Membership

Ryan is a 25-year veteran of the Canadian communications and technology industries. He joined Manitoba Telecom Services in 2005 and has advanced progressively through senior leadership roles in marketing, product management and sales. Now serving as VP, Business for Bell MTS as part of Bell Business Markets, Ryan also leads the Epic IT team. He is Chair of Tech Manitoba and serves on the boards of Manitoba Technology Accelerator, the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and United Way Winnipeg.

As Vice Chair, Bell MTS and Western Canada, Ryan is championing Bell’s commitment to advancing communications innovation and competition in the West, including the Bell MTS $1 billion network investment commitment for Manitoba. Ryan also plays a leadership role with Bell Let’s Talk in Western Canada, including the dedicated fund for Indigenous mental health in Manitoba.

Ryan holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan and a Project Management Professional (PMP) designation.

Bell MTS

Bell MTS is a division of Bell Canada, Canada’s largest communications company. Bell MTS provides residential communications services including fibre-based Fibe TV and Fibe Internet, home security services, and home phone; and an unparalleled range of business communications services across Manitoba including data networking, managed IT solutions and cloud computing.

For more information on Bell MTS products and services, please visit bellmts.ca or call 204-225-5687.

Rob Penner is the 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 his current role in January 2017.

 Rob is actively involved in the transportation community, having served on the Board of Directors for the Ontario Trucking Association, the Trucking Profitability Strategies Advisory Board at the University of Georgia-Athens, as well as numerous other working committees and advisory boards. Rob is involved with the Canadian Trucking Alliance, the American Trucking Association and past Chairman of the Truckload Carriers Association. Rob is currently a member of the Board for Winnipeg Airports Authority. Beyond transportation, Rob is a member of the Business Council of Canada as well as the Business Council of Manitoba. 

Bison Transport

Bison Transport is a privately held, professionally managed transportation company, established in 1969. Headquartered in Winnipeg, MB, with a network of terminals throughout Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, Bison is a leading asset-based freight solutions provider that employs over 2,600 professional Drivers and staff. We proudly deliver award-winning transportation services to our valued clients throughout North America.

John MacAulay is the Regional President of Prairies Central with BMO Bank of Montreal, covering banking services across the Northwest Territories, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Northwestern Ontario.

John joined the Bank of Montreal in 1992 and throughout his 28-year tenure has held various senior leadership positions including District Vice President for Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario and District Vice President for the Greater Toronto West area. In 2013, he relocated to Winnipeg in the role of Senior Vice President and Division Head of Prairies Central Canada. In 2015, he was appointed as the acting Head of the Commercial Banking Business. In the summer of 2018, John relocated to Calgary to assume his current role.

John lends his experience to several charitable causes including the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s leadership team and the Manitoba Museum’s Bringing Our Stories Forward Capital Campaign.  In 2017, John joined the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s Capital Campaign Executive for the Inuit Art Centre as Chair of Leadership Gifts, for the world’s largest single gallery space devoted to Inuit art and culture. He currently serves on the Boards of Heritage Park Society and Theatre Calgary. He also sits as a Director on the Health Sciences Centre Foundation Board.

John has a Bachelor of Arts (Economics) degree and Master of Business Administration in International Business from the University of Manitoba.

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.

Mr. Bulbuck is the Executive Chair of BGSI. Since joining Boyd in 1993, he has played a leading role in the development and growth of the business, including serving as CEO from 2010 to 2019. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors of BGSI, he also serves as a Director on the Board of The North West Company and as a Director of Pan Am Clinic Foundation. He is also a former Chair of the Board of The Winnipeg Football Club and a former Governor of the Canadian Football League.   

The Boyd Group

The Boyd Group company’s mandate is to become the true leader of the auto body industry in North America. We provide collision and auto glass repair & replacement. 

With the story of The Boyd Group originating in Winnipeg, Manitoba over 30 years ago, it was only fitting that its head office be located in the city and province where it all began.

www.boydgroup.com

https://ca.linkedin.com/company/the-boyd-group-inc

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.

