After years as the president and CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, Chuck Davidson has a new job. Winnipeg Economic Development and Tourism announced Thursday that Davidson will assume the role of president and CEO effective Sept. 8. “Chuck is the right leader to guide Winnipeg Economic Development and Tourism through this important next chapter, and the board is fully behind his leadership and the direction ahead,” said Denise Zaporzan, the chair of the board of directors, in a news release. “There is a tremendous opportunity ahead to build on the organization’s strong foundation and bring people together around a more coordinated approach to economic development and tourism. I look forward to working with the talented team at Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism and our partners to create opportunities for businesses and communities to grow and prosper in Winnipeg and across Manitoba,” Davidson said in a news release. It was announced earlier this month Davidson would be stepping down from the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce on Sept. 4, after 13 years. Elisabeth Saftiuk, who is currently the vice president of policy and government relations, will step in as acting president and CEO. Along with the announcement that Davidson will be joining the organization, Winnipeg Economic Development and Tourism is also receiving a new mandate from the provincial government to become a “provincewide economic development agency.” “At a time when new tariffs and global economic uncertainty are creating challenges for businesses across Canada, Manitoba needs a co-ordinated approach to attract investment, support businesses and create jobs,” said Jamie Moses, the Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation, in a news release. “This expanded mandate builds on the successful work already being done by Winnipeg Economic Development and Tourism and extends its reach to support economic development in communities across the province.” With this new mandate, the organization will become a one-stop shop for businesses and investors that are looking for opportunities in Manitoba, the province said. They will help with government programs, connect partners, and work to move projects along, all while focusing on the economic interests of Manitoba. The province also wants the organization to work with other economic development organizations in Manitoba to have better collaboration to ensure there is a “more streamlined experience for businesses and investors, while ensuring communities throughout the province have a stronger voice in attracting growth and investment.”
