pivotal role in supporting more economically and environmentally sustainable operations in the transportation, infrastructure, forestry, aviation, and mining sectors globally – winning a Clean50 award in 2024 for their Cypher Green Roads program.

As a trade-driven entrepreneur, Todd has led Cypher’s expansion from a domestic innovator to an internationally recognized cleantech exporter, helping organizations reduce environmental impact while improving operational efficiency. Accordingly, Todd has been asked to serve in advisory roles to the Federal Government of Canada, including the Global Cleantech Advisory Group and the Global Hypergrowth Project selection committee. He also serves as an Ambassador for Invest in Canada, promoting Canadian innovation and cleantech solutions to international markets.

Todd is deeply engaged with industry, trade, and policy organizations that support innovation, responsible resource development, and sustainable economic growth. He is an active member of the Mining Association of Canada, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, the Mine Suppliers Trade Association of Canada (MSTA Canada), and the Business Council of Manitoba. He acts as senior advisor in Foresight Canada’s Cleantech Adoption Platform and acts as the Vice President of the Board for the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Center, furthering his commitment to conservation, the environment and the animals found within it. He enjoys giving back to the community through mentoring and working with youth and thus spends weekends coaching his son’s hockey team and has enjoyed previous mentoring roles with Futurepreneur Canada.

Todd is a graduate of Red River College, where he studied Business Administration and Management, and he holds professional certification in Haul Road Design and Operational Benchmarking, grounding his leadership in real-world operational expertise. Outside of work, Todd enjoys exploring the outdoors with his wife and two young children. His personal connection to the natural world informs his leadership and decision-making, ensuring that the solutions Cypher develops today help build a sustainable world for future generations.

Cypher Environmental

Cypher Environmental Ltd. is a Canadian cleantech company and global provider of environmental solutions for dust control, erosion control, and soil stabilization across transportation, infrastructure, forestry, aviation, and mining sectors worldwide. Cypher’s technologies are designed to protect critical infrastructure, reduce environmental impact, and lower total life-cycle costs for operators working in challenging environments.

Cypher’s solutions are environmentally friendly, organic, bio-degradable, and non-toxic. Offered in highly concentrated powder form which increases shelf life, significantly reduces shipping costs and carbon footprint compared to traditional liquid alternatives.

DUST/BLOKR® is Cypher’s environmentally friendly solution for dust and erosion control, delivering long-lasting performance while minimizing water use and environmental impact. ROAD//STABILIZR® is a non-toxic enzyme soil stabilizer designed for clay-based soils, increasing compaction and strength values, reducing maintenance requirements, and extending the service life of unpaved and low-volume roads.

Great West Lifeco – https://www.greatwestlifeco.com/

The Canada Life Assurance Company – https://www.canadalife.com/

The Business Council of Manitoba is deeply saddened by the passing of Doug Harvey. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Doug, or even meeting him, understands that he was a truly irreplaceable member of Manitoba’s community. His impact will be felt for generations to come, and Manitoba was incredibly fortunate to benefit from his leadership, generosity, and humour.

Doug was a long-time and valued member of the Business Council of Manitoba. As one of the Council’s original 15 members when it was established in 1998, and as Board Chair from 2011 to 2013, Doug played a significant role in shaping the organization and advancing its mission. Throughout the Council’s 28-year history, and long before that, Doug was unwavering in his commitment to making Manitoba a better place.

Doug made an extraordinary contribution to Manitoba through his business leadership, philanthropy, and commitment to community. Alongside his wife, Jan, he generously supported countless foundations and charities across the province and was a proud supporter and champion of the Indigenous Education Awards, helping create opportunities for Indigenous students to pursue their educational goals.

Through the DLH Group, he helped create hundreds of good jobs and generated significant economic impact by choosing to build and grow his business in Manitoba. What began as a single truck dealership grew into a national enterprise spanning six companies, creating opportunities and prosperity for Manitobans and Canadians and leaving a remarkable legacy.

The annual Maxim Truck & Trailer BBQ and Pancake Breakfast in support of local charities and food banks has long been a favourite event for the Business Council team. It was a reflection of Doug himself: welcoming, community-minded, and generous. No matter how many people were there, Doug always took the time to speak with every attendee and make everyone feel valued.

At the Business Council, Doug was always willing to step forward, lead, and serve. He generously volunteered his time on committees and could always be counted on for thoughtful advice, a straight answer, and a laugh when it was needed most. Above all, Doug cared deeply about people and about making Manitoba a better place. We are profoundly grateful for everything he contributed to the Business Council and to our province.

While Doug will be greatly missed, his legacy will live on through the businesses he built, the communities he strengthened, and the countless lives he touched. His impact on Manitoba will be felt for generations to come.

Rest in peace, Doug.

Michelle Cameron is a proud treaty-status member of Peguis First Nation in Manitoba and a dedicated mother of five. Born and raised in Winnipeg, she has built a remarkable entrepreneurial career driven by her passion for Indigenous business and economic empowerment.

In 2011, Michelle founded Dreamcatcher Embroidery as a home-based business, later rebranding it to Dreamcatcher Promotions in 2013 to better reflect its expanding range of promotional products and apparel. The early years were challenging, filled with financial strain, long hours, and personal sacrifices. However, through perseverance and a strong vision, Michelle grew Dreamcatcher Promotions into Canada’s largest Indigenous-owned promotional company. Today, the company employs over 50 staff members and serves high-profile clients, including government agencies such as Parks Canada, Natural Resources Canada, and the RCMP. Dreamcatcher Promotions is proudly registered with the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and the Government of Canada.

Michelle’s entrepreneurial ventures extend beyond Dreamcatcher Promotions. In 2021, she launched Indigenous Nations Apparel Company (INAC), the first Indigenous-owned store in CF Polo Park, Manitoba’s largest mall. INAC quickly gained recognition for its Indigenous-designed apparel and gifts, leading to a second location in Saskatoon in 2022. What began as a short-term pop-up has now become a permanent and growing business, with plans to expand across Canada, providing a platform for Indigenous artists and creators.

Beyond her businesses, Michelle is deeply involved in supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship. She serves as Chair of the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce and sits on various boards, including Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries, the Manitoba Business Council, the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, and the RBC Convention Centre. As the Auntie in Residence for the SEE Enclave Program, she also mentors and guides aspiring entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of building a successful business.

Rick Duha is Chairman of The Duha Group, a fourth generation family business based in Winnipeg, Canada. He served as Managing Director from 1991 to 2020. The company produces colour charts for the paint industry, employs over 500 people worldwide, and leads its global category.

Rick holds a black belt in lean management and actively supports family business. He chairs the Business Council of Manitoba and serves on the advisory committee to the President of the University of Manitoba. He received the University of Manitoba Distinguished Alumni Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2025. He also holds an International Corporate Directors designation with a focus on governance.

He is a member of the Young Presidents Organization, where he served on the International Board from 2015 to 2018, then as Global COO from 2020 to 2022. During that time, he also acted as Chief Technology Officer, leading key initiatives for YPO’s 34,000 members.

Rick travels often and spends his free time skiing and cycling with his wife Karen, their adult children, and two grandchildren.

Grant White is the founder and CEO of the Endeavour Group of Companies, a purpose-driven ecosystem of businesses focused on removing constraints and creating freedom through exceptional, human-centered experiences. A compassionate and innovative leader, Grant builds and invests in companies across finance, professional services, healthcare, and experience design, guided by a belief that true fulfillment comes from living life on your own terms.

Deeply committed to community impact, Grant serves on the United Way of Winnipeg Cabinet, the HSC Foundation board, supports The Dream Factory, and leads initiatives like the Endeavour Rising Tide Challenge. Outside of work, Grant, his wife Sam, and their daughters Jayelle and Max share a love of travel, world cultures, and adventure—living the freedom he works to create for others.

Endeavour

Endeavour Group of Companies builds and invests in experience-driven companies designed to help people live with freedom and fulfillment—because we believe freedom is the foundation of a life well lived. We remove the constraints that hold people back and design human-centered experiences that turn complexity into clarity and potential into possibility. Through an integrated ecosystem including Endeavour Wealth Management, Endeavour Apollo, Endeavour Odyssey, Endeavour Advisory, Endeavour Care, and Endeavour Insurance Solutions, we remove barriers across finance, professional services, health, and life—so people can rise above limitation and Be More.

Ray Bouchard is the President and CEO of Enns Brothers Ltd., a 68-year old agricultural equipment dealer in the Province of Manitoba. Ray is also a board member of Protein Industries Canada, the pan-Prairie supercluster, and board chair of the Manitoba-based Enterprise Machine Intelligence and Learning Initiative (EMILI).

Ray has been involved in the agriculture industry for over 35 years and served as director, then president of the Canadian Association of Agricultural Retailers. Ray’s passion and vision for the future of Canadian agriculture is ambitious as he sees the long-term benefits for Canadians, the economy and the environment. Ray is committed to life-long learning and in 2017 received the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors. He is currently the co-chair of the Business Council of Manitoba Integrated Water Strategy.

Mike is the Chief Executive Officer of Exchange Income Corporation (“EIC”). Together with Mr. Duncan Jessiman, Mike developed the initial concept of EIC in 2002. He has held the position of CEO since 2006.

