2010 Thompson Unlimited
Year-End Annual Report
Presented March 15, 2011
Annual General Meeting
Thompson, Manitoba
Thompson Unlimited
206 – 55 Selkirk Avenue
P.O. Box 1214
Thompson, Manitoba. R8N 1P1
www.thompsonunlimited.ca
www.thompsonsubzero.ca
info@thompsonunlimited.ca
Tel: (204) 677-1900
Toll free: 1-866-965-3386
Fax: (204) 677-1909
Table of Contents
Section
Page
List of Abbreviations Used in this Report …………………………………..………..……………. 2
Message from the President ……………………………………………………………………….. 3
Message from the General Manager ……………………………………….……….……..…….… 4
2010 Annual Report Overview …………………………………………….…………........ 5
1.0 Description of Thompson Unlimited ……………………………….……………….... 6
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
Thompson Unlimited Staff and Volunteer Appointed Board of Directors ….. 6
Vision of Thompson Unlimited …………………………….……………..….. 6
Mission …………………………………………………………..…………... 6
Corporate Purpose and Framework for Organizational Governance . …….…. 7
2010 Thompson Unlimited Business Process .......................……….……………. 8
2.0 Review of Thompson Unlimited Programs and Services Outcomes..…………..…….... 9
2.1 Economic Diversification Strategy ……………………………..……………. 9
2.1.1 Regional Centre Positioning Goal ……………………………….... 9
2.1.2 Cold and Winter Weather Testing Goal …………………………… 10
2.2 Business Development and Investment Attraction Strategy ………….……… 11
2.2.1 Business Development Goal …………………………….……….… 11
2.2.2 Downtown Revitalization Goal …………………..………………….. 12
2.2.3 Investment Attraction Goal …………………….……..………..……... 12
2.3 Marketing and Communications Strategy ………………………..………..…….. 13
2.3.1 Thompson Unlimited Communications Goal ……….…….……..…..… 14
2.3.2 Thompson Community Promotion Goal …………………..………….. 14
2.3.3 Community Information, Dissemination and Research Goal …….…..… 15
2.4 Corporate Administration and Governance …………………..…………….…. 16
24.1 Thompson Unlimited Staff Retention and Development ………..…. 17
2.4.2 Thompson Unlimited Board and Committee Members
Retention and Development ………………………………………….. 17
3.0 2010 Year-End Audited Financial Statements ……………………….………………….. 19
2010 Thompson Unlimited Year End Annual Report
Page 1 of 19
List of Abbreviations Used in this Report
CEDF Communities Economic Development Fund
CIB
Communities in Bloom
City
The Municipal Corporation of the City of Thompson, MB
CWLP Community Works Loans Program
EIA
Employment and Income Assistance
ETT
Manitoba Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade
EWIN Entry to Work in the North
ICCI Investment Canada Community Initiatives. Formerly CISP.
OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer
SME Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
TDRC Thompson Downtown Revitalization Committee
TU
Thompson Unlimited. Legal name of TU is Thompson Community Development
Corporation
UCN University College of the North
WWT Winter Weather Testing
YWCA Young Women's Christian Association
2010 Thompson Unlimited Year End Annual Report
Page 2 of 19
Message from the President
Greetings,
TU responded well throughout the year in meeting our workplan. The Vale announcement
in November of the smelter and refinery decommissioning starting 2015 hardened our conviction
and affirmed our role in diversifying the economy of Thompson. I am pleased of our
accomplishments and efforts this year, and remain confident in continuing to rise to the
challenges of tomorrow. I look forward to working with Vale. I envision TU’s role to be
essential in helping shape with others Thompson’s future.
On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank the staff of TU for their efforts during the
year. I also want to thank my colleagues on the Board for their interest and attention in the affairs
of the corporation. Congratulations to the members of the winter weather testing committee as
well, for their dedication and effort; the results speak for themselves. TU is a successful
organization thanks to a number of dedicated persons.
It was a pleasure and I am pleased to serve as the President of this organization. Thanks
again to the City of Thompson for the partnership. We worked together well on issues and
opportunities for the betterment of Thompson.