Polly Craik 

Polly is a co-founder of Vexxit Inc., an exciting new start up that is democratizing the world of professional services, making it easy for people and professionals to find, connect and work together. Prior to Vexxit, Polly grew FineLine Solutions into a recognized brand serving the non-profit industry across North America. FineLine was acquired in 2015. Polly is a Director of Exchange Income Corporation (EIC), the Lake of The Woods Water Sustainability Foundation and the Business Council of Manitoba. 

Polly is a past chair the board of the Business Council of Manitoba as well as CentreVenture Development Corporation. In 2007 she chaired the IIHF world Women’s Hockey Championship Tournament in Winnipeg and was named 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. In 2005, she became the first female to be named Manitoba Business Magazine’s Entrepreneur of the Year. In 2016 Polly received the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce, Lieutenant Governor’s award for outstanding contribution by an individual to the community. Polly served as Board Chair for Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, a provincially-owned crown corporation from 2016 to 2019.

Vexxit

As a leading Canadian tech company, Vexxit is transforming the way professional service industries find new clients and build their brands. Vexxit’s proprietary matching technology connects lawyers, accountants, financial advisors and consultants with people across Canada who need their distinct service. The brand also co-creates content with these professionals to highlight their expertise and bring their personal brands to the perfect audience. 

Ranging from thought-leadership articles to webinars to videos to podcasts, the digital content is housed in two information-rich websites, Vexxit Life and Vexxit Business. Vexxit Life serves individuals by providing content on relationships, work and finances and Vexxit Business serves business owners and managers by providing insights on strategy, process, people and technology.

Vexxit is a proud partner with the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and also partners with companies to provide meaningful employer-sponsored benefits that connect their employees with a discovery destination to help them learn, grow and manage life events. It is a co-branded resource that gives employees access to leading expert advice found in Vexxit Life.

Tune into the Vexxit podcast, Ask a Vexxpert with host, Polly Craik for a glimpse into the life and expertise of Canada’s leading professionals. Connect with the team and the brand @vexxit across social and at vexxit.com. 

Jason Stefanson is Vice Chairman, CIBC World Markets Inc. with offices in Winnipeg, Calgary and Toronto.  At CIBC Capital Markets, Mr. Stefanson coordinates overall 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.  In addition, Mr. Stefanson has led CIBC’s efforts in respect of various debt and equity offerings including IPO’s for many clients across Canada. 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.

When it comes to business success, Michael Dubowec knows it all starts with people — finding the right people, putting people in the right roles, and keeping people meaningfully engaged.

Michael has been CWB National Leasing’s President & CEO since 2018 and has held progressive senior leadership roles with the company since 1989. Recently, he has been working closely with parent company, CWB Financial Group, to find synergies between the other four equipment financing companies within the group.

Michael is a family man. He resides in Winnipeg with his lovely wife and fabulous daughters. An eager competitor, he often plays hockey, golf and runs to stay in shape. Michael supports many non-profit organizations, including his annual Winnipeg community cancer fundraiser, the United Way Winnipeg, Heart and Stroke Foundation and several sports facilities and organizations.

CWB National leasing

In a nutshell, CWB National Leasing helps businesses grow by making it possible for them to acquire the equipment they need quickly and hassle-free. A true Winnipeg success story, CWB National Leasing has created trusted partnerships with businesses by offering financing advice and a range of innovative products and solutions for over 40 years.

Now a part of CWB Financial Group, CWB National Leasing has grown from a boutique lender/two-man operation to the largest and longest-standing equipment finance company in Canada, with over 400 employees across the nation.

CWB National Leasing has helped more than 324,000 business customers secure equipment by providing over $11 Billion in funding through our full range of financing services in agriculture, construction, transportation, forestry, health care, commercial, and golf and turf equipment industries.

CWB National Leasing has been named one of Canada’s Top 100 employers for the last five years in a row, and the company wins many awards for its top-notch corporate culture and community investment.

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 President & 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.

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 $1.5 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 acquisition and holding company. Through our subsidiary, Globe Property Management, we provide services to our valued residents.

At Globe we 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 acquire and manage Canadian concrete high-rise residential rental properties poised for revenue growth.

Globe was founded in Winnipeg, Manitoba and has 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.

