News

WTC Winnipeg Updates Leadership Team

January 14, 2025 - Winnipeg, Manitoba – January 2025 – The World Trade Centre Winnipeg (WTC Winnipeg) is thrilled to announce changes to the Leadership Team, that took effect on January 1, 2025. Three team members’ roles within the team have increased, reflective of both these individuals’ accomplishments in previous capacities, as well as the organization’s evolution over the last three years. World Trade Centre Winnipeg underwent a significant restructuring in March, 2022, and upon the recent conclusion of a strategic planning process, Chief Executive Officer André Brin announced three internal promotions that will increase the leadership team from three to five individuals, while supporting the organization’s efforts to best serve the Manitoba’s economic growth and local businesses looking to launch, grow and expand. Natalie Courcelles Beaudry, the Director of Operations with the organization since March 2022, has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Paul Keefe, a Business Advisor since August 2022 becomes Director of Client Engagement, while Boutaïna Berrado, the Manager of Marketing and Communications becomes Director of Awareness and Partnerships. Boutaïna has been with the World Trade Centre Winnipeg since November 2021. Paul and Boutaïna have joined a Leadership Team, that also includes Natalie, Chief Executive Officer André Brin, and Director of Business Operations Vivian Gosselin. “This is an exciting time for the entire team at World Trade Centre Winnipeg,” said André Brin. “With our strategic planning process moving forward, we are excited to bring increased value to the Manitoba economic development ecosystem, and directly to Manitoba businesses. I look forward to working with Natalie, Vivian, Paul and Boutaïna on leading the execution of this strategy, and increasing economic activity in Manitoba, notably through international trade.” Natalie Courcelles Beaudry has worked closely with CEO André Brin and the leadership team to enhance client services and programming and will support more in the government and stakeholder relations space in her new role. With over 20 years of experience in both public and private sectors, Natalie’s background spans government, politics, health, education, finance, tourism, and economic development. FULL BIO HERE Paul Keefe has been a trusted resource for entrepreneurs and small businesses, helping them set and achieve their goals. In his new role, Paul will work with the advisors on staff to ensure a positive and productive experience for every business that engages with the organization’s services. His background includes experience as a personal trainer, business owner, and consultant, which has honed his ability to build strong relationships and provide tailored guidance to clients. FULL BIO HERE Boutaina Berrado now leads a newly structured department that merges marketing, communications and partnerships after leading marketing and communications at World Trade Centre Winnipeg for over three years. Boutaina has successfully raised awareness about WTC Winnipeg’s services, events, and programs to both existing and potential clients and partners. She brings extensive international marketing and business experience to the role, including working for multi-national companies based in Africa and Europe, prior to moving to Canada. FULL BIO HERE About the World Trade Centre Winnipeg: The World Trade Centre Winnipeg is a non-profit bilingual organization committed to supporting businesses in Manitoba by providing trade-related services, business consultations, educational programming, and resources to help companies succeed locally and internationally. As part of the World Trade Centers Association, comprised of 319 World Trade Centers in 88 countries, WTC Winnipeg connects Manitoba businesses to a global network of opportunities. For media inquiries, please contact Boutaina Berrado at bberrado@wtcwinnipeg.com Read More