Respectfully submitted,
Rick Oberdorfer, President
Thompson Unlimited
2010 Thompson Unlimited Year End Annual Report
Page 3 of 19
Message from the General Manager
Hello,
2010 has been a year that has challenged Thompson. The Vale announcement of the
smelter and refinery decommissioning validates the need for meaningful economic development.
Businesses, community and regional residents, and current and potential investors need to remain
committed and confident in our future. We must not let fears shape our future. Thompson
continues to grow and strengthen. Each year, we are stronger by working together.
Efforts continued in 2010 on diversifying the economy. As the global, Canadian,
Manitoba and local economies change, so must Thompson Unlimited. We grew this past year
with the addition of an additional full-time permanent position of Development Coordinator Tourism and Special Projects. Our work has guided us to different projects and with this position,
we are better able to respond to economic opportunities, challenges and carrying out our
workplan.
As last year, the successes enjoyed this year in large part are attributable to the hard
working and dedicated staff of TU. Joining TU and Thompson Community Foundation this year
was Natasha Anderson. I would also like to acknowledge the support and direction of the Board
members as well as the Winter Weather Testing committee. Thompson Unlimited is a strong and
effective organization. Gracia mi amor para su apoyo.
Sincerely,
Mark Matiasek B.A. (Econ.), H.B. Comm., M.R.D.
General Manager
3
2010 Thompson Unlimited Year End Annual Report
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2010 Annual Report Overview
This report presents a summary of activities and accomplishments that were realized
during the calendar year of 2010. These activities and accomplishments were based on a
strategic workplan and supporting budget that was developed and approved by the TU Board of
Directors, and presented March 23 during the 2010 Annual General Meeting. It is highly
recommended that this workplan be reviewed in consort with this annual report in order to gain a
greater appreciation of the direction taken and the activities and accomplishments reported
herein. Copies of the 2010 Annual Workplan are available by contacting the Thompson
Unlimited Corporate Office, or by .pdf download by visiting www.thompsonunlimited.ca.
This report differs somewhat from the format followed in the 2009 Year-End Annual
Report. New this year is the presentation in tabular form the activities and year-end
accomplishments stated alongside the goals and objectives as articulated in the 2010 Annual
Workplan. The intent is to provide readers a clearer account of the activities and
accomplishments in relation to achieving the workplan.
This report is divided into 3 sections. The first section provides a brief overview of
Thompson Unlimited. The second section lists strategic directions that were followed during
2010 along with presenting activities and accomplishments in relation to stated goals and
objectives. The third and final section presents the 2010 year-end audited financial statements,
which provides a measure of how we employed our financial resources toward realizing our
activities and accomplishments.
2010 Thompson Unlimited Year End Annual Report
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1.0
Description of Thompson Unlimited
Thompson Unlimited is a non-profit organization designed and started in 2003 through a
special 10 year agreement for payment of a special annual grant from Vale to the City of
Thompson for the purpose of setting up and operating an economic development and marketing
office to promote economic development and diversification of the City of Thompson. Vale
provides this grant funding to the City of Thompson, who in turn funds TU. Diversifying the
local economy is TU’s primary role.
1.1 Thompson Unlimited Staff and Volunteer Appointed Board of Directors
Thompson Unlimited Staff and Volunteer Appointed Board of Directors Members at Large
during 2010 were the following individuals:
Board Members
 Rick Oberdorfer, President
 Manisha Pandya, Vice President
 Don MacDonald, Secretary/Treasurer
 Penny Byer
 Manfred Boehm
 Steve Spuzak
 Mark Scott, replacing departed David Markham representing Vale –
Manitoba Operations.
 Brad Evenson, replacing Charlene Lafreniere representing the City of
Thompson
 Valerie Wilson representing the School District of Mystery Lake
Staff




Mark Matiasek, General Manager
Roxie Binns, Development Coordinator - Winter Weather Testing and
Business Retention and Expansion
Betty Landego, Development Coordinator - Tourism and Special Projects
Natasha Anderson, Administrative Coordinator (half-time)
1.2 Vision of Thompson Unlimited
Thompson Unlimited envisions Thompson as a dynamic and vibrant community which
will be the service capital of northern Manitoba.