Mike holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (Economics) and a MBA (Finance) from the University of Manitoba. He served in positions of increasing seniority culminating as President of The Arctic Glacier Income Fund (and its predecessor, The Arctic Group Inc.) from 1998 to 2002. He previously worked with Roynat Capital in Winnipeg from 1990 to 1996 and from 1997 to 1998. Mike was employed as the Vice-President of Corporate Development for Westsun International Inc. in Winnipeg from 1996 to 1997.

Mike is currently a director & vice chair of CentrePort Canada Inc. and a director and Chair of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Football Club. He is a member of the ICD and received the ICD.D designation in 2017.

Exchange Income Corporation

Exchange Income Corporation (“EIC”) is a diversified, acquisition-oriented corporation focused on opportunities in aerospace and aviation services and equipment and manufacturing.  The business plan of the company is to invest in profitable, well established companies with strong cash flows operating in niche markets.  The objectives of EIC are:  i) to provide shareholders with stable and growing dividends; ii) to maximize share value through on-going active monitoring of and investment in its operating subsidiaries; and iii) to continue to acquire additional companies, businesses or interests therein in order to expand and diversify EIC’s investments.

Ida is a trailblazer and one of Winnipeg’s biggest industry leaders and community supporters. Her generosity, civic pride and vision drive her to improve the quality of life for all Winnipeggers. As managing partner and co-owner of the iconic Fort Garry Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre since 1994, she worked tirelessly to restore the 1913 landmark and transform it into one of the city’s top hotels, with in-demand event spaces and the luxurious Ten Spa. Her entrepreneurship and passion for yoga led her to become co-founder of Yoga Public, Canada’s largest yoga fitness studio located in downtown Winnipeg. She also seized the latest advancements in dermatology with the opening the Face Bar. Ida is a community booster who rolls up her sleeves and gets involved to strengthen the fabric of our city.

As a civic booster, she has given her time and energy to numerous community and charitable organizations, among them: CentreVenture Development Corporation, CancerCare Manitoba, Canadian Tourism Commission, Winnipeg Symphony and Business Council of Manitoba. Ida received the 2020 Tourism Winnipeg Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2016 Ogimakamik Leadership Award, the 2012 B’nai Brith Award, she was named a member of the Order of Canada in 2015, received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Winnipeg in 2016, was inducted into the Manitoba Business Hall of Fame in 2018 and received the Pan Am Clinic Philanthropy Award of Distinction in 2019, to name a few. Currently, she serves as Board Director of Economic Development Winnipeg , Telus Community Foundation and the RRCC Culinary Task Force.

Fort Garry Hotel, Spa & Conference Centre

A beloved landmark, the Fort Garry Hotel & Spa is a modern mix of contemporary style and old world elegance. This historic hotel gives off a vibe from another era, while featuring all the modern amenities that today’s travelers seek.

The Fort Garry Hotel, built in 1913 by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, is designated a National Historic Site of Canada, and features chateau-style architecture. The monogrammed, brass doorknobs, wide hallways and 10-foot high guestroom ceilings are features of the past that remain in the present at Fort Garry.

Renowned for its food and extraordinary ability to cater small meetings, grand galas and everything in between, the Fort Garry has been, and continues to be a gathering place in the heart of downtown Winnipeg. The Fort Garry Hotel provides it all – beautiful rooms, intimate dining opportunities, exceptional catering services, wellness retreats and a world class spa. It continues to be Winnipeg’s ‘Grand Dame” hotel and a favorite for business travelers, weekends away, weddings and corporate events.

Jamie began his career as a lawyer with the prominent Toronto law firm McMillan, where he focused on corporate finance and entertainment law.  Jamie was the first recipient of the Lions Gate Innovative Producer Award, was one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, received the I.H. Asper Broadcast Entrepreneur of the Future Award, was nominated as the New Media Visionary at the Canadian New Media Awards and was named the CFTPA’s Entrepreneur of the Year in 2008.  He believes a focus on running the company well is as important as the quality work Frantic creates.  The company has been named one of Canada’s Hottest Start-Up’s and was later named to the Profit 100 list of the fastest growing Canadian businesses three separate years and was twice named one of North America’s fastest growing businesses by Deloitte.  Jamie has been proud to see Frantic become one of Canada’s leading production companies.  The first program he created and produced was also the first “living-history” program in North America, and the Quest series went on to critical acclaim and set many ratings records.  His most important skill is surrounding himself with the creative professionals needed to make every program something to be proud of.

Frantic Films

Since its inception, Frantic Films has had a reputation for creating outstanding programming for a global audience. In addition to its success in Canada and the U.S., Frantic’s award-winning TV series, features and documentaries have sold to well over 100 countries worldwide winning over 150 awards for quality and creativity.  The team has had incredible success in virtually every genre, winning over a hundred awards and setting numerous ratings records in lifestyle, factual, reality, sports, comedy, drama, lifestyle and documentary programs.  Its TV movies and mini-series have attracted top talent including Judd Hirsch, Danny Aiello, Mercedes Ruehl and Gil Bellows. Frantic made its first feature film, Lucid, and the co-production, Stand! based off the musical “Strike” about the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919.  Frantic has over 20 years’ experience collaborating with a wide variety of partners. We take great pride in our excellent relationships with co-producers, creatives, and networks alike. Our team understands the needs of various stakeholders and we ensure productions are brought in on time, on budget and to the highest creative standards.

Chad is the CEO of Friesens Corporation. While he is the fifth Friesen to lead the company, he is not related to the original Friesen family. Since joining back in 1993, he has played many roles in the company; He has worked on the shop floor, served customers, marketed the firm, and sold the products. In many ways, he himself is a product of the company.

From 2009 to 2014 Chad briefly stepped away from Friesens to join the executive team of Red River Mutual. After five years in the insurance business, he returned to Friesens to become CEO in 2017.

Chad is a community builder at heart having served on numerous committees and was a founding member of several organizations focused on economic development and charitable work in Southern Manitoba. He is currently a Director on the Boards of Friesens Corporation, Red River Mutual, and Supporting Entrepreneurs through Economic Development (SEED).

Friesens Corporation

Established in 1907. Friesens helps others share their best story with the world through the power of print. The company is 100% employee-owned and is made up of four businesses that serve book publishers, self-publishers, school yearbook programs, and consumer brand packaging. The company employs 600 people, most of whom work in Altona, MB (pop. 4,200) or at FriesenPress in Victoria, BC. The company’s secret to success has been enabling great people to do greater things through a relentless investment in technology.

Gendis Inc.

Gendis Inc. is a privately held real estate management and energy investment company that was previously listed on the TSX.

Tyler Gompf is an entrepreneur, CEO, and board director with a track record of building, acquiring, and scaling businesses across manufacturing and technology.

He is the Chief Executive Officer of Global Drain Technologies, a drainage manufacturer exporting the majority of its products across the United States and the Americas.

Earlier in his career, Tyler co-founded Tell Us About Us Inc, a leading edge customer relationship measurement firm, serving more than 30,000 restaurant and retail locations across North America before being acquired by a U.S.-based company.

Tyler is actively engaged in community and industry leadership. He serves on the board of the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg, supporting programs for youth, families, and newcomers. He is also involved with Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), where he is Advisory Board Chair, contributing to the advancement of Manitoba’s manufacturing sector.

He is a past board member of Balmoral Hall School and played a leadership role in the multi million dollar capital campaign that delivered the Benedickson Centre for Arts and Design. Mr. Gompf holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba and has completed the ICD.D designation through the Institute of Corporate Directors. He is the proud father of two daughters.

Global Drain Technologies

Global Drain Technologies is a Winnipeg-headquartered manufacturing company specializing in high-performance drainage solutions for industrial, food processing, and infrastructure applications.

The company designs and manufactures a range of stainless steel and engineered drainage systems serving customers across North America, with the majority of its products exported to the United States and the Americas. Global Drain operates multiple product divisions and supports a broad base of blue-chip customers in food processing and industrial markets.

The company is known for its focus on product quality, operational reliability, and customer-specific solutions, enabling long-term partnerships in demanding environments.

Richard joined Globe as a property manager in 1983, after spending time as an accountant in Alberta, eventually becoming President and CEO. Globe presently has 7,500 units under its administration across Canada, with a market value of $1.6 billion. As President and CEO, Richard has undertaken philanthropic endeavours with some of Winnipeg’s most important institutions, such as the Health Sciences Centre Foundation, the Assiniboine Park Conservancy, the University of Manitoba, and United Way.

Richard’s leadership of Globe is based on his vision of continual growth for the company. Under his initiatives, Globe has been successful and continues to seek new acquisitions every year. In his spare time, Richard enjoys travelling the world and spending time with his family. Richard earned his bachelor’s degree in commerce from the University of Manitoba, receiving his CPM designation in 1988.

Globe Property Management

Globe Capital Management is a real estate development, acquisition and holding company. Through our subsidiary, Globe Property Management, we provide services to our valued residents.

Globe’s mandate is to identify real estate that will benefit from strategic investment combined with the capacity to implement the firm’s proven management platform. Globe Capital Management seeks to develop, acquire, and manage Canadian concrete high-rise residential rental properties poised for revenue growth.