Web link: www.globecm.ca

Grant is the President & CEO of HyLife Ltd. The HyLife organization is an international integrated pork production company with three main divisions – Live Hog Production, Pig Genetics, and Pork Processing. As President & CEO, Grant is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization and overall management of the HyLife group of companies. Grant has been with HyLife for over 20 years, involved in all aspects of the business including operations, marketing, finance, and hedge management. Prior to joining HyLife, Grant worked for the Royal Bank of Canada for 10 years.

HyLife

Headquartered in La Broquerie, Manitoba, HyLife employs over 3,500 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. 

Grant Cockshott is a graduate of the University of Manitoba, with a Bachelor of Commerce, as well as a Balanced Scorecard strategic planning designation from George Washington University, and for the last 6 years has attended the Executive Education program of Harvard Business School.  Grant’s passion is the family business, and the vital role it plays in the lives of communities, people, and nations.  He is particularly interested in human performance as it relates to strategic planning, engagement, continuous improvement, and customer service.

During his 27 years with his family’s 3^rd generation family business, Grant has overseen a dramatic shift in the culture of his business by practicing principles of engagement, consultation, inclusion, and communication.  By adopting a ‘bottom up’ strategic execution model, the Group continues to see year over year improvements to financial results, customer service, process improvement, and organizational capacity.  However, it’s non-financial outcomes which are the greatest motivator for Grant and the Innovair Group leadership team, such as furthering the skills and experience of Innovair team members, so that together they are able to provide better outcomes for patients, customers, and companies.

Innovair Group

Innovair is primarily a packager and distributor of compressed gases such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and argon used in a wide variety of sectors including the healthcare, manufacturing, education and service industries.  In addition, our four operating companies provide a wide range of related products that use these gases for respiratory care, sleep therapy, welding, robotic automation, metal fabrication, and food production.   Our mandate is to provide patients and customers with timely delivery, technical support, and innovative ideas that improve personal health and organizational productivity.

Manitoba has been our historical base of operations since our inception in 1946.  While our business takes us across Canada, Manitoba has provided the Innovair Group of companies – including Innovair Industrial, Innovair Automation, Innovair Medical, and Medigas Manitoba – with a stable economic footprint founded on a wide variety of industries that have supported our growth these last 75 years.  Exposure to a diverse industrial base such as that found in Manitoba, has allowed us to acquire deep technical skills across multiple industries, which we’ve applied to similar customers across Canada.  A consistent population of ready labour allows our customers to succeed, and enables access to skilled team members in our operating companies.

A native of Australia with a Master of Risk Management (Business and Economics) from Melbourne’s Monash University, Benjamin Graham brings a global perspective to his position as President & CEO of Manitoba Blue Cross.

Before arriving to Manitoba in 2018, where he made his first imprint in the local business community as President & CEO of Manitoba Public Insurance, Benjamin held executive positions at QBE Insurance Asia Pacific in Hong Kong and both Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company and Deloitte & Touche in the United Arab Emirates.

While Benjamin’s strong business acumen and expertise in medical models, insurance and risk management have helped shape his career, his transparent and inclusive leadership style are contributing factors to his continued success leading business transformation and growth.  

Benjamin has developed roots in the province and is committed to the community, both as a business leader and a citizen. He’s a member of the Winnipeg Humane Society Board of Directors and is working hard to become as comfortable in hockey skates as he is in golf shoes.

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.

Web: https://www.mb.bluecross.ca/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MBBlueCross

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ManitobaBlueCross/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/manitoba-blue-cross?originalSubdomain=ca

Albert D. Friesen holds a Ph.D. in protein chemistry from the University of Manitoba. He has been instrumental in the founding and development of several health industry companies, including ABI Biotechnology (now Apotex Fermentation), Canada’s first profitable biotech company, and the Winnipeg Rh Institute, where he led the development of Canada’s first biotech product, WinRho. Dr. Friesen has also played a key role in a number of regional and national organizations, including a founder and first Board of Director Chair of the Industrial Biotechnology Association of Canada (now BIOTECanada). He is President and founder of Genesys Venture Inc. (GVI), which provides the expertise for launching and managing emerging health and biotechnology ventures. He has served as CEO and Chair of Medicure Inc. since he led its formation in 1997.