1.3 Mission
Thompson Unlimited will create a dynamic business climate by providing support and
resources to grow Thompson as a northern center of diverse economic opportunities, and as a
community having a well-developed quality of life.
2010 Thompson Unlimited Year End Annual Report
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1.4 Corporate Purpose and Organizational Governance
As set out in TU Bylaw #1, “The purpose of the Thompson Community Development
Corporation will be to support community economic and community development; diversify the
local economy; support the creation and the expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises;
maintain and create new employment; and to be a partner with other agencies identified as
working on behalf of Northern Manitoba.” The purpose drives the strategies decided by the
Board of Directors, and therefore the activities of the staff.
In addition, Thompson Unlimited’s 2010 approach to economic development included:





Operating as a not-for-profit corporation by administering and employing its
resources for marketing and aiding the development of economic activity in
Thompson and the surrounding region
Assisting in the development and expansion of new and existing businesses
Receiving operating funding and other grants, and award other grants and loans in
accordance with the interests and objectives of the Corporation
Developing and maintaining a clear sense of its vision, mission and strategic goals
through systematic planning and to ensure there is continual review of plans and goals
Committing to organizational accountability and transparency
Within the context of organizational governance, presented below is a table listing all
board, committee and sub committees of TU, along with the number of persons sitting on the
respective board/committee/sub-committee and the number of meetings held during 2010.
Table 1 – Meeting Type, Frequency and Number of Persons Engaged during 2010.
Name of Board, Committee
Number of Persons
Number of Meetings Held
or Sub-Committee
on Board, Committee,
During 2010
or Sub-Committee
9
9 (along with 2 special
TU Board of Directors
meetings of the Board)
3
2
TU Board Executive
Committee
7
10
WWT Committee
14
18
Downtown Revitalization
Committee
7
18
Communities in Bloom SubCommittee
11
7
City Pride Sub-Committee
51
Persons
66
Meetings
TOTAL
If we assume the average length of time persons met at a group to be 2 hours, it follows
approximately 6,732volunteer hours were committed advancing projects related to local
community and economic development. Note that these numbers are conservative. Many
meetings normally lasted for than 2 hours in duration. Some committees experienced
fluctuating numbers as members left and others joined.
2010 Thompson Unlimited Year End Annual Report
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2010 Thompson Unlimited Business Process
Vision
Thompson Unlimited envisions Thompson as a dynamic and vibrant community
which will be the service capital of northern Manitoba.
Mission
Thompson Unlimited will create a dynamic business climate by providing support and resources to
grow Thompson as a northern center of diverse economic opportunities, and as a community having a
well-developed quality of life.
Economic
Diversification
Strategy
Regional Centre
Positioning Goal
Cold and
Winter
Weather
Testing Goal
Business Development
& Investment Attraction
Business
Development
Goal
Investment
Attraction Goal
Downtown
Revitalization
Goal
Marketing &
Communications
Strategy
Thompson
Unlimited
Communications
Goal
Thompson
Community
Promotion
Goal
Community
Information,
Dissemination
& Research
Goal
2010 Thompson Unlimited Year End Annual Report
Administration &
Governance
Thompson
Unlimited
Staff
Retention
and
Development
TU Board
and
Committee
Members
Retention &
Development
Page 8 of 19
2.0
Review of Thompson Unlimited Programs and Service
Outcomes
As reported in the 2010 Annual Workplan, 3 diversification strategies were pursued:
(A) Economic Diversification; (B) Business Development and Investment Attraction; and (C)
Marketing and Communications. This section reports on the main activities and
accomplishments realized in each of the goals. Overseeing the implementation of the
strategies are Administration and Governance.
2.1
Economic Diversification Strategy
The Board of Directors determined 2 goals that would shape the economic
diversification strategy: (1) Regional Centre Positioning Goal, and (2) Cold and Winter
Weather Testing.
2 .1 .1
Regional Centre Positioning Goal
The intention of this goal is to continue entrenching Thompson as a regional centre
providing services such as government, business, health care and education into the region. The
region figures prominently in the sustainability of Thompson, and conversely Thompson has
an important role within the region.