Globe was founded in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The firm has always been a proud member of the community. Winnipeg is not only a vibrant place, but also rife with real estate opportunities. For Globe, Winnipeg is a great place to be headquartered because we are in the middle of the country. The city is an ideal home base for the company’s national aspirations.

Golden West

Golden West Broadcasting Ltd

H. Tallman International Corporation

HyLife

Headquartered in La Broquerie, Manitoba, Hylife employs over 4,500 people in multiple countries. HyLife’s commitment to service, integrity, and sustainability has set the company apart as Canada’s leading pork producer and global exporter of high-quality pork products. HyLife produces 3 million hogs and processes 3.2 million hogs annually, with the pork sold to over 20 countries. HyLife consistently exceeds expectations in the marketplace, earning Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies – Platinum Member recognition based on the company’s commitment and dedication to its employees, customers, and communities. 

Damon Murchison is the President and Chief Executive Officer of IG Wealth Management, effective 2020, where he has responsibility for Canada’s oldest and largest independent wealth management organization, serving more than one million Canadians through relationships with 3,000+ financial advisors across the country.

Previously, Damon was the Executive Vice-President, Head of Retail Distribution at Mackenzie Investments, where he led Mackenzie’s retail sales, alliance and group sales businesses and was responsible for planning and sales effectiveness, training and development, sales experience and analytics teams, along with the private wealth, tax, estate and practice management teams.

Damon has over 25 years of financial services leadership experience and previously held progressively senior positions, including Head of Sales for Retail Markets, at Manulife Financial and Head of Alliance National Sales at Fidelity Investments.

Damon has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Western University in London, Ontario and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Richard Ivey School of Business at Western.

Damon is a member of the Board of Directors at George Brown College Foundation, the BlackNorth Initiative and the United Way of Winnipeg.

IG Wealth Management

Our holistic approach to financial planning is comprehensive and goes beyond traditional investment advice to consider all aspects of your financial life.  We are committed to providing the right information and advice you need to feel confident about your family’s future.

From planned to unplanned, the IG Living Plan Snapshot gives you  a financial well-being score that shows how prepared you are. You’ll answer a series of questions based on five dimensions of financial well-being and then receive a result out of 100 and recommendations on how best to meet your goals. These insights will help you create a comprehensive financial plan that evolves and adapts with your life.

At IG Wealth Management, we strive every day to deliver long-term value to our stakeholders.

As a company of IGM Financial, we have a long-standing commitment to responsible management, which we believe is fundamental to long-term profitability and value creation. We conduct our business in a way that emphasizes good governance, operational integrity, ethical practices and respect for our people, our community and the environment.

Our aim is to act responsibly in everything that we do, and we know that our success also comes from our emphasis on client satisfaction, the development and support of our people, and constructive involvement in the communities in which we operate.

IG Wealth Management is committed to building strong communities across Canada. We believe this starts with Canadians feeling confident about their finances so they can achieve their goals. The IG Empower Your Tomorrow program gives Canadians the resources and confidence they need to own their financial future. Inspiring the financial confidence of Canadians is IG’s vision and the basis for our commitment to building communities.

Innovair Group

Dan is Chair of James Richardson & Sons, Limited (JRSL) and a member of the sixth generation of the Richardson Family. Founded in 1857, JRSL is a private family-owned and operated Canadian corporation. Headquartered in Winnipeg, JRSL is involved in the international grain trade and agri-food business, energy, real estate and transportation. Prior to becoming Chair of JRSL, Dan served as Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at True North Sports & Entertainment for fourteen years.

Dan and his wife, Katie, are passionate and active members of the Winnipeg community. Dan currently serves as Vice-Chair of Assiniboine Park Conservancy, as a Trustee of United Way Winnipeg, and as a member of the University of Manitoba’s President’s Advisory Council and Dean’s Advisory Board on Family Business at the Asper School of Business.

James Richardson & Sons, Limited

Founded in 1857, JRSL is a private family-owned and operated Canadian corporation. Headquartered in Winnipeg, JRSL is involved in the international grain trade and agri-food business, energy, real estate and transportation.

Johnston Group

Matt Johnston is Co-President of Johnston Group, a leading Canadian provider of group benefit solutions for employers nationwide. Prior to his current role, Matt held a variety of leadership positions within the company, helping shape strategy and growth across the organization.

Matt holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he captained the NCAA Division I golf team for three years before competing professionally on tours around the world.

Deeply committed to community, Matt has co-chaired the Manitoba Theatre for Young People’s Play it Forward Capital Campaign (2023–2024), serves as Co-Chair of Community Financial Counselling Service, sits on the board of the Forks Foundation, and is a member of the United Way Winnipeg Campaign Cabinet.

Johnston Group

Johnston Group is a Canadian, family-owned third-party administrator (TPA) providing employee benefit solutions to companies from one employee to 10,000 and beyond. Trusted by over 35,000 businesses nationwide, Johnston Group delivers flexible group benefit programs, health and wellness solutions, and full plan administration from its home base in Winnipeg.

Tina Jones is owner of Jones & Company Wine Merchants and principal of Wine & Drinks College Manitoba (WDCM). With a mission to inspire a great wine culture by connecting wine lovers with real people who make great wine, Tina has directed the company’s growth into the largest private wine store and destination wine school in Manitoba. She has reached for the highest international standards, creating opportunities for advanced wine and spirit studies at WDCM through the Wine and Spirit Education Trust, the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers, and the Wine Scholar Guild. She has expanded the impact of wine education to develop the award-winning magazine, The Cellar Door.   

Tina is also an active partner in the dynamic concept The Rink Training Centre, providing innovative individual skill development to all levels of hockey players. Tina and her partner Brad Rice are also pioneers in Winnipeg, with the first Canadian Sports School Hockey League teams with the Rink Hockey Academy and a newly completed $25 million Center of Excellence project.

Tina’s life and work have centred in Manitoba, where her community service, innovation and accomplishments have been recognized with the Order of Manitoba, Manitoba’s highest honour (2020). The designation recognizes individuals who have demonstrated excellence and achievement, benefiting in an outstanding manner the social, cultural or economic well-being of Manitoba and its residents. She has also been named by the Women’s Executive Network with a Top 100 Award as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women (2018); the Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year (2017) from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Manitoba; and the Distinguished Alumni Award (2018) from the University of Manitoba. In early 2021 she received the honour as one of the Nellie McClung Manitoba 150 Women Trailblazer award recipients, a special, historic recognition awarded to women leaders of today and throughout Manitoba’s history.

Tina’s energy and creativity have also made her a tireless community builder. Most significantly her distinguished work as Chair of the Board of the Health Sciences Centre Foundation Board of Directors has raised record funds and touched thousands of Manitobans.

Julia is the sole proprietor of JJF Enterprises, a boutique consulting firm that provides project management services for small business. In particular, she specializes in expansion projects and new business development for her clients. Additionally, she is the business development manager for Jones & Company Wine Merchants, and manages a portfolio of various real estate assets for her family office. Julia is also an avid volunteer, currently on the United Way campaign cabinet leading the next generation philanthropy division.

Jones & Company Wine Merchants

Jones & Company Wine Merchants is Winnipeg’s largest private wine store.Our mission is to inspire a great wine culture by connecting wine lovers with real people who make great wine.

Our team of wine lovers find the highest quality, best-value wines in the world from people we believe in and whose story we want to share. We build relationships with these winemakers; we build relationships with people who love wine; and we create connections between them.

Nicole Chabot is Vice President of L. Chabot Enterprises Ltd. (CHABOT), a 100% Métis-owned heavy civil construction company and aggregates supplier with more than 55 years of continuous operation in Manitoba. As part of this third-generation family enterprise, Nicole helps lead a company that has shaped major infrastructure and transportation projects across the province.

Nicole has built a strong reputation in governance, advocacy, and construction leadership. Within her industry, she chaired the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association (2020–2022), was the first female President of the Heavy Equipment & Aggregate Truckers Association of Manitoba, and chaired the Civil Infrastructure National Advisory Council during her tenure on the Canadian Construction Association Board (2020–2026). In her community, she co-founded the Springfield Chamber of Commerce and served as its inaugural President. She currently serves as Vice Chair of the Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board, appointed in 2023.

Nicole holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba, a Gold Seal Certification in Construction Safety, and an ICD.D designation through the ICD-Rotman Directors Education Program. A passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and Indigenous representation in construction, she is dedicated to mentoring and supporting the next generation of industry leaders.

Through her leadership, Nicole continues to advance operational excellence, innovation, and responsible infrastructure development while carrying forward her family’s legacy in Manitoba’s construction industry.

L. Chabot Enterprises Ltd.

Founded in 1969, L. Chabot Enterprises Ltd. (CHABOT) is a Manitoba-based heavy civil construction and aggregates company serving public and private sector clients across the Winnipeg Capital Region and beyond. For over 55 years, CHABOT has delivered infrastructure solutions including aggregates production and supply, earthworks, site development, road construction, hauling and logistics, and heavy civil infrastructure projects.

