Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce receives funding boost under the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement

October 23, 2009

Winnipeg, Manitoba - Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba will benefit from an initiative to increase local economic activity, thanks to $280,000 in support from the Governments of Canada and Manitoba.

“The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of promoting international trade and investment to ensure economic growth,” said Minister Toews, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. “By supporting initiatives to attract new businesses to Winnipeg and retain the existing ones, we are improving this city’s international competitiveness, stimulating its economy and promoting its strategic trade corridors, including CentrePort.” 
“We know that we must showcase our capital city as a great location to visit and do business, and spread the word that Winnipeg is a city with great investment potential,” said Minister Swan. “This funding will help to attract knowledge and capital for the benefit of Manitobans.”

The funding provided will allow the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce (WCC) to continue ‘Selling Winnipeg to the World,’ an initiative to attract new businesses and jobs to Winnipeg, and encourage retention of existing Winnipeg businesses.  The $380,000 project includes $280,000 in joint Canada – Manitoba support through the Canada-Manitoba Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA), with the remainder provided by the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and the local business community.

Officially launched in June 2008, ‘Selling Winnipeg to the World’ has generated a high level of interest and support from the local business community with more than 60 members dedicating many hours to identify business leads and opportunities, and gain input on the initiative’s proposed strategy.

"This investment is critical in moving the ‘Selling Winnipeg to the World’ initiative forward," said Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce Sr. Vice President Bill Morrissey. "It allows us to invest in the resources needed to proactively sell Winnipeg's unique attributes to businesses both inside and outside of Manitoba in an effort to attract, expand and retain businesses here."

As part of the project, the WCC will develop and implement a strategic marketing plan based on previously collected data, and build on the existing promotional campaign to raise awareness of investment opportunities in the city, and the advantages of operating a business and living in Winnipeg.

The Governments of Canada and Manitoba are contributing $25 million each over four years, through the Canada-Manitoba Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA) to strengthen economic activity and improve quality of life in Manitoba communities.