Objectives
Continue to follow and partner as
appropriate, in the development of the UCN
- Thompson Campus.
Transportation of goods through Thompson
to points north provides opportunities for
local development.
The mining industry is restructuring, and
within it presents opportunities.
Identify gaps in the provision of regional
goods and/or services, and work to fill them.
Identify accessibility barriers between the
region and Thompson, and work to address
them.
Activities and Accomplishments
TU lead a concerted campaign to provide
additional factual information for informed
opinions of the UCN Thompson campus.
Participation in the 2010 Arctic Gateway
Summit - "Northern Directions”. The
summit focused on the transportation
corridor from Winnipeg north through the
Canadian Arctic and into Russia.
Establish a growing relationship with Vale
representatives demonstrating TU’s role and
value.
TU representation on North Central
Development’s Business Development
Committee that oversees loans for
businesses within the region
Labour shortage was focused upon.
Existing unemployed or underemployed
persons were targeted for training.
2010 Thompson Unlimited Year-End Annual Report
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2 .1 .2
Cold and Winter Weather Testing Goal
Thompson continues its emergence as a real-world cold and winter weather testing
centre of excellence. Major automotive and other OEM manufacturers test products and
components in real world Thompson winter and cold weather conditions.
Objectives
Attract 1 new cold/winter weather tester to
Thompson.
Monitor and assist cold weather testers to
ensure their testing experiences are
productive.
Strengthen communications from TU to
existing and potential new winter weather
testers to ensure awareness of testing in
Thompson.
Continue to provide support to the Jet
Engine Test Facility during its full
development in 2010.
Assist expanding at least 1 ongoing cold
weather tester.
Enhance local testing facilities and
infrastructure to attract more testers.
Activities and Accomplishments
Entered into heavy equipment sector with one
new cold weather tester.
Frequent meetings between facilitators and the
Winter Weather Testing Committee. Holding
exit interviews with testing company officials
after completing their testing and prior to their
departure from Thompson.
A newsletter was prepared and disseminated
thru direct mailouts to OEMs. Consultants
were engaged to attend tradeshows in
automotive and aerospace sectors on behalf of
TU prospecting companies in need of a testing
location
Assisted in securing accommodations, space for
interviews and meetings in the TU boardroom,
forwarding information about local businesses,
assistance in organizing a local job fair, Grand
Opening and Community Open House, etc.
Integrating machinery being tested by a
manufacturer into the daily activities of the City
of Thompson. The Norplex Pool test track was
used for the first time by a tester.
Assisted one tester install infrastructure to
assist their particular type of testing.
Other highlights include:

The federal Invest Canada-Community Initiatives (ICCI) program is designed to help
Canadian communities attract, retain and expand foreign direct investment. ICCI
supports non-profit and public-private partnerships at the local community level. TU
authored a successful funding application to this program that leveraged $17,500 from
the federal government. Aerospace and automotive consultancies were contracted for
the advancement of winter and cold weather testing.

Presentations were made to the Minister of Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade, and
the Thompson Chamber of Commerce concerning the economic impact of winter
2010 Thompson Unlimited Year-End Annual Report
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weather testing in Thompson.

Reuters global news agency produced a story about Thompson’s cold weather testing
efforts and major dailies in Edmonton, Anchorage, and likely others picked up the
story.
2 .2
Business Development and Investment Attraction Strategy
The Business Development and Investment Attraction Strategy is divided into 3
separate goals: (1) Business Development; (2) Downtown Revitalization; and (3) Investment
Attraction.
2.2.1 Business Development Goal
This microfinance loan program assists the start-up, expansion or beautification of the
exterior of small or home-based local businesses by providing loans in cooperation with other
lenders or separately. Assistance with business plan preparation and offering small business
counseling were also available through TU.
Objectives
Continue maintaining the CWLP portfolio in
good standing.
Promote CWLP through different media
avenues to raise awareness and loan
applications. Approve 3 new loans to local
entrepreneurs.
Participate in attracting new labour to
Thompson by supporting immigration efforts
and recruitment missions.