CHABOT operates a vertically integrated business model with privately owned pits and quarries, a modern fleet of heavy equipment and trucks, and in-house operational capabilities that support efficient project delivery from material extraction through to construction execution. The company works on municipal, provincial, federal, Indigenous, utility, and private development projects ranging from approximately $1M–$8M in value.

As a COR-certified contractor for more than two decades, CHABOT is committed to safety, operational excellence, and sustainable infrastructure development. The company is proud of its long-standing Manitoba roots, multi-generational leadership, and ongoing contributions to the construction and infrastructure industry across the province.

Logan Point Investments Inc.

Benjamin Graham was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Manitoba
Blue Cross in October 2020. Previously, he was President and Chief Executive
Officer of Manitoba Public Insurance.

Benjamin brings extensive global experience to his role at Manitoba Blue Cross, with
particular expertise in medical underwriting models, insurance and risk management.
His transparent and inclusive leadership style are contributing factors to his
continued success in leading business transformation and growth.

Benjamin currently serves on the board of directors of Blue Cross Life and the
Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans and was appointed as chair of the board
for Manitoba Hydro in November 2023. He previously served on the board of
directors for the Winnipeg Humane Society from 2020 to 2023.

Before arriving in Manitoba in 2018, Benjamin held executive positions at QBE
Insurance Asia Pacific in Hong Kong; Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company
and Deloitte & Touche in the United Arab Emirates; and Protiviti Risk Consulting in
Australia.

Benjamin has a Master of Risk Management from the School of Business and
Economics at Monash University and a Bachelor of Political Science from the
University of New South Wales, both in Australia.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-graham-31930241/?originalSubdomain=ca

Manitoba Blue Cross

Manitoba Blue Cross was born out of a desire to protect our fellow Manitobans during life’s most unexpected and sometimes challenging moments, and to ensure our community members have the supports they need to live their healthiest lives. This remains our driving force today and fuels our commitment to providing superior health and wellness benefits that are delivered with compassion and excellence in service.

We are proud to be a made-in-Manitoba company. Our local status ensures we’re keenly attuned to what’s happening in the province. We follow Manitoba’s drug formulary (which keeps drug costs low and promotes stable renewals) and we’re aware the moment a provincial budget or other health care event impacts our services.

The fact that we serve our fellow Manitobans – our neighbours, the people we sit on parent council with, our kids’ hockey coaches – keeps us connected to what’s important. We make it our priority to understand what coverage Manitobans need and strive to keep our finger on the community pulse so that we can continuously evolve to meet the needs of Manitobans.

Manitoba Blue Cross has been Manitoba’s leading health benefits provider for over 45 years. Our comprehensive understanding of health care fuels our commitment to service. Together with our subsidiary Blue Cross Life, we provide health, dental, employee assistance, life, disability and travel coverage to over half a million Manitobans.

Ben Voss (P.Eng, ICD.D) is the President & CEO of Mazergroup. Over a 28-year career, he previously served as the President & CEO of 3 large private companies in Canada and recently concluded a senior executive role with Raven Industries (CNH), based in the US. An Agricultural & Bioresource Engineering graduate from the University of Saskatchewan, Ben has worked in executive leadership roles in several primary industries, including agribusiness, private equity, finance, manufacturing, aviation, forestry and startups. Born and raised on a farm near Spiritwood, Saskatchewan, he has farmed part-time since 2011. However, throughout his career he has travelled to over 35 countries, visiting farms, factories and head offices over various periods of his life.

As a recognized thought leader in the Industrial and Agricultural sectors, Ben has been a sought-after advisor, speaker and contributor for multiple companies, conferences, media and educational institutions sharing his insights. Ben is currently a professional corporate director serving on the board of a large Pension Fund Management company (Plannera), a startup software company based in Indianna (Gripp.ag) and he serves as a family office advisor in Vancouver. He is also a volunteer director on the board of Diabetes Canada and previously has served on other prominent non-profit boards including STARS and Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Canada. He also served as a corporate director of several large private companies during his previous roles in private equity management, including WestWind Aviation, SaskTel, NorSask Forest Products, CERES Fertilizers, Meadow Lake OSB and many others. He has accumulated over 100 person-years of directorship experience.

He and his family splits their time, living in Regina, Saskatchewan, Brandon, MB and at the farm. He maintains a Professional Engineering designation with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS). He also completed the Directors Education Program (DEP) through the Rotman School of Business and achieved his ICD.D designation in 2015 and is currently a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors of Canada.

Mazergroup

Mazergroup is a family of machinery dealerships offering agricultural, construction, and commercial turf equipment, sales, parts, and service. With eighteen locations across Manitoba and Southern Saskatchewan, we are ideally positioned to serve our customers throughout our territory.

Our bricks-and-mortar footprint means we are where our customers need us to be, when they need us. The structure of our organization allows us to benefit from strong supplier relationships, ensuring the best prices and support for our customers, while preserving the advantages of being a locally-owned, community-minded company.

Seizing the opportunities of today’s Agriculture, Construction, and Turf markets requires more than offering top-tier equipment at a fair price. At Mazergroup we pride ourselves on having the knowledge and experience to back our product lineup with the industry’s best after-sales support. As the pace of technological change accelerates within the industries we serve, we are committed to keeping our dedicated staff educated and trained to be on the cutting edge.

Our track record of quality product, competitive prices, and exceptional customer service—which has distinguished Mazergroup for more than a generation—continues to this day, and we are committed to building on that legacy in the years to come.

Jason Yates is President and CEO of McMunn & Yates Building Supplies Ltd.  Having grown up in the business that was co-founded by his father, Jason gained a solid understanding of the building supply industry.  After high school, Jason attended the University of Manitoba and obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree.  He furthered his educational pursuits and received his Master in Business Administration from the University of North Dakota. 

Jason has been an active member in both the building supply industry and community.  He is currently the President of one of Canada’s premier building supply buying groups, the Independent Lumber Dealers Cooperative.  Jason has also been active in the Western Retail Lumber Association and served as the Chair of the Education Committee.  On a local level Jason has served as the President of the Dauphin and District Chamber of Commerce and is a past recipient of its Business Person of the Year award.   Jason was also honoured to receive an Honorary Business Diploma from Assiniboine Community College for his contributions to the community and business.

McMunn & Yates Building Supplies Ltd.

McMunn & Yates Building Supplies Ltd., headquartered in Dauphin, MB, is a supplier of hardware and building materials to retail customers, contractors, home builders and commercial builders.  The company was formed in 1972 and through continued growth has expanded to include 20 lumber yards, 2 roof truss manufacturing plants and 2 flooring stores.  The company also operates a distribution centre in Headingley, MB that serves its stores’ product and supply needs through a dedicated fleet of transport trucks.  McMunn & Yates employs over 600 individuals and prides itself on partnering with its customers to help build the communities in which it operates.

Medicure Inc

Katie Hall Hursh, LLB, is a seasoned business leader who specializes in providing strategic and legal guidance. She has a strong background in corporate governance and business development. In her current role as Vice President, Katie is a member of the executive team for The Megill-Stephenson Company Limited, overseeing portfolio growth for its group of companies, which range from large-scale real estate development to healthcare to automotive sales. In this role, Katie acts as a director and as corporate secretary on some of the investment companies.

Katie is an advisor to Flora Fertility, a direct-to-consumer insurance solution start-up for fertility and women’s health, and a managing partner of the Women’s Equity Lab (Manitoba), a women-led investment fund focusing on providing funding to early-stage businesses. She also serves as chair for the Balmoral Hall School Foundation and as chair of the board of directors for Health Sciences Centre Foundation, which helps drive the innovative delivery of healthcare at Manitoba’s largest hospital. Through this involvement, Katie recently chaired a successful fundraising campaign in support of improved emergency gynecological care at Winnipeg’s Women’s Hospital.

Katie is an experienced public speaker and has been interviewed frequently by media outlets through her professional and volunteer roles. As a mom to three young children, Katie is deeply committed to supporting causes and business initiatives that seek to improve our future.

As Executive Director of Design & Production at Mondetta, Erika Spiring brings extensive product development expertise and a deep understanding of the company’s global supply chain. She leads operations across development, production, planning, and international offices, ensuring seamless integration with Mondetta’s global sourcing network. Erika is committed to operational excellence and places employee well-being at the heart of her leadership approach. Known for her collaborative style, she combines strategic vision with operational rigor to deliver high-quality products to consumers and wholesale partners worldwide. In addition to overseeing product and operations, Erika plays a key role in shaping Mondetta’s ESG objectives and serves on its ESG Board Advisory Committee, guiding strategies that advance sustainability and ethical practices. As Mondetta is a Certified B Corporation™, Erika champions initiatives that strengthen the company’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility, driving continuous improvements that align creativity with purpose.

