Board of Directors
The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) is governed by an independant Board of Directors. The members serve for a 4-year term. The Commissioners receive formal proposals on projects that will contribute to economic development. They are empowered to respond quickly to new opportunities, enabling the undertaking of new initiatives, and attracting direct financial involvement from other levels of government and/or the private sector.
The members are as follows:
Jim Howie is the Business Manager for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and had an extensive career with Thunder Bay Telephone. He has a strong understanding of labour, governance and brings to the Commission a realistic yet optimistic outlook on Thunder Bay's economy.
Paul Inksetter, an Engineer by training, has had a varied and distinguished career including Symphony General Manager (Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra), educator (teacher and then Vice President of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation) and Thunder Bay City Councillor for five years (including chair of the City's Planning Committee). He brings extensive government relations experience to the Commission.
Ed Schmidtke, a business professional, is the Manager of Business Development with the Thunder Bay International Airports Authority, which has generated new business in ways unique to the airport industry. In that capacity, he is an experienced practitioner of the skills required for economic renewal.
Andrew Sinclair, a Chartered Accountant, is the projects controller for EKT 90 Inc. Industrial Contractors. He has also been involved in voluntary leadership positions - both social and work related.
Roberta Simpson is past chair of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce and is very active in Thunder Bay's business community. Roberta has over 30 years experience as a banking professional in a range of roles, including her current position with BMO Bank of Montreal as Senior Commercial Account Manager. Roberta manages a variety of clients including private sector companies, community organizations, municipalities and First Nations aboriginal agencies.
Jonathon Mamakwa was appointed to the Board of Directors on Jan. 26, 2009 by City Council in the capacity of Community Director. Jonathon Mamakwa has been serving on the Wasaya Airways Board for the past five years, as well as 11 years on the Executive Board of Wasaya Corporation. In 2001, Jonathan joined the Wasaya Airways Senior Management team in day to day operations, being appointed as Vice President.
Council Commissioners
Mayor Lynn Peterson has more than 25 years of leadership experience in public service. Mayor Peterson is a long-time small business owner and operator (currently a partner in a family business and previously a gift shop operator). Mayor Peterson is Chair of the Major Cities Northern Development Council and was a Member of the Forest Sector Competitiveness Council.
Councillor Frank Pullia has over 30 years experience in labour, management and small business ownership in positions of increasing responsibility, and as a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) brings a wealth of knowledge in the areas of accounting, financial and business consulting. Councillor Pullia has a demonstrated track record in community economic development and has taken a leadership role in many job creation projects.
Councillor Rebecca Johnson has an extensive background in community and Council involvement. She operates her own business (REBECCA REPORTS...for the RECORD) and was President of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce for 10 years and CAO for the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce. Councillor Johnson is a graduate of Alberta's Community Economic Training Program.
Ex-Officio
Tim Commisso was appointed City Manager for the City of
Steve Demmings was named the founding CEO for the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) March 2007. Mr. Demmings is an economic development executive with over 27 years experience in the private sector and public sectors. Mr. Demmings is a graduate of the University of New Brunswick and holds a Masters degree in City Planning from the University of Manitoba where he also taught in the Faculty of Architecture from 1990-2006. He contributes to numerous publications on economic development and site selection issues.