Provide training to those wanting to enter the
labour force, or in other cases, wanting new or
additional training for labour in greater demand
Activities and Accomplishments
Reporting of loan portfolio status was
completed with CEDF
1 new loan was approved by the
Investment Committee for $5,000. 1
loan was declined and several inquiries
into the program were made.
TU representation on the Thompson
Newcomers Settlement Services
Committee
18 unemployed people completed
EWIN training and 14 businesses
registered as part of the EWIN training.
Provided training to existing staff – 8
managers and 13 existing workers in
hospitality and retail sectors. TU
partnered with ETT, IWD, EIA, YWCA
and MTEC for both projects.
Other highlights include:
 Aboriginal Art Centre for northern Manitoba Board representation.
2010 Thompson Unlimited Year-End Annual Report
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2.2.2 Downtown Revitalization Goal
In cooperation with and funding from the City of Thompson, a special volunteer
committee was struck and which TU provides administrative support and coordination to.
Recommendations coming from the 2009 Year-end Activity Report were implemented in 2010.
Objectives
Enhance downtown appearance.
Increase positive activity in the downtown area.
Enhance and maintain downtown infrastructure.
Leverage grant funding from the City twofold by
writing grant and funding proposals to local
organizations and government agencies for
additional funding for downtown revitalization.
Activities and Accomplishments
Thompson Downtown Revitalization
Committee 2010 Year-End report
placed on online. Visit
www.thompsonunlimited.ca
Manitoba Hydro Forest Enhancement
Project, Community Futures North
Central Development, Chamber of
Commerce, Canadian Tire and
Province of Manitoba contributed
funding and/or goods.
Other highlights include:

A Communities in Bloom designation was applied for and significant work was
lead by a group of community volunteers that oversaw the bid planning. TU
provided administration of activities. A 3 Bloom out of 5 designation was earned.

The City Pride Challenge was also developed by the Communities in Bloom SubCommittee. TU again provided administration and coordination to the subcommittee which consisted of the following committee members and judges:
Councilor Erin Stewart, Bruce Holmes, June Bourguignon, Margaret Allen, Volker
Beckman, Andrea Hatley, Laurie McInnis, Erin Wilcox, Jan Hall and Bea Shantz.

For further information on the activities of the Downtown Revitalization
Committee for 2010 including the City Pride and Communities in Bloom efforts,
readers are encouraged to visit www.thompsonunlimited.ca and download the 2010
workplan and 2010 year-end annual report.
2.2.3 Investment Attraction Goal
Investment attraction will focus on bringing new housing and retail businesses to the
community. In particular, addressing the shortage of human resources in town, and working
with the City were factors in attracting new investment to Thompson.
2010 Thompson Unlimited Year-End Annual Report
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Objectives
Work with the newly established Thompson
Housing Authority, and other local housing
stakeholders to add new and increase the range
of housing units in the City by 50 units over
2009 housing starts.
Work with the Chamber of Commerce and
other stakeholders in identifying and filling
gaps in local and regional business goods and
services.
Seek out and engage new investors to build 2
new retail stores.
Provide aftercare to engaged investors in the
community.
Connect 3 local businesses with investors for
new investors to the community.
Continue representing TU’s interests on the
City of Thompson’s Development Review
Committee, and the Public Safety Committee.
Activities and Accomplishments
A Thompson Housing Authority Board
of Directors and organizational bylaws
continue to be constituted.
Nothing to report
Discussions are ongoing
Provided ongoing support to the Choice
Brand Extended Stay Hotel. Helped
organize interviews.
Discussions are ongoing
Discontinued representation on the City’s
Public Safety Committee due to time
considerations. Representation on the
City’s Development Review Committee
continues.
Other highlights include:
 TU assisted Rogers Communications high-speed packet access wireless network
market expansion into Thompson by pairing a local business with Rogers’ retail entry.
 Jet Engine Test Facility completed and nearing full operations including certification
and compliance requirements.
2..3
Marketing and Communications Strategy
Thompson Unlimited is the municipal economic development corporation for
Thompson. Our services are intended to diversify the local economy. Raising our awareness
and demonstrating value for the economic development services are essential for organizational
effectiveness and continued funding. Marketing and promotion are composed of 3 goals. In no
particular order, they are: (1) Thompson Unlimited Communications; (2) Thompson
Community Promotion; and (3) Community Information, Dissemination and Research.
