Issue link: http://tourismwpg.uberflip.com/i/1179500
Economic Development Winnipeg is putting our city on the world stage, one relationship at a time. We know we need to improve our city's visibility in order to attract foreign direct investment. That's why we've established a team within YES! Winnipeg to seek out international companies that could expand their operations to our city. We are creating connections and plugging into the right networks of people who are selling Canada abroad and hunting for leads and opportunities. We're establishing and nurturing relationships in key markets so that Winnipeg is top of mind when an investment opportunity arises. We began laying the groundwork on a recent mission to the 2019 Paris International Airshow and have met with key contacts in Berlin, Germany. In 2020, we'll be targeting companies in the United States, Germany, France and the United Kingdom. "Where's Canada? Where's Manitoba? Why Winnipeg?" We have to take a different approach when selling Winnipeg to overseas companies compared to the Canadian market. Some companies may not know anything about Winnipeg or Manitoba, so the lead time may be longer as we educate them before we make a customized sales pitch and begin negotiations to bring them here. YES! Winnipeg's new Director of Foreign Direct Investment, Alberto Velasco-Acosta and Business Development Coordinator, Gabriela Perez, know how to sell Winnipeg to the world because they both chose to move, from Mexico and Honduras respectively, and build their lives here. Both have extensive business experience across a variety of sectors and have spent years polishing their narratives to pitch Winnipeg to audiences that may have little to no information on where our city is, or no initial interest in coming here. It's their job to make people aware and excited about everything Winnipeg has to offer. "We need to make sure the right parties are coordinated so that when we get a lead, things happen in Manitoba." Alberto Velasco-Acosta, Director of Foreign Direct Investment YES! Winnipeg YES! WINNIPEG 19