WORLD TRADE CENTRE WINNIPEG NAMES INTERIM CEO

March 3, 2022 - Wednesday, March 2, 2022 – WINNIPEG, MANITOBA – The World Trade Centre Winnipeg Board of Directors has named André Brin as Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective March 1, 2022. The announcement comes as the World Trade Centre Winnipeg embarks on an enhanced partnership with The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, and a restructuring that included Mariette Mulaire stepping down as CEO earlier this month. Madame Mulaire will remain as President through April 29, 2022 to support the transition. André Brin joined World Trade Centre Winnipeg as Director of Communications in September 2021. Over the past two decades, André occupied various leadership roles at both Hockey Canada and with the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers, also serving as executive director of the 2005 Canadian Francophone Games, held in Winnipeg. A graduate of the Université de Saint-Boniface, André also worked in the media, as a reporter and announcer at Radio-Canada (CBWFT, CKSB) as well as at French language newspaper La Liberté, and community radio station Envol91 FM. From 1994 through 1999, he served as executive director of the Conseil jeunesse provincial du Manitoba. “The board of directors is very excited to work with André on growing World Trade Centre Winnipeg and continuing to support Manitoba companies and the provincial economy,” said Fiona Webster-Mourant, Chair of the WTC Winnipeg board and President, Manrex Limited. “André is a great choice to take the World Trade Centre Winnipeg forward,” said Mariette Mulaire, President of the World Trade Centre Winnipeg. “In his time here, he has demonstrated great organizational and communications skills. André will bring energy and an innovative perspective to this position, as we embark on our second decade as a World Trade Centre in Winnipeg.” “I am honoured and proud to be entrusted with this great opportunity by the board of the World Trade Centre Winnipeg,” said André Brin. “I look forward to working with the board, our great staff at the Centre, the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and the World Trade Centre Association network in planning a future which will allow us to continue to be a top resource for local companies and the Manitoba business community at large.” “I am also extremely grateful to Mariette Mulaire for her support and look forward to working with her and the leadership team on planning for the future. Mariette has grown World Trade Centre Winnipeg into an essential community asset, and I am excited about being part of its future.” Read More

WTC WINNIPEG ANNOUNCES ENHANCED PARTNERSHIP

February 25, 2022 - ENTERING TENTH YEAR OF CONNECTING WINNIPEG TO THE WORLD, LOCAL WORLD TRADE CENTRE SETS NEW PATH WITH ENHANCED PARTNERSHIP Friday, February 18, 2022 – WINNIPEG, MANITOBA – The board of directors of the World Trade Centre Winnipeg announced that it is taking steps towards an enhanced partnership with The Winnipeg Chamber Commerce. The goals include sharing of space, services and finding efficiencies towards better serving the Manitoba business community. As part of this restructuring, Mariette Mulaire is stepping down as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective March 1, 2022, and remaining as President through April 29, 2022. The World Trade Centre Winnipeg board of directors expects to announce an interim CEO in the near future. “I’m very proud of what we have accomplished and am equally excited about the future of the World Trade Centre Winnipeg and the board’s vision of an enhanced working relationship with The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has been a partner and advocate for this organization since the very beginning,” said President and CEO Mariette Mulaire. “Since securing the World Trade Centre license ten years ago, we have been providing bilingual advice, counsel and services to thousands of companies, organizations, and individuals. It has been inspiring to work with partners in the public and private sector to support Manitoba companies in their growth.” “The past two years have presented challenges and opportunities for us all,” said Fiona Webster-Mourant, Chair of the WTC Winnipeg board and President, Manrex Limited. “The board and the World Trade Centre Winnipeg leadership team led by Mariette Mulaire took this time to reflect on its future, and how it could better serve Manitoba businesses. We believe the time is right for an enhanced collaboration with the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce which will enable us to better serve our clients, the Manitoba companies seeking support on their journey.” “On behalf of the board of directors, I want to thank Mariette for her devotion to this role and the organization over the past ten years, as well as her tremendous service to the Manitoba business community. Mariette’s legacy will be long-lasting and her impact on the World Trade Centre Winnipeg and economic development in Manitoba will endure. We wish her all the best in her new endeavours.” “The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce is excited to be entering into an enhanced partnership with the World Trade Centre Winnipeg,” said Loren Remillard, President & CEO of The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. “In sharing office space, services and collaborating further on programs and services, collectively we will deliver even greater value and impact to businesses as we shift to recovery through to growth. On behalf of The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, I also want to thank Mariette for her exemplary vision, leadership and service, representing our city and province on the world stage, including seven years on the executive of the World Trade Centre Association and three as a vice-chair. Mariette has built a community asset of which all Manitobans can be proud.” Read More

