October 29, 2015
Minister Chief Says Yes! to Investing, Creating 4,500 New Jobs in Winnipeg
Economic Development Winnipeg’s YES! Winnipeg aims to bring 4,500 new jobs to the city in the next five years with help from a $675,000 investment from the province, Jobs and the Economy Minister Kevin Chief announced today.
“The hard work that YES! Winnipeg puts into attracting new business to our city each year is a great example of how much Winnipeggers believe in each other and want to help each other succeed,” said Minister Chief. “More people than ever are visiting or making Winnipeg their home and it’s thanks in large part to the work YES! Winnipeg does to make our city a world-class destination and a great place to raise our families.”
YES! Winnipeg will receive $135,000 per year over the next five years, providing it secures a minimum of $800,000 per year in private-sector support, the minister said.
“An increasingly competitive environment exists when it comes to securing investment from the international business community,” said Vince Barletta, YES! Winnipeg’s leader. “The advantage of a dedicated business development team working proactively to champion Winnipeg’s unique value has proven very effective to date, and we’re pleased the government of Manitoba will continue to support this valuable initiative throughout the 2016 to 2020 term.”
YES! Winnipeg was first launched in 2008 as Selling Winnipeg to the World, an initiative of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, aimed at stimulating business growth. In May 2010, it transitioned to Economic Development Winnipeg, rebranded as YES! Winnipeg.
As of June 2015, YES! Winnipeg has assisted more than 60 clients in expanding operations in Winnipeg. At maturity, these clients are projected to create over 3,500 jobs and generate an investment of $480 million, according to Barletta.
“In all its forms, economic development is a shared pursuit that requires the active involvement of multiple stakeholders to maximize results,” said Marina R. James, president and CEO, Economic Development Winnipeg. “The province’s recognition that YES! Winnipeg plays a vital, complementary role in growing our city’s business base is greatly appreciated.”
Companies assisted by YES! Winnipeg include Buhler Industries, Canadian Tire Corporation, Complex Games, Cargill Canada, Price Industries, Canadian Western Bank and Cara Operations (Swiss Chalet restaurants).
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