Mondetta

Founded in Canada in 1986, Mondetta – derived from the French word monde (world) and the Latin suffix etta (small) – was created with an ambitious vision: to harmonize the globe. The brand quickly rose to prominence with its iconic flag-bearing sweatshirts, symbolizing ‘A Spirit of Unification’ and connecting people worldwide through fashion. Over the years, Mondetta has evolved from a sportswear pioneer into a global leader in sustainable, technical lifestyle and activewear. Today, the company operates a diverse portfolio of brands (including Mondetta World Outfitter, Modern Ambition, and MPG) across direct-to-consumer, wholesale, and private-label channels. Supported by a robust supply chain spanning 13 countries, Mondetta continues to deliver high-quality, innovative apparel to a global audience. Despite its growth, Mondetta remains committed to its core values: exceptional quality, accessibility, ethical business practices, and continuous innovation. As a Certified B Corporation™, Mondetta strives to achieve the highest standards of social, economic, and environmental responsibility – constantly improving its business model to reduce its environmental footprint and implement socially responsible practices.

As President and General Manager of Murray Chevrolet and Managing Partner of the Murray Automotive Group, Dan brings extensive leadership experience within the automotive industry.

Murray Automotive Group

Michelle Gazze is a communications and community engagement leader whose work centres on building more equitable systems of access and belonging. She specializes in connecting institutions with the communities they too often overlook, and in reshaping how those institutions listen, share power, and tell their stories.

Over her career, Michelle has built and led communications and community initiatives at some of Manitoba’s most recognized institutions, including CBC Manitoba, The Winnipeg Foundation, and True North Sports and Entertainment. Across these roles, her focus has remained consistent: telling culturally grounded stories that hold institutions accountable to the people they serve, and building the relationships that give underrepresented communities real agency in shaping the work.

Michelle is the Community Lead at Neralake, a Winnipeg start-up whose platform works to make rigorous strategic planning accessible to nonprofits and equity-serving organizations. She frames the planning gap as a structural and resourcing problem, not an organizational failing, and works to put that capacity in the hands of communities that have historically been resourced last. Her writing has appeared in The Philanthropist Journal, CBC Manitoba, and the Winnipeg Free Press, and she has been recognized as an Emerging Leader in Philanthropy by AFP Manitoba (2021) and an Emerging Leader in Social Impact by The Peak (2022).

An experienced public speaker and a frequent presence at national philanthropic and social impact convenings, Michelle is a first-generation Canadian born to Guyanese parents in Winnipeg. Her commitment to cultural accountability and equitable access runs through everything she builds, rooted in the belief that communities deserve the agency to shape their own futures.

Neralake

Neralake is a Winnipeg-based start up making rigorous strategic planning accessible to nonprofits and equity-serving organizations . Its platform helps mission-driven teams close the gap between planning and doing, turning strategy from an expensive, one-time exercise into a living plan that guides daily work and carries the story of an organization’s impact.

Founded in Manitoba and launched nationally in 2026, Neralake pairs AI-assisted tools with a proven planning methodology, and is co-designed with the communities it serves rather than built around them. The result is world-class strategic planning capacity in the hands of the teams doing essential work in communities across the country.

NFI Group Inc.

Dan McConnell joined The North West Company in 2002 in the role of Manager, Real Estate and Store Development. He quickly advanced to the position of Director in April 2004, promoted to Vice-President of Real Estate & Store Development in September 2008. He then became Executive Vice-President, Chief Development Officer in 2014 and in 2018 became President, International Retail relocating to Boca Raton before returning to Winnipeg in July 2021 as President and Chief Executive Officer.

Dan has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Wales and many years’ experience in retail development.

Dan is a board member of The North West Company and United Grocers Inc.

Dan and his wife Kirsten now make their home in Winnipeg with their 3 children Liam, Matthew and Brynn.

The North West Company

North West is multi-billion dollar retailer serving rural and developing regions of North America, the Caribbean and the south Pacific. North West’s vision is to help people live better by offering a superior range of everyday products and services ranging from food, apparel, home and outdoor products as well as health, financial, transportation and other core lifestyle services. North West’s customer base is over 80% BIPOC and our operations are within areas most affected by climate change, making social responsibility a business sustainability imperative that we are proud to be leaders in.  

Okimaw Community & HR Solutions

Peter Tielmann is the President & CEO of Palliser Furniture, the largest residential furniture manufacturer in Canada. Under his leadership, Palliser has undergone various improvements and integration initiatives that have given Palliser a leading position in the industry. Peter is an entrepreneurial leader who founded EQ3 in 2002, a successful vertically integrated lifestyle brand, and has been involved in various startups both in the for profit and not-for-profit sectors. He holds a degree in Architecture, and a graduate degree in Business Economics, both from Germany. He serves on several boards, including the Michaëlle Jean Foundation and the International Institute for Sustainable Development.

Palliser Furniture

From a modest start in a basement workshop over 75 years ago, Palliser has grown to be one of the largest furniture manufacturers in North America. Its obsession with quality of products and excellence of service has been the constant catalyst of the company’s success.

Today Palliser remains a family owned business with its headquarters in Winnipeg, employing over 3000 people across its locations in Canada, USA, Mexico and Indonesia.

As cofounder of Payworks, Barb Gamey has overseen the strategic direction and development of the company since its inception.

In 2000, after 15 years of senior level experience in the payroll services industry, Barb recognized that there were gaps in the industry and resulting opportunities that could be gained if she created a unique value offering that encompassed the latest in technology combined with a truly customer-centric service philosophy.

As a result, Payworks’ proprietary payroll application was developed by expert individuals who truly understood the needs of the customer and had a proven track record in the outsourcing industry. The organization has grown to over 300 employees in 10 regional locations coast to coast.

Barb has been honoured with awards for her entrepreneurial work, including receiving the Momentum Award at the 2012 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards (CWEA) and being named to the Profit W100 in 2009.

Barb is dedicated to community involvement: she sits on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Board of Directors, the Business Council of Manitoba’s Board of Directors, the TELUS Manitoba Community Board, and served as United Way Winnipeg’s 2018 Campaign Chair. Barb is also the Chancellor of the University of Winnipeg and sits on the board for both the University of Winnipeg Foundation and UM Properties. She is an ongoing supporter of numerous other community and charitable organizations.

Payworks

Doing business to business, person to person. Payworks is a leading expert in the field of total workforce management solutions, providing cloud-based Payroll, Human Resources, Employee Time and Absence Management to businesses across Canada. We’re a Platinum Club member of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, having held the Best Managed distinction every year since 2012, and were designated one of Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers for 2021. Let us show you how we’re different.

https://blog.payworks.ca/

As vice president and district manager at PCL in the Winnipeg district, Kelly is responsible for the district’s operations, overseeing buildings, civil and Special Projects across Manitoba and Northern Ontario.

Kelly brings more than 29 years of industry experience and has held various leadership positions throughout PCL across Canada for more than 25 years. He began his career in Winnipeg in 1998, progressing to senior project manager before transferring to Edmonton to take on a construction manager role on some very high-profile healthcare projects. Thereafter, he took on the role of Special Projects manager. He transferred to Toronto as operations manager in 2013, progressing to vice president and district manager in Toronto, before returning to his roots in Manitoba to oversee the Winnipeg district as vice president and district manager. 

Kelly is a graduate of the civil engineering technology program at Red River College. He was the recipient of the 2004 Robert Stollery Construction Leadership Award, one of the highest awards of excellence given out by PCL to recognize exemplary leadership qualities and contributions to the growth of the PCL family of companies. He is also Gold Seal Certified, a LEED Accredited Professional and a member of the Certified Technicians & Technologists Association of Manitoba.

CONTACT Kelly Wallace • 204-449-6004 • kw******@*cl.com • Watch us build at PCL.com

Peak of the Market Ltd.

Abdo (Albert) El Tassi is a well-known Manitoba businessman and philanthropist who works tirelessly to promote understanding, tolerance, and respect not only in Winnipeg but globally. Albert has called Winnipeg home since 1969 when he started in the shipping department of Peerless Garments Ltd. As of June 2006, he has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of Peerless Garments LP, which is a garment manufacturer and importer carrying two main businesses: leather and cold weather garments. For over 45 years, he has worked closely with Department of National Defence staff working on the design and development of specialized garments for the military.

Giving back to the nation in which he lives; the community which he serves; and the world to which he belongs is a fundamental part of his beliefs.  Mr. El Tassi is a pillar in the Muslim community, having been a major donor to the Islamic Social Services Association, a mosque in Thompson, and the Alhijra Islamic School, among others. His support for the school is especially important to him because, as he has said, “education helps to eliminate ignorance and it fosters understanding of different cultures while promoting a better life.”

He gives generously of his time and money to many charitable organizations.  At home or work, his door is always open to those in need; help in finding housing, a job, or providing counselling to new immigrants adjusting to the Canadian way of life – he is there to help. The opportunity for success that he has enjoyed has also been an opportunity to reach out to others in need around the world. His philanthropy extends far beyond his community. Over the years he has supported UNICEF; the Canadian Museum for Human Rights; the Canadian Diabetes Association; World Vision; the United Way; Variety, the Children’s Charity of Manitoba; Winnipeg Harvest; the Winnipeg Foundation; and many, many more. He has also supported international disaster relief efforts and has sponsored nearly 50 immigrants to Canada.

Recognized for his prominent and selfless philanthropy and community service, he was a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal; he is a Member of the Order of Canada; he was named to the Order of Manitoba; and he was named Humanitarian of the Year in 2012 by the Canadian Red Cross, among numerous other honours.