Looking North and Talking Trade

December 3, 2021 - By Geoff Kirbyson When Manitoba companies hear about opportunities in Nunavut, they should think “California Gold Rush.” Canada’s newest territory might only have a population of about 40,000 but experts predict over the next 40 to 50 years, its Kivalliq region will become the wealthiest part of the country, a breakfast meeting was told on Thursday. “That should say everything,” says Mariette Mulaire, Winnipeg-based president and CEO of the World Trade Centre. “Just hearing that should be enough to say, ‘okay, pay attention and look north.’ There are enough resources there to make our heads spin.” Indeed, Nunavut has an abundance of mining, including gold, copper and diamonds, and hydro-electricity. Mulaire says Nunavut is already doing some trading with Manitoba but attempts to grow it further aren’t for a lack of effort from up north. “They’re saying, ‘where are the Manitoba companies?’ They’re willing to trade. They’re coming here for health and other services that they need,” she said. “Manitoba companies need to be aware (of the opportunities). Be the first one in, don’t be the last one in.” Mulaire says the next Northern Perspectives Trade Show & Conference, which will be held in February in Winnipeg, should be circled on virtually every local company’s calendar, she said. Manitoba’s Minister of Economic and Development and Jobs Jon Reyes was in attendance with opening remarks and reminded the attendees of the government’s commitment to growing the economy province-wide. “Thanks to the World Trade Centre Winnipeg for putting together this morning's event. I appreciated the opportunity to discuss the ways the Province of Manitoba is committed to developing the vast sectors of our northern economy. ” Don’t let Nunavut’s population fool you as the size of its economy is disproportionately higher. Its GDP is forecast to grow at 6.1 per cent this year, compared to nearly four per cent for Canada, but its economy is expected to go to the moon next year with GDP growth of 13.6 per cent. According to Statistics Canada, Nunavut’s population — the youngest and fastest-growing in the country — could hit 54,000 by 2043. (That’s just 22 years from now.) But there are challenges for Mulaire and other business facilitators as so many Manitoba companies focus the bulk of their efforts on the U.S., the biggest economy in the world. There are also challenges accessing Nunavut. Flying is expensive, rail lines are still undergoing repairs and trucking is limited to communities connected to the south by roadways. Marc Cool, general manager of Arctic Gateway Group, which owns and operates the rail line from The Pas to Churchill, knows the critical role that trains plays in the northern economy. First on his agenda, though, is reestablishing credibility in the market since the rail line to Churchill was washed out by a flood in May 2017. “Reliability is what needs to be first and foremost in all of the work that we do, with the end goal of having 100 per cent reliability and functioning 365 days a year. It needs to be 100 per cent bulletproof,” he said. Nunavut’s population, which is overwhelmingly Inuit, is also getting increasingly wealthy. “Consumer spending patters have changed. We ship more PlayStations (up north) than we ever have,” said Gary Bell, CEO of Calm Air. “We’re seeing e-commerce and other things starting to make their way up there with Canada Post and Amazon.” Costs can sometimes be prohibitive, he noted, because the trade is all-too-often one-way. “We’d love to see goods travelling in both directions. Our freight goes one way but we’re empty coming back. The consumer pays for that round trip. We’d like to see more goods produced in the north come to the south, then we could lower the price of all goods going in both directions,” he said. The “Looking North and Talking Trade — A Discussion of Business Opportunities in Nunavut” event was held at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Read More

Podcast Series for BDC Small Business Week

October 30, 2021 - The World Trade Centre (WTC) Winnipeg celebrated BDC Small Business Week and Small Business Month with a limited podcast series. Over seven episodes, WTC Winnipeg President and CEO Mariette Mulaire and her guests share their success stories while focusing on issues that will be key to maintaining growth in these uncertain times: innovation, inclusion, and sustainability. Read More