Medicure is a pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of cardiovascular therapeutics for the U.S. market.

Medicure’s vision is to become a leading cardiovascular pharmaceutical company within the U.S, offering a growing product portfolio of cardiovascular products that improve patients’ lives. We have an unwavering focus on delivering safe, efficacious and cost-effective medicines that benefit patients, healthcare providers and shareholders. Our commitment to service, partnership and integrity is what sets us apart.

Paul joined New Flyer as President and Chief Executive Officer in January 2009.  Mr. Soubry holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree from the University of Manitoba and completed the executive development program at Harvard Business School.  Mr. Soubry has a sales, marketing, business development and operations background in businesses held by both trade and private equity owners, with substantial experience in business transformations and LEAN operational practices. 

Prior to joining New Flyer, Mr. Soubry worked for StandardAero for 24 years where he held a variety of increasingly senior positions including President in 2001, Chief Operating Officer in 2006, and Chief Executive Officer in 2007.  Mr. Soubry currently serves on the board of True North Sports and Entertainment Limited/Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club and the Wawanesa Insurance Company.  He has also served on the board of the Winnipeg Airports Authority, Mondetta Clothing Company and Economic Development Winnipeg Inc. and chaired the University of Manitoba’s Front and Centre Capital campaign.    

In 2003, Mr. Soubry was named one of the recipients of “Canada’s Top 40 under 40” award, was inducted in the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Hall of Fame in 2014, recognized as Canada’s 2016 CEO of the Year by the Financial Post, and a recipient of the 2018 University of Manitoba Distinguished Alumni Award.  Mr. Soubry is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors and a graduate of the Directors Education Program.

NFI Group Inc.

With over 8,000 team members in ten countries, NFI is a leading global bus manufacturer of mass mobility solutions headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  NFI currently offers the widest range of sustainable drive systems available, including zero-emission electric (trolley, battery, and fuel cell), natural gas, electric hybrid, and clean diesel. In total, NFI supports its installed base of over 105,000 buses and motor coaches around the world.

We exist to move people and to enable the future of mobility with innovative and sustainable solutions.  Our Mission is to design and deliver exceptional transportation solutions that are safe, accessible, efficient, and reliable.  We seek long-term success through industry-leading transportation solutions and commit to continuous investment in our people and processes to optimize, defend, diversify and grow our business. Our products, services and our company are built to rely on.

The NFI Family of Brands

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 Executive Chairman and CEO of People Corporation, Laurie Goldberg is responsible for providing leadership and overall strategic direction to the corporation and its subsidiaries. Under his guidance, the organization has transformed from a regional firm to one with a national presence. In 2014, Laurie was recognized as the EY Entrepreneur of the Year, Prairies Division, in the Professional and Financial Services category.

Laurie’s experience includes the positions of Chief Operating Officer and President of Assante Corporation, formerly a TSX-listed company. During his tenure with Assante, Laurie led the organization from approximately 100 employees to become one of the largest non-bank owned financial institutions in Canada, with some 2,500 employees and advisors, managing approximately $22 billion in client assets. Assante’s portfolio also included a leading sports and entertainment services organization in the United States. In 2003, the Canadian operations of Assante were sold for almost $1 billion. Prior to joining Assante, Laurie was Managing Partner with Arthur Andersen (now Deloitte). Laurie graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree from the University of Manitoba and is a Chartered Accountant.

People Corporation

People Corporation is one of Canada’s leading independent consulting firms. The People Corporation tag line, ‘Experience the Benefits of People’, reflects our commitment to bring the right people to deliver the right solutions – allowing our clients to attract industry-leading candidates, committed and focused on delivering exceptional results.  At People Corporation we are committed to helping businesses succeed. We are a national provider of group benefits, group retirement, wellness, and human resource solutions. Our experts provide valuable insight, and offer customized solutions designed to fit the unique needs of your business.

The model of our organization was designed to fill a need. We listened to customers and engaged with product experts to learn what was working in our industry and where there were gaps. Now and looking forward, we are well equipped to provide comprehensive service and create new-to-market solutions.

