Winnipeg CEOs tout city's business benefits in video series

Some of Winnipeg's top executives are talking up the city's best business qualities in a series of videos produced by an economic development agency.

Economic Development Winnipeg has created seven videos to promote the city's advantagesfrom its central location to a diverse workforce and abundant energy supply and encourage companies to set up shop there.

Each video features an interview with a high-ranking executive from a company that operates in the city, explaining "Why Winnipeg for Business."

"We believe that Winnipeg is a great place to build and base a business. We've got an outstanding value proposition," Bill Morrissey of Yes! Winnipeg, which is part of Economic Development Winnipeg, told CBC News on Wednesday.

"It's one thing for people like ourselves to be telling that story; [it's] quite a different impact when leaders of leading local business have the chance to tell the story in their own words.

The videos feature executives from Boeing Canada, Pollard Banknote Ltd., Maxim Truck and Trailer, Price Industries, RBC, The Forks Renewal Corp., Great-West Life and Acrylon Plastics.

'Where we'd like to be'

RBC regional president Rob Johnston says he and his family moved to Winnipeg five years ago from Oakville, Ont., and they enjoy the quality of life in the Manitoba capital.

"We've already had discussions about opportunities and this is where we'd like to be," Johnston said.

"It's a beautiful city. It's welcomed us, it's given us an opportunity to be involved at the community level. There's lots of things socially to do."

Winnipeg is not always an easy sell, according to recruiters who work with high-profile executives.

Paul Croteau of the Legacy Bowes Group, which recruits CEOs from across the country, said the video series will help because not everyone promotes the city where they live.

"The average citizen, they're not high on the city and I have no idea whyand yet they would never leave here," he said.

Croteau said when it comes time to lure executives away from Winnipeg, many don't want to leave.

"They're looking at that low cost, availability of electricitytaxes, that type of thing," he said.

"But for individuals [it's] quality of life, and you can't beat that anywhere."

Economic Development Winnipeg also has a series of videos called "Grow in Winnipeg" that highlights specific industry sectors in the city.