NATIONAL TRUTH & RECONCILIATION DAY IN CANADA

September 30, 2021 - The World Trade Center Winnipeg is fully supportive of Canada's efforts towards reconciliation, including the Canadian federal government’s decision to make September 30th the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The House of Commons unanimously passed legislation to commemorate the history and ongoing trauma caused by residential schools and to honour the survivors, families and communities who continue to grieve. September 30, 2021 was the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. It served as an important opportunity to listen, reflect, learn and amplify the messages and experiences of Canada’s indigenous communities, including indigenous entrepreneurs. Truth and Reconciliation will require a long term commitment from all Canadians. Truth and Reconciliation resources for businesses available at www.wtcwinnipeg.com include: > Indigenous Business Development Resources > Indigenous Entrepreneurs Free World Trade Centre Winnipeg Indigenous webinar recordings on WTC Winnipeg's YouTube Channel: > Business and Reconciliation > How Can Your Business Take Part in Truth and Reconciliation? > Truth and Reconciliation Roadmap > Panel: As an Indigenous Person, Is Entrepreneurship for You? > Procurement: Indigenous Business Focused If you would like more resources, please contact one of the World Trade Centre Winnipeg business advisors by phone 204.253.4888 or email info@wtcwinnipeg.com Read More

Manitoba's Electrifying Economy

May 27, 2021 - Manitoba’s Manufacturing sector is key to its economy. In 2019, the WTC Winnipeg began identifying the primary economic “clusters” within Manitoba, enlisting industry experts and meeting with industry stakeholders. The Heavy Vehicles & Equipment (HVE) cluster represents over two billion dollars in exports for the Manitoba economy. Broadly defined as “large vehicles made of steel on wheels that require propulsion to move”, the cluster supports the economic growth and global competitiveness of multiple sub-sectors, with applications ranging from agriculture to transportation. Manitoba is a key region for HVE. The NFI Group (parent company of the North American market leader for buses in New Flyer and motor coaches in MCI), based in the capital city of Winnipeg, has accumulated 450 years of global bus and coach experience across combined businesses. Though this innovative sector used to be dominated by vehicles using non-renewable resources, the NFI Group has been leading the industry with already over 50 years of experience in the production of electric buses. “Our track record shows that we have been innovators and drivers of new technology for decades. From Winnipeg, we’ve led the adoption of clean diesel, natural gas, hybrid-electric buses across North America all of which we still make today, and we are now leading the transition to zero-emission battery- and fuel cell-electric vehicles.” Stated Paul Soubry, President and CEO of the NFI Group. In 2019, the NFI Group acquired the U.K. bus company and global leader in double deck buses, Alexander Dennis Limited; a company that complements their existing product offerings and further strengthens their platform for international growth. These fleets of vehicles are driving down emission reductions around the world. The WTC Winnipeg’s work in shaping Manitoba’s globally competitive clusters is focused on growing the trade and export potential of the province. Developing leading clusters helps industries to expand, promote trade, and build valuable relationships with other regions offering similar expertise. This project will lead to many opportunities with trade missions in the coming years. Target markets for future trade missions for the HVE cluster include France, Germany, and the United States. Read More

True North Strong and Free (Trade)

April 29, 2021 - In partnership with the Government of Manitoba, the WTC Winnipeg helped organize a highly successful B2B delegation to the True North Free Trade Forum (March 25-31, 2021). Over 60 delegates from Manitoba were able to participate in this unique opportunity. Aimed at strengthening business ties across Canada to support economic recovery, build domestic supply chains, and provide business opportunities to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the forum brought together over 900 participants to exchange ideas and explore new business. The event put a spotlight on the energy, life sciences, healthcare, and food and beverage industries to highlight emerging and important topics such as technology, supply chain, logistics and transportation. The forum featured two days of live streamed events and webinars focused on the interprovincial and regional trade issues and opportunities. It also offered B2B opportunities via curated buyer-seller meetings in the highlighted sectors. Growing interprovincial trade is an important domestic opportunity and steppingstone for Manitoba companies as they grow towards international trade. “The Manitoba government was pleased to partner with our provincial colleagues and the business community to offer an innovative approach to trade development during the global pandemic,” said Ralph Eichler, Minister of Economic Development and Jobs. “Our interprovincial trade relationships are more important now than ever. These types of activities that highlight our domestic strengths are essential as we recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and position Manitoba and Canada for economic success.” “As the Strategic Partner for Trade for the Province of Manitoba, we were delighted to be able to participate and support this important initiative, which a was greatly appreciated by the participating companies,” recounted Mariette Mulaire, WTC Winnipeg President & CEO. Read More