2010 Thompson Unlimited Year-End Annual Report
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2.3.1 Thompson Unlimited Communications Goal
The activities and accomplishments of TU need to be communicated into the
community and beyond. By communicating, the awareness of TU services will increase, and
the recognition can help grow and possibly attract new opportunities to TU’s resources.
Objectives
Greater use of local and out-of-town
communications.
Composing and issuing at least 1 new media
release per month to local and out of town
media.
Composing and disseminating at least 2
newsletters to targeted audiences.
Continued utilization of TU and other
websites.
Greater use of electronic communications
and social media.
Activities and Accomplishments
Shaw Cable aired footage recorded during the
Jet Engine Test Facility Grand Opening. New
Sub-zero billboard erected facing southbound
along Mystery Lake Road. Networking with
the Canadian Trade Commissioner for Europe
8 media releases were distributed throughout
2010 on different topics
One newsletter focusing on winter weather
testing was developed and disseminated to
companies around the world. A new aerospace
brochure was also developed and disseminated
Workplans and annual reports have been placed
for downloading on the TU website.
Blind emails have been used to help raise local
awareness of news and opportunities.
Other highlights include:
 Media organizations TU was involved with during 2010 include CBC Radio in
Winnipeg, The Pas and Thompson, Canadian Business Journal, CHTM Radio,
Winnipeg Free Press, NCI Radio, Reuters News Service, and CBC French and English
TV.
 TU’s WWT print communications has evolved to become translated into different
languages for dissemination to a worldwide audience.
2.3.2 Thompson Community Promotion Goal
We live in a competitive world and Thompson must sell itself well in order to diversify.
The strengths and opportunities of the community serve as information for promotional
purposes. Networking, providing a voice of local economic development, providing referrals,
etc., is other factors related to community promotion.
2010 Thompson Unlimited Year-End Annual Report
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Objectives
Advertising at targeted venues, in
partnership or individually within the
budgeted amount.
Attracting, hosting and/or coordinating
new conferences, forums and meetings.
Continued TU representation at
conferences and meetings.
More frequent exposures of TU
throughout the year involving local and
outside media outlets.
Respond to media inquiries of stories
focusing on Thompson.
Working with the Thompson Chamber
of Commerce, and other local and
provincial organizations on projects of
mutual interest or concern.
Activities and Accomplishments
Individually and cost shared numerous
advertisements in different media in and
outside Thompson.
Manitoba Homecoming, Tourism North
Manitoba, Manitoba Hydro Breakfast
Fundraiser for the TRCC, continued service
on the Economic Developers Association of
Manitoba, Destination Churchill Strategic
Planning Session, Centrallia 2010, CanadaManitoba Roundtable on SME’s and Skills
Development, and MB Conservative
Caucus trip to Thompson
Numerous advertising through magazines
and websites that included stories and news,
as well as utilization of the TU library.
TU participated in the Winnipeg Free Press’
Town and Country annual insert feature.
TU helped organize CBC French TV news
programming that included a live show with
footage shot previously being aired. Some
footage was picked up for national airing
through CBC The National.
The Chamber donated 4 plaques for City
Pride Beautification Competition. These
plaques were designed by an artist and
unique in appearance. The plaques have 10
engraving plates enabling distribution for 10
years. TU participated in the intercity bus
service survey with the Province of MB
concerning Greyhound service reductions.
2.3.3 Community Information, Dissemination and Research Goal
We will be a source of relevant and updated community information focusing on
promotion and attraction-oriented information including a photo library and the community
profile, and make the information available in a timely manner to local businesses and other
groups in need of such information. Special research assignments may also be completed
from time to time.
2010 Thompson Unlimited Year-End Annual Report
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Objectives
Continue to prepare and disseminate
recruitment packages upon request.
Continue updating the City of Thompson
Community Profile, and Guide to Thompson
as well as other regular promotional and
informational materials.
Add to, promote and utilize the collection of
professional photos in TU’s photo library.