Along with a long list of charity work and continued growth of a successful business, Albert is first and foremost a family man and considers with great pride and honour to have had the privilege of making Winnipeg his home since 1969 for himself, his children, and his grandchildren. 

Peerless Garments LP

Peerless Garments LP is a Canadian limited partnership located in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada.   Founded in 1940, Peerless Garments has been a significant supplier to the Government of Canada since its inception.  Peerless Garments also specializes in the manufacture of men’s and ladies cloth and leather outerwear garments.

Peerless Garments has serviced the many military clothing requirements of the Canadian Department of National Defence for over 60 years.  During this long-term relationship, Peerless Garments has developed the expertise to fulfill the needs and requirements of the Department of National Defence and our design staff is active in the development of new products for today’s armed forces.

Peerless Garments specializes in cold weather outerwear, with the main objective of creating garments that will keep the user warm, dry and comfortable.  Technological advances allow us to provide the end user with garments for more specific needs.  We produce such items as soft body armour, garments with static reduction, as well as garments with fire protection.  Peerless also produces the highly sensitive Chemical Warfare Protective Coverall (Toxicological Agent Protective) for the armed forces.

Peerless Garments has been instrumental in the development of many prototype samples for various government departments such as Fisheries & Oceans, Canada Customs & Revenue Agency, Transport Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as well as the Department of National Defence.   Over the past several years, Peerless has worked closely with various military departments to design and manufacture the new high tech clothing system being developed for both Army and Air Force personnel.  The incorporation of state of the art clothing and textile technologies has resulted in adaptable, lightweight components offering protection against a wide range of climatic conditions.

We are proud of our dedication to quality and were one of the first manufacturers in Canada to receive ISO 9001 certification.

Peerless Garments LP is a union shop – our employees are members of “WORKERS UNITED”.

People Corporation

People Corporation is the leading national provider of group benefit consulting, group retirement consulting, third-party benefit administration and human resource services. The company delivers customized and innovative solutions to help organizations attract, engage, and reward their employees. Headquartered in Winnipeg, People Corporation employs over 2,000 industry experts located in 21 cities across the country.

Brian Lowes is a licenced red seal automotive technician and a graduate of the North American Auto Dealer Association Executive Education Program in Boston.  Cars have been Brian’s passion from his earliest years, and he feels exceptionally fortunate to combine his love of cars with his dedication to contribute to developing the next generation of leaders.  Brian, being the first in his family to be in the industry, believes wholeheartedly in being generous with his time and making investments in future leaders around him. He is currently the Chairman of the Mercedes-Benz Canada Dealer Advisory Board and holds Past President titles for the Manitoba Motor Dealer Association as well as The Entrepreneurs Organization, to name a few.  He led the foundational culture shift in all organizations he oversees to be one of values driven leadership.  His relentless focus on empowering his people to “do the right thing when no one is looking” has propelled these organizations to win multiple manufacturer and industry awards and build an engaged community of team members and customers.  In 2016 Brian was recognized a winner of the Automotive News North American top 40 under 40 and in 2018 was named the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association Laureate award winner, the highest honour in the Automotive retailing business, by his peers. 

Pinnacle Automotive Group

Pinnacle Automotive Group is comprised of Mercedes-Benz Winnipeg, Focus Hyundai, Kenora Hyundai, Focus Autobody and Pinnacle Collision.  We represent 3 brands across 5 locations and provide certified repair services for numerous other brands.  Operating primarily in Winnipeg and Northwestern Ontario we create an innovative and engaging community of team members and customers while retailing and servicing some of the safest and most renowned vehicles in the world.  Our mission of creating a meaningful customer experience through inspired staff and innovation is complimented by our unwavering commitment to “doing the right thing.”  Our deeply engaged and connected team members foster a culture of entrepreneurial spirit and humility.  This allows us to connect with our customers in a unique way.  The organization has been recognized with a variety of Manufacturer and Industry Awards.

mercedes-benz-winnipeg.ca
focushyundai.net
pinnaclecollisioncentre.ca

Gerry Price was born in Winnipeg and holds a B.Sc. and a M.Sc. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Manitoba as well as a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics from Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. Following graduate studies, he worked as a Defense Scientific Services Officer for the Defense Research Board in Alberta; he then joined E.H. Price Limited (now Price industries Limited) in 1977.  In 1986, he became President of Price Industries following their start up in Asia Pacific, and began to lay the foundation for their expansion into the US market.  During his tenure he has launched many new product lines, factory expansions and new business units in Canada and the US, and has grown the company to 22 times the size, scope and reach it was when he became President. 

Price Industries Limited

The Price Group comprises seven companies, operates 14 factories, seven in Canada and seven in the US. Manufactured products range from HVAC mechanical products to transit windows, aluminum extrusions and other industrial products.  The company’s workforce numbered approximately 3,000 employees in 2020, 50% in the US and 50% in Canada, with approximately 1,200 in Winnipeg, MB.

Price is a market leader in air distribution, critical controls, and noise control products.  Price also offers state-of-the-art computational fluid dynamics services that analyze how the HVAC system interacts with the indoor environment and the occupant. 

 The founding principles of Price have never changed – business integrity, first-class service, innovation and a commitment to people. After more than 70 years, Price remains a privately held family company with a deep heritage and commitment to innovation and service. Our long-standing vision, traditional values, and the Price way of doing business are the cornerstones of our leadership position in the non-residential air distribution industry.

Price Industries was founded in Winnipeg and remains loyal to Manitoba.  Price remains fully committed to Winnipeg as it is our home and an ideal market for world-class engineering and engineering technology talent.

Ken Larson started with Princess Auto over 20 years ago as a part-time cashier while he went to university. After working in various operational roles over those 20 plus years, he became President and CEO in December 2019.  His personal philosophy is that in leading by example and empowering those around him, we can create an environment that allows boundaries to be pushed and innovations to be made.  

Together, he and his Team have been able to grow the company and be recognized as a top employer.  The non-traditional and quirky approach of Ken and his Team has attracted attention from others.  Whether it is delivering craft beer to Team Members on long weekends, Canada Day parties, or creative events where Team Members decide how they want to give back to their community, it is all about creating relationships and building community.

Ken is a lifelong Winnipegger with deep roots in the community.  He is passionate about Winnipeg and a constant champion making Winnipeg and amazing place to live and work.  When he’s not at work, Ken can often be spotted cheering one of Winnipeg’s professional sporting teams or cheering on his own kids.

Princess Auto

Princess Auto is a private, Canadian-owned company employing over 3,400 Team Members, with our Home Office in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Princess Auto provides hard-working Canadians with a unique assortment of tools and equipment through 55 stores coast-to-coast, 3 Distribution Centre’s, a National Call Centre, and an online store.

As a co-founder of Private Pension Partners (“P3”), Don has provided the leadership and direction for P3 since inception in 2010, serving as the President and CEO of the Asset Manager and Limited Partnerships.  Don also serves as a Management Representative, Trustee, and CEO of Apartment Plus Real Estate Investment Trust (commonly referred to as A+ REIT) which was launched in the fall of 2020 as a private real estate investment trust with the mandate to acquire and hold multi-family rental properties providing that it may also hold a maximum of 20% of its net assets in strategic street-front commercial properties.  Don is also a member in good standing with the CPA Association as well as the CFA Society in Manitoba and graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1993 and 1994 respectively earning his Bachelor of Commerce Honours and Masters of Accountancy degrees.

Private Pension Partners

Private Pension Partners (“P3”) is a leading private equity real estate investment firm launched to provide its clients with access to private and direct pension-grade real estate investment opportunities. After a decade of sound real estate investment management, P3 has nearly 2.3M square feet of real estate, 1,600+ apartment units, and $725M of total property assets under management or development. P3 collaborates with industry-leading real estate professionals to develop or refurbish sustainable and amenity-rich, built-for-rent multi-family or tactical street front commercial assets that bring lasting value to tenants and investor partners.

RBC Royal Bank

Richardson International Limited

Richardson International is a global leader in agriculture and food processing and one of North America’s largest agribusinesses. With a legacy of service going back more than 160 years, Richardson has 3,000 employees in over 100 locations across Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Downtown Winnipeg is home to Richardson’s head office and its new Innovation Centre, a state-of-the-art food product and quality testing facility.

Richardson is a worldwide handler and merchandiser of all major grains and oilseeds and a vertically-integrated producer of food and ingredients. Richardson exports Canadian grains and oilseeds to over 50 countries around the world through seven export terminal facilities in BC, Ontario, and Quebec.

Richardson operates a network of strategically-located modern, high-throughput elevators and crop inputs retail locations across Western Canada and North Dakota. In addition to its canola and oat processing facilities, in 2021 Richardson acquired Italgrani USA, North America’s single largest durum mill located in St. Louis, Missouri. Also in 2021, Richardson acquired Calgary-based Control Chemical, manufacturer of plant oil-based drilling lubricants and hydraulic fluids.

Scotiabank

Arni Thorsteinson is President and principal of Shelter Canadian Properties Limited. Shelter Canadian
Properties owns and manages a diversified portfolio of real estate including hotels and senior’s housing
located in Canada and the United States.