New Member to the Board of Directors

March 31, 2021 - World Trade Centre Winnipeg (WTC Winnipeg) announces the appointment of a new member to the board of directors. Tim Daniels is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Treaty One Development Corporation, based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Daniels has a wealth of experience in property and business development and is devoted to projects that help First Nations strive for economic success and sustainability. “We are thrilled to welcome someone so highly qualified and respected, and who is leading a major and transformational economic development project that is going to benefit our local economy greatly.” Mariette Mulaire, President and CEO of the WTC Winnipeg. The Treaty One Development Corporation, alongside the Canada Lands Corporation, has been involved in the development of a 160-acre section of land in Winnipeg Manitoba. It will be the home of Canada’s largest urban reserve, which means it operates as a special economic zone that enables and streamlines economic development to benefit Indigenous and non-Indigenous business alike. This diverse and vibrant mixed-use community will consist not only of residential areas, but also have dedicated areas for community, commercial, sports and recreation, education and a cultural campus. This development will bring a dynamic variety of Indigenous-led economic development to the adjoining neighbourhoods, and to the local economy overall. Read More

Manitoban entrepreneur takes a leap

November 2, 2020 - Earlier this year, it was announced that the Composite Innovation Centre (CIC) in Winnipeg, Manitoba had filed for bankruptcy and would no longer be offering its services to the local business community. The CIC was a not-for-profit corporation that supported and stimulated economic growth through innovative research, development and application of composite materials and technologies for manufacturing industries. Following the announcement, local entrepreneur Jack Maendel, CEO of EcoPoxy, certainly recognized the CIC’s importance to composite engineering and industries in Manitoba and its deep impact on the economy. Jack then undertook the necessary steps to acquire the centre, saving it from being auctioned off separately. The new EcoPoxy Innovation Centre (EIC) will continue to offer services to clients from design to manufacturing, while maintaining EcoPoxy’s values of creating ecofriendly epoxy resins. As a past client of the CIC, Jack understands the importance of maintaining affordability and aims to provide services that will continue to be accessible to those in the industry. The World Trade Centre Winnipeg is proud to shine a light on this local entrepreneur who transformed an unfortunate situation into one that will continue to strengthen local industries. Read More

WTC Winnipeg: Cluster-based strategy initiative

September 16, 2019 - WTC Winnipeg is proud to share that the Government of Canada has chosen the organisation as its official partner for the development of a cluster-based strategy for the Province of Manitoba. The initiative will consist of a deeper dive into the strengths of Manitoba businesses. It will allow us to better analyze what is produced locally in order to identify the need in other markets. The development and delivery of initiatives such as the cluster-based strategy continues to allow us to open up markets for our business community and position the World Trade Centre network as a leader in trade. Read More

Mariette Mulaire on Bank of Canada Board

July 25, 2018 - The World Trade Centre Winnipeg is pleased to announce that its President and CEO, Mariette Mulaire, has been named to the Bank of Canada Board of Directors. “What a well-deserved nomination for Mariette. The Bank of Canada is our country’s central bank and among the most prestigious boards in Canada,” said Diane Gray, Chair of the WTC Winnipeg Board of Directors. “I am confident that Mariette will play an important role on the board and represent Manitoba proudly.” Ms. Mulaire brings over 20 years of experience serving on several local, national and international boards. The Bank of Canada is the nation’s central bank. Its principal role is “to promote the economic and financial welfare of Canada,” as defined in the Bank of Canada Act. The Bank’s four main areas of responsibility are monetary policy, financial system, currency and funds management. Source: https://www.bankofcanada.ca/ Read More