Prepare or coordinate special reports as
requested.
Activities and Accomplishments
Over 100 recruitment packages have been
prepared for Vale, Shepell FGI, and the School
District of Mystery Lake
The Guide and Profile were professionally
updated in 2010. Renewed advertisement in
Thompson’s Visitors Map.
Pictures of Dave Daley’s dog sled trek from
Churchill to Winnipeg through Thompson were
taken. Tourism North, City of Thompson,
Winnipeg Free Press and a local business
included organizations that have requested
pictures from TU’s library.
Authored and submitted a discussion paper
proposing a strategy to achieve increases in
Aboriginal labour participation, and known and
probable mineral reserves for the Vale –
Manitoba Operations
Other highlights include:
 TU paid the final installment of the $50,000 total cash contribution toward funding the
Thompson Sustainable Community Plan.
 TU prepared and presented Overview of Economic Opportunities and Challenges of
Thompson, Manitoba 2010 to Minister Lynn Yelich of Western Economic
Diversification
2.4
Corporate Administration and Governance
As articulated in TU’s By-Law No. 1 governing the affairs of TU, our purpose will be
to support community economic and community development; diversify the local economy;
support the creation and the expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises; maintain and
create new employment; and, to be a partner with other agencies identified as working on
behalf of northern Manitoba. Two goals form TU’s administration and governance: (1) TU
Staff Retention and Development, and (2) Board and Committee Member Recruitment,
Retention and Development. A Communications Protocol continues between Thompson
Unlimited and the City of Thompson that enhances communications between both
organizations.
2010 Thompson Unlimited Year-End Annual Report
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2.4.1 Thompson Unlimited Staff Retention and Development
Attracting and retaining skilled staff and providing them with the necessary resources
along with professional development opportunities to stay abreast in emerging
issues/opportunities are imperative to achieving the goals and objectives of TU.
Objectives
Provide a workplace that is sensitive to
achieving a work/life balance.
Recognize and reward staff efforts,
contributions, and accomplishments.
To invest in staff professional development
within the budget.
In good faith review and amend as necessary
the Corporate Policy and Procedures Manual,
and the Expense Claim.
Activities and Accomplishments
Flex time practiced to accommodate personal
and family responsibilities.
Community functions and special events
throughout the year were held and staff were
invited to attend along with family. Annual
retention raises were honored.
2 staff were sent to Year 2 of the Economic
Developers Association of Canada training.
No changes were made to the Corporate
Policy and Procedures manual. Updating of
the expense claim occurred keeping with
updates to the Treasury Board rates for
mileage, meals and incidentals.
2.4.2 Thompson Unlimited Board and Committee Members Retention and
Development
Effectively engaging volunteers who give their time for board and/or committee service
to help accomplish TU goals is a key goal.
Objectives
Activities and Accomplishments
One person resigned from the board due
Work to minimize Board or Committee
to relocating for employment, another
member turnover.
person changed due to the 2010 municipal
elections. An additional WWT Committee
position was re-filled.
In good faith, review the TU Corporate Bylaw No changes to TU Bylaw #1 were
#1 and amend as necessary
necessary.
Offer and encourage training opportunities to Board training opportunities were passed
Board and Committee members designed to
along to the board. TU staff participated
strengthen governance and accountability.
in training related to working with
volunteers and boards.
If a board or committee member vacancy
One WWT Committee and 2 Board
2010 Thompson Unlimited Year-End Annual Report
Page 17 of 19
occurs, conduct exit interviews of the
departing member to determine if/how to
prevent further vacancies from occurring.
Provide new board and committee member
orientation as necessary
Support a timely and relevant flow of
communication between TU staff, Board and
Committee members.
Recognize and value the time and expertise
given to TU by all volunteer board and
committee members.
members resigned from their positions.
A copy of TU organizational Bylaw#1,
along with confidentiality agreement and
a copy of the Director’s and Officer’s
Liability Insurance certificate were given.
Weekly email updates of TU staff were
sent to all board and committee
members.
BBQ at the TU President’s House
attended by staff, board and committee
members.
2010 Thompson Unlimited Year-End Annