Issue link: http://tourismwpg.uberflip.com/i/1383107
2020 was a year defined by change. The pandemic upended how many of us lived and worked and yet, foundational change will be exactly what we will need for our recovery—with every change there is always opportunity. We watched as foundational changes rippled across organizations and companies this past year. From restaurants that were forced to quickly move online and offer delivery, to others who looked at completely different models where dining in wasn't even part of the equation. Companies that were innovation leaders before the pandemic, saw a jump in demand for their products or services such as HVAC systems, growth chambers or online health platforms. Others met the moment by coming up with cutting-edge solutions or products that could help in the fight against COVID-19. Even more inspiring, those same solutions or products have the capacity to be used in different applications well beyond the pandemic. These ideas were all born out of a period of tremendous change and the acceptance that while situations were shifting quickly, it was an opening for something different; something better. We need to now look at this year as a jumping off point for something more for our city. Economic Development Winnipeg (EDW) looked inward at our own organization to see how we needed to change what we were doing to help more Winnipeg companies recover and grow. We also looked at our community partners to encourage everyone to support local businesses. What we've learned is that supporting local doesn't just mean getting take-out at a neighbourhood restaurant or curbside pickup from our favourite store. It's celebrating our Winnipeg success stories, supporting strong partnerships between government and local industry partners to drive innovation. It means creating connections and encouraging local companies to procure supplies and services from each other. It means building an ecosystem that grows our entire economy and makes our city a better place to study, live, work and play. As you will see in the following pages, EDW used 2020 as a year to find new ways to expand the meaning of supporting local but also looked at how foundational changes within our own organization will put us in the best possible position to help Winnipeg reach new heights in 2021. A defining year with foundational change needed across our community Message from Chair & CEO Dean Schinkel Chair Office Managing Partner, Deloitte Dayna Spiring President & CEO Economic Development Winnipeg Inc. Mike Peters 3 2020 Annual Report