He has 50 years experience in real estate development and finance. Arni is a founder of Lanesborough, Huntingdon, Temple and White Rock Real Estate Investment trusts. He is also a founding Director of Onex Corporation and a director of Bird Construction Company and Waters Senior Living Group LLC. He also serves as Chair of Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and on the boards of the Fraser Institute, the Michaëlle Jean Foundation, Historica Canada, International Curling Centre of Excellence, and International Peace Garden Capital Campaign. He is the President of the University of Manitoba Business Foundation.

Arni obtained his Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 1974 and also holds Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) and Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) degrees from the University of Manitoba. He was appointed to the Order of Manitoba in 2021.

Arni is married to Susan Glass and both are active volunteers in the non-profit sector.

Shelter Canadian Properties Limited

Shelter Canadian Properties Limited is a private Canadian corporation which is beneficially owned by the family of Arni Thorsteinson. The company was established in 1990 and is the successor to various Canadian real estate companies which have been in operation since 1947.

The company employs approximately 350 administrative, accounting and operational personnel who work at Head Office, the regional offices and on site at the Shelter-managed rental, condominium and commercial properties.

The overall objective of the company is to provide its clients with excellent investment opportunities which are supported by comprehensive fee and asset management services. Shelter Canadian Properties Limited, in conjunction with its U.S. equivalent, Shelter American Holdings, Inc., is currently responsible for the management of approximately 120 multi-unit rental, condominium, commercial and hotel properties, comprised of more than 12,000 suites and in excess of 3 Million square feet of commercial space.

Callan Davey is a partnerships and business development leader with more than a decade of experience delivering high-impact corporate collaborations across national brands and mission-driven organizations. She currently sits on the National Partnerships team at Skip, where she oversees major brand relationships, leads national campaign strategy and execution, and drives cross-functional initiatives that support long-term revenue growth.

Earlier in her career, Callan established a strong track record in corporate partnerships, managing multi-million-dollar agreements with global leaders including Amazon, Google, Stripe and Verizon. She has built partnership programs from the ground up, strengthened brand equity through integrated campaigns, and delivered measurable business expansion across Fortune 500 enterprises, fast-growth companies, and community organizations. Her work is defined by a collaborative leadership style, clear strategic thinking, and capacity to navigate complex stakeholder environments.

Her commitment to community leadership is longstanding. A dedicated volunteer with United Way Winnipeg, Callan has served on Campaign Cabinet, as Co-Chair for the GenNext Summit, and as Co-Chair of the GenNext Committee. She currently serves on the Board of the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra as Vice-President and on the City of Winnipeg’s Committee for Safety. She remains an active supporter of numerous community and charitable initiatives across the province.

Callan lives in Winnipeg with her husband and son.

Skip

Skip is Canada’s homegrown delivery network. What started in 2012 as a local start-up in the Prairies has grown into a Canadian technology success story, connecting millions of Canadians in over 450 cities and towns with more than 50,000 local restaurants, grocery, convenience and retail partners.

With a vision to empower everyday convenience, Skip helps Canadians get what they need, when they need it – so they can Skip to the Good Part of their day. As a subsidiary of Just Eat Takeaway.com, one of the world’s leading on-demand delivery companies, Skip combines local expertise with global scale to provide fast, reliable service when it matters most.

Ben Sparrow is the CEO of Sparrow Hotels. Ben has been involved with many community groups including serving as President of Entrepreneurs Organization Winnipeg, and is a past board member of the Winnipeg Executives Association, and Manitoba Chapter of the Canadian Association of Family Enterprise. Recently Ben was a founding member of the committee to make Winnipeg a Fairtrade City and currently serves on the board of YPO Manitoba.

Ben holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Ryerson University and is a graduate of the General Management Program at Wharton, University of Pennsylvania.

Sparrow Hotels

Established in 1937, Sparrow Hotels draw on more than 80 years of experience as one of Canadas most reputable hotel management companies. Employing more than 400 full and part-time staff in Winnipeg Sparrow has a proven track record in the management of luxury and upscale full and select-service hotels, as well as conference and institutional food service facilities, spas, and restaurants.  The company has provided hospitality consulting services to a wide variety of clients for over 25 years.

In 2015 Sparrow Hotels was named the Winnipeg Large Tourism Business of the Year by Tourism Winnipeg.

Kevin Gill is the founder and President of the Staffmax group of companies. Kevin was born and raised in Winnipeg and is a proud graduate of RRC Business Administration program. Under his leadership and vision, he has grown Staffmax into one of the largest staffing & recruiting firms in Canada, led expansion into USA, Australia & Europe and has expanded service offerings into the Healthcare Staffing and EOR/PEO services field (Employer of Record/Professional Employer Organization). Kevin is a recognized expert and requested speaker in the Staffing, Recruitment, Executive Search and Employment Industry.

Kevin is a member of the Board of Governors at Red River College Polytechnic, the Manitoba Employers Council, Canadian Staffing & Recruiting Association (ACSESS), a member of Business Council of Manitoba, Winnipeg Executives Association (WEA), U of M Associates and a founding Investor in YES! Winnipeg. He is a recipient of the CPHR of MB Visionary of the Year Award. He has participated in the Prime Minister of Canada’s federal budget consultation process. Kevin supports the Bear Clan Patrol, MS Society, KidsSport, United Way and others.

Staffmax: Staffing & Recruiting

Founded in 2007 and proudly headquartered in Winnipeg, the Staffmax group of companies is comprised of 4 companies and 3 brands in Canada, USA, Australia and Europe. Staffmax is a leading provider of High-Quality Temporary Staffing, Full-Service Permanent Recruiting, Executive Search, Healthcare Staffing, EOR/PEO services (Employer of Record/Professional Employer Organization) and HR Services.

Staffmax Staffing & Recruiting is known for providing ready, reliable, & experienced employees across all roles and disciplines. Using advanced recruitment technologies, custom Apps, AI and a team of dedicated specialized recruiters, Staffmax is able to quickly find talent to fill roles on their client’s timelines.

Staffmax is one of the largest staffing & recruiting agencies in Canada. With the number of assignment employees at clients’ locations everyday, Staffmax is one of the largest employers in Manitoba.

Staffmax Healthcare is a provider in the USA of Travel Nurses, Per Diem Nurses, Locum Tenens and Allied Health Professionals. Staffmax EOR/PEO services, available in over 120 countries, provides on behalf of their client’s employees and contractors international payroll, benefits, taxes and compliance.

Staffmax gives back to the community through numerous charitable organizations and is a Chamber Champion with the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce.

Derek Lachaine was appointed President of TransX Group of Companies in April 2024.

Derek brings a wealth of experience to this role, having been an integral part of the TransX team since 2001. His journey within the company includes notable achievements in Linehaul operations, before progressing to more senior roles, including Vice-President Truckload Sales and Operations and then as Chief Operating Officer.

Derek holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Bio Systems Engineering and has successfully completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard University.

TransX is a leading provider of premier integrated transportation services across North America. CN acquired TransX on October 30, 2018.

Tribal Councils Investment Group of Manitoba Ltd

Mark Chipman is the Executive Chairman of the Board of True North Sports & Entertainment Limited and Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club. 

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Mark attended the University of North Dakota where he earned an Honors B.A. in Economics and a Juris Doctorate in Law. 

Mark entered the business of professional hockey in 1996 through the acquisition of the Minnesota Moose. In 2001, Mark led the development of Bell MTS Place and the acquisition of the Atlanta Thrashers in 2011. In December of 2016, Mark was named to the Executive Committee of the NHL’s Board of Governors as well as the Selection Committee of the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2019.

Mark has been the recipient of the Order of Manitoba and the University of North Dakota’s Sioux Award. He is a founding member of the Hockey Canada Foundation, established the True North Youth Foundation and Gonzaga Middle School.

True North Sports & Entertainment

True North endeavours to be recognized as a preeminent organization within the National Hockey League, the American Hockey League and the North American entertainment industry.  We further strive to establish ourselves as an integral asset to the City of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba and to be a consistent source of pride for our entire community. 

We are relentless in our pursuit of providing a superior patron experience in all of our facilities, developing championship caliber hockey teams, nurturing and providing opportunities for our colleagues and collectively making a meaningful and consistent contribution to our community.

Andrew Cyr brings a diverse skill set to True North Sports + Entertainment with experience as both a practicing corporate lawyer and leader of high-growth business ventures in the manufacturing and construction sectors.

In his current role as Vice President, Operations and Integrations Officer, Andrew plays an important role in setting and advancing the long-term strategic and capital planning agenda for True North and Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club, including directing and integrating projects across True North’s venues and businesses.

In addition to his law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School, Andrew received a Bachelor of Commerce from Queen’s University. During his time at Queen’s, Andrew earned a Certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility and has also participated in the Oxford Leading Sustainable Corporations Programme.

Andrew also serves as a board member for Polar Bears International. As a passionate community and sustainability advocate, Andrew can often be found cycling around Winnipeg or spending time in nature with his wife Kirstin and sons Leif and Forrest.