We are truly a team player. We partner with insurance carriers and suppliers to create unique and customized solutions. And, our service model allows our teams of experts to provide unbiased direction so that customers get solutions that work for their business.

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.

Kim Ulmer is the Regional President for Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nunavut, and Western Ontario.  Responsible for achieving a best in class sales and service experience for all clients in business and personal banking, Kim is thrilled to lead and is inspired by a talented workforce of over 2600 employees from the radiant fields of Saskatchewan to the vibrant city of Sudbury to the vast tundra of Canada’s north.   

Passionate about youth and the entrepreneurial spirit, Kim is active in the community and a supporter of employee volunteerism. Kim is currently serving as Capital Campaign Cabinet Member for Qaumajuq, the Inuit Art museum, at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Kim currently serves on the Manitoba Premier’s Economic Opportunities Advisory Board and is playing an active role in the Asper MBA Executive Mentorship Program at the University of Manitoba. Within RBC, Kim is the Executive Champion for two regional employee resource groups including RBC Pride (LGBTQ2S* identifying employees) and The Black Caucus.

Kim holds an MBA from Dalhousie University and a diploma in Business Administration from SIAST, and received an honorary degree from Saskatchewan Polytechnic in the spring of 2018.

A passionate Canadian Football League fan, Kim and her husband Garnell, together with their son Lucas reside in Winnipeg, Manitoba surrounded by family, friends, and a spirited community. 

RBC Royal Bank

RBC thrives to help clients and communities prosper.  Our Regional Office, located in Winnipeg, serving Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nunavut, and Western Ontario recognizes that Manitoba is rich in entrepreneurs, innovation, and diverse talent.  Manitoba is the home to many sectors and industries contributing to a vibrant and dynamic economy.  What truly makes Manitoba an extraordinary place is the resilience of its people from Canada’s first peoples to the newcomers who now call this province home.  From sport to the arts to the collaborative business community, it is not a question of why are we headquartered here, it is a question of why, in a province like this, wouldn’t we be.    

Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 86,000+ employees who bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank, and one of the largest in the world based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our 17 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 34 other countries.  Here in Manitoba, RBC brings RBC Insurance, RBC Dominion Securities, PH&N, Private Banking, Business Financial Services, and our expansive branch network to our clients and communities to provide a diverse portfolio of financial services and so much more beyond banking.  We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteerism.

RBC Thought Leadership: https://thoughtleadership.rbc.com/

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.

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.

Ms. Mactaggart received her Bachelor of Sc. Physics (Honours) degree from Edinburgh University in Scotland and has 30 years of industry experience. She has experience in both technical and management roles, spanning International, Canadian, Large and Small cap organizations. Ms. Mactaggart joined Tundra Oil & Gas in 2010 and was appointed President & CEO in 2018. She 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 Manitoba Business Council, Ms. Mactaggart sits on the Board of Directors of the Explorers and Producers of Canada (EPAC).

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-mactaggart-9b725624/

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.

www.tundraoilandgas.com

Barry Rempel has served as President & CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc. (WAA) since April 2002. 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 he serves on Canadian Airports Council and SRG Security Resource Group, Churchill Transportation Inc., and is a member of the RCAF Commander’s Council.  He sits on the board of the Business Council of Manitoba, the Airports Council International – North America, and the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s Inuit Art and Learning Centre Capital Campaign.   He sits on the Board of Directors of Economic Development Winnipeg. Barry serves as Honorary Colonel of the Royal Canadian Air Force, and first-ever Honorary Colonel of 1 Canadian Air Division. In 2017,

In 2015, Barry was named Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Winnipeg.

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. 

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.

Darryl Levy is 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 Vice Chairman 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).

Wynward Insurance Group

Wynward is a commercial property and casualty insurer that serves its customers in all Provinces and Territories across Canada. With over $40 Billion in client insured assets from coast to coast, Wynward’s focus is to develop risk management solutions for Canadian businesses. By focusing on key specialty markets, the Company has developed a portfolio of capabilities that that drives its core value proposition-Wynward is in business to serve other businesses.