Media Release

Economic Development Winnipeg Inc. Names Vince Barletta Leader of YES! Winnipeg Initiative

June 10, 2015: Winnipeg, MB – After an extensive search, Economic Development Winnipeg Inc. (EDW) is pleased to announce that Vince Barletta, outgoing director of community and economic development with the Government of Manitoba’s priorities and planning committee of cabinet, has been selected from a strong field of candidates to lead the YES! Winnipeg initiative as of July 6, 2015. ‎

“In his role as a director of the cabinet committee that serves as the focal point of the provincial government's efforts to stimulate positive economic activity and strengthen communities, Vince was an important advocate in virtually every major economic development project in both Winnipeg and Manitoba,” said EDW’s president and CEO Marina James. “This extensive and applicable investment attraction experience allows him to hit the ground running and ensures that Winnipeg will be top-of-mind when it comes to attracting new investment and creating jobs in our city.”

Barletta has earned a reputation for his enthusiastic and energetic demeanour, which will serve YES! Winnipeg well, and he is also highly respected for his ability to lead the charge on complex economic development files as a key player at the table throughout many successful negotiations.

“Vince’s multifaceted skill set, partly honed as a two-term city councillor in Brandon, means he is expertly equipped to address the three principal accountabilities associated with the YES! Winnipeg leader’s role,” James said. “When it came to maximizing business development, promoting a positive public image, and enhancing collaboration and stakeholder engagement, Vince emerged as the clear frontrunner in the selection process who ticked all of these consequential boxes. I’m delighted he has agreed to accept this opportunity.”    

Commenting on his new position, Barletta said, “As a champion of Winnipeg, my team and I will investigate every lead and open every door to retain, expand and attract investment that grows jobs. I can’t wait to work with the talented team at EDW, and with our investors and stakeholders, as YES! Winnipeg prepares to embark on its next five-year campaign to endorse our city worldwide. And as we work to articulate Winnipeg’s compelling value proposition to both new and returning clients, I look forward to identifying all available public and private avenues of support in positioning Winnipeg as the ideal location to establish or expand business operations.” 

“With Vince’s proven track record in economic development and related endeavours, I’m excited that we’ve identified an ideal individual to lead YES! Winnipeg and build on its impressive successes moving forward,” said Doug Harvey, president of Maxim Truck & Trailer and chair of YES! Winnipeg’s Investor Council, who served on the executive search committee led by MNP. “At its core, YES! Winnipeg’s business development team is focused on attracting investment and creating job growth for Winnipeg, and Vince’s experience makes him an invaluable addition to this integral initiative.”

Barletta combines a sophisticated working knowledge of Winnipeg’s key economic drivers with a demonstrated ability to position these assets to the city’s best possible advantage. His responsibilities at YES! Winnipeg will include engaging organizations, senior business executives and strategic partners (e.g., municipal, provincial and federal government officials) to identify, strategize, connect and shepherd relationships that encourage investment in Winnipeg. He will also lead the provision of tailored support in the growth, expansion and retention of existing local businesses.

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About Economic Development Winnipeg Inc.
Economic Development Winnipeg Inc. (EDW) is the lead economic development agency for Winnipeg. EDW facilitates investment promotion and attraction, capacity building, tourism development, marketing and communications, and the management of market information. By applying competitive intelligence and by fostering relationships with industry leaders, government officials and community stakeholders, potential opportunities and innovation drivers are evaluated to develop key industries and define future economic growth. EDW supports targeted sector, community and social development, and promotes Winnipeg’s diverse economy and high quality of life.

EDW leads global investment attraction, and local business retention and expansion, with its YES! Winnipeg initiative. YES! Winnipeg’s business development team assists in the creation and retention of jobs, identifies opportunities that attract new investment, focuses on expansion and helps local entrepreneurs launch new commercial ventures.

Tourism Winnipeg is the city’s official destination marketing organization tasked with increasing visitation and delivering the best possible visitor experience. A division of Economic Development Winnipeg Inc., Tourism Winnipeg’s mission is to facilitate a healthy, prosperous, responsible and fully integrated tourism industry that enhances Winnipeg’s economic growth through the acquisition of meetings, conventions, sports and events, group travel and leisure tourism.

For more information, please contact:

Croft Petersmeyer
Director, Marketing & Communications
Economic Development Winnipeg Inc.
Phone: 204.954.1961 Cell: 204.898-4866
Email: croft@economicdevelopmentwinnipeg.com

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