Today, we are pleased to congratulate our board chair, Chuck Davidson, on his appointment as president and CEO of Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism, effective Sept. 8.
Chuck has been a valued leader in Manitoba’s business and economic development community for many years. Through his work with businesses, communities, local chambers, Indigenous partners, industry leaders and governments across the province, he has developed a strong understanding of Manitoba’s economic opportunities and the importance of working together to advance them.
Chuck has served as chair of RMED’s board of directors since the organization’s inception in 2019, providing leadership and supporting our work to advance economic development across rural Manitoba. Through that longstanding connection, he has developed a strong understanding of the strengths of our communities, the opportunities that exist across rural Manitoba and the important contribution rural communities make to Manitoba’s economy.
Chuck will continue to serve as chair of RMED’s board of directors while taking on his new leadership responsibilities.
A More Connected Approach to Economic Development
Chuck’s appointment comes alongside the announcement by the Manitoba government and City of Winnipeg of an expanded mandate for Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism to lead the development of a provincewide economic development agency.
The direction announced today focuses on creating a more coordinated approach to investment attraction, business development and economic growth across Manitoba, with greater collaboration among economic development organizations and partners.
At RMED, we welcome the focus on bringing organizations and partners together. Chuck has emphasized the importance of conversations, collaboration and working together to develop a broader economic development approach. His commitment to collaboration and partnerships provides an opportunity for stakeholders from across Manitoba to have a voice as the new approach is developed.
Rural Manitoba has significant economic strengths, local knowledge and opportunities to contribute to Manitoba’s growth. Stronger connections among communities, businesses, investors, Indigenous partners, economic development organizations and government can help bring those opportunities forward and support economic growth across the province.
Our focus at RMED remains clear and unchanged. We will continue to work with rural communities, economic development leaders, Indigenous communities and organizations, businesses and partners to support economic development across rural Manitoba.
As Manitoba’s approach to economic development evolves, we welcome stronger collaboration across the province, stronger connections among communities, businesses and partners, and the opportunity to contribute to the development of a provincial approach.
Congratulations, Chuck. We wish you every success in your new role and look forward to continuing our work together.