True North Sports + Entertainment

True North endeavours to be recognized as a preeminent organization within the National Hockey League, the American Hockey League and the North American entertainment industry.  We further strive to establish ourselves as an integral asset to the City of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba and to be a consistent source of pride for our entire community. 

We are relentless in our pursuit of providing a superior patron experience in all of our facilities, developing championship caliber hockey teams, nurturing and providing opportunities for our colleagues and collectively making a meaningful and consistent contribution to our community.

Ms. Mactaggart received her Bachelor of Sc. Physics (Honours) degree from Edinburgh University in Scotland and has 36 years of industry experience in both technical and management roles, spanning international, Canadian, large and small cap organizations.

She co-founded Iteration Energy in 2005 and served as VP Exploitation for five years. Ms. Mactaggart joined Tundra Oil & Gas as VP Reservoir/Exploitation in 2010 and was appointed President & CEO in 2018.  Ms. Mactaggart currently leads a team focused on operating and maximizing returns in the SW Manitoba and SE Saskatchewan Williston Basin area. In addition to participation in the Business Council of Manitoba, Ms. Mactaggart sits on the Board of Governors of The Explorers and Producers of Canada (EPAC), currently as Past Chair and serves as a Director of STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Services).

Tundra Oil & Gas

Tundra Oil & Gas recognizes that operating in its communities and provinces is an opportunity as well as a responsibility. We are committed to achieving a balance of economic, social and environmental sustainability. This commitment underlies the way we conduct our business across all our operations.

Since its inception in 1980, Tundra Oil & Gas has delivered above average returns on private equity capital through the discovery and recovery of light oil resources in the Williston Basin in a safe and environmentally sustainable manner.

At Tundra, we continuously strive to minimize our impact on the environment, and as a company, we are committed to finding innovative and integrated solutions to delivering environmentally responsible energy.

Tundra’s goal is to reduce the environmental impact of our operations, using techniques such as monitoring of air quality and water wells, as well as, an active program to address end of life asset closure. With the development of new technologies, Tundra’s facilities are continuously upgraded. Historic facilities are decommissioned and replaced with new facilities to minimize waste gas production, enhance spill prevention methods and reduce energy consumption.

Ryan Klassen leads Valley Fiber as it pursues its journey to become the leading broadband provider in rural Manitoba. Since joining in mid 2024, Ryan is steering Valley Fiber on an aggressive growth plan supported by future network expansion. Under his leadership, Valley Fiber finished the year with 40 new communities added to its footprint.

Ryan has spent over 25 years in the telecom industry in Western Canada with direct responsibility for business growth and service expansion. Deeply connected to the fabric of Manitoba’s business and technology sectors, he serves in various leadership capacities with many local and international scaling companies.

Ryan is a Project Management Professional and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree.  

Valley Fiber

Valley Fiber is a Manitoba-based telecom service provider offering dedicated fiber internet, television, and phone services to residential and commercial customers in rural Manitoba. Founded in 2016 by a group of Manitobans committed to bringing high-quality connectivity to rural communities, Valley Fiber’s mission is to connect people and improve lives through industry-leading technology. It offers tailored business-grade networking and phone solutions, backed by 24/7 local technical support. With a strong commitment to local communities, Valley Fiber is at the forefront of leveling the playing field with next-generation fiber optic infrastructure, fostering economic growth throughout Manitoba.

Evan started his career as a corporate lawyer practicing early-stage technology and biotechnology law at a boutique firm in Vancouver. He left Vancouver looking for more pure finance and international experience after having completed his Chartered Financial Analyst designation and spending two summers at the United Nations in New York City. With that in mind, he accepted a role in the Securitization practice in London, England with Clifford Chance, still the largest international law firm in the world.

Evan left London in 2008 and returned to Canada to join the Securities practice at Blakes in Calgary where he was involved in numerous public and private financings, M&A deals and general commercial transactions. He remained there until he was recruited by The Forzani Group, a national retailer of sporting goods, to act as its VP, General Counsel. In his role, he led the sale of the company to Canadian Tire in 2011. After the sale, he became the VP, General Counsel at Stuart Olson, a national commercial and industrial construction company based in Calgary, until joining Wawanesa in 2016.

Evan holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.), an LLB, a CFA and an MBA from the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario. He is also a Fellow with the Life Management Institute and has completed his Chartered Insurance Professional designation. He is a Board Member of ICMIF (International Cooperative and Mutual Federation), a Board Member of the Canada Games Council, was the Co-Chair of the Major Corporations Division of the 2022, 2023 and 2024 Winnipeg United Way Campaign cabinets and continues to be involved with the Business Development Committee.

On January 1, 2025, Evan assumed the position of President & CEO at Wawanesa, becoming the 10th person to hold the role in the organization’s 128-year history.

Wawanesa

When asked to talk about my work experience, I like to think about what has gotten me “juiced” in my career, and where it felt like I really added value to the companies I worked for.

I thrive on caring about making a difference in people’s lives. I try to make the right choices—not the easy ones. It can be as little as doing what I say I’m going to do when I say I was going to do it. Or it can be as big as closing a company acquisition in half the time allotted because we had great stakeholders who all cared about getting a deal done.

My professional expertise is twofold. Firstly, working day-to-day with Investment Advisors (IAs); and, secondly, working on executive management teams of the companies IAs work with.

Working with IAs is simply fantastic. Give me 1,000 IAs, and I will give you 1,000 different ways to be successful. I have been fortunate enough to work with some of the biggest IA teams in the country—constantly learning.

Working in management is equally rewarding. Trying to judge “where the puck is going” in the wealth management industry has always been fascinating to me. The winds of change are constantly blowing in our business. Having your ear to the ground and being in the “trenches” with IAs always derives the best results. The best management teams do this, and I have been lucky to work with some amazing people who have led by example. Learn more about Shaun Hauser.

Guided by cooperative principles, we are committed to delivering a quality customer experience and to achieving growth through investment by leveraging technology, the strength of our people, our partners and our infrastructure. We will be a customer- focused leader, enabling communications and entertainment services, for the benefit of our cooperative Members and the communities we serve.

Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc.

Winnipeg Airports Authority’s vision is to lead transportation innovation and growth to serve our community. The company’s mission is to provide excellent airport facilities and services in a fiscally prudent manner.

Manitoba offers a prime geographic location for Winnipeg Airports Authority and the air transportation sector to flourish as it is in the heart of Canada and North America. Cargo operations thrive in the centre of the mid-continent trade-corridor with the ability to move essential goods to global markets within 48 hours.

Winnipeg Airports Authority (WAA) is responsible for operating, managing, maintaining and strategically investing in Winnipeg Richardson International Airport. The company also leverages its diverse structure to oversee and operate Iqaluit International Airport, while simultaneously providing aviation services and solutions at more than 30 other airports across Canada to help benefit communities across the country.

WAA enhances connectivity within the region, including in Manitoba and Canada’s North, by facilitating the movement of people and goods to reach different local and global markets.  Under WAA’s management, Winnipeg Richardson International Airport has evolved to become a leading cargo hub in North America and is a key component of Canada’s air cargo activity. WAA continues to drive the expansion of the airport campus in Winnipeg to develop a thriving network of industry partners all working together to lead the future of the sector and further serve the community.

Winpak Limited

Winpak is part of a global packaging group with thirteen facilities in North America.  We manufacture and distribute high-quality packaging materials and innovative packaging machines, primarily used for the protection of perishable foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals, medical, and personal care. Winpak offers comprehensive customer support with an extensive network of field service support, engineering experts, and sales representatives strategically located across North America.

Winpak specializes in three main streams of packaging: Flexible Packaging, Rigid Packaging & Lidding, and Packaging Machinery.  We are closely aligned with Wipak, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of packaging materials.  Winpak’s strategic alliance with Wipak allows us to access the expertise of packaging professionals worldwide and offer a broad range of products and packaging solutions globally.

Our Vision

To provide the best packaging solutions for people and planet.

Our Mission

We design, manufacture, and supply the most sustainable packaging solutions that reduce food waste, extend freshness, and promote health.

We elevate customer brands with dedicated technical expertise, industry partnerships, and deep-rooted relationships.

We challenge our diverse teams to innovate continuously in the service of our customers, each other, and our communities.

Ken Bolt joined Wynward Insurance Group in 2012, and after nearly two decades in the property & casualty insurance industry in a variety of roles including underwriting, operations, distribution management and analytics, was named President of Wynward in December 2023.

Ken received his Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) Degree from the University of Manitoba and completed his Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional (FCIP) designation from the Insurance Institute of Canada.

A lifelong Winnipegger, Ken is proud to raise his family in the city where he grew up. In his spare time, he enjoys staying active and coaching his kids’ basketball and soccer teams. Ken is honoured to be a trustee of the Richardson Foundation and is a strong supporter of the United Way, being a part of the leadership team that has led to Wynward achieving 100% donor participation for many years running.

Wynward Insurance Group

Established in 1920, Wynward Insurance Group is a national commercial property & casualty insurer operating in all provinces and territories. Headquartered in Winnipeg, Wynward is a subsidiary of James Richardson & Sons, which is highly regarded as one of the most prominent privately owned companies in Canada. With team members throughout the country, Wynward proudly serves businesses from coast to coast and insures over $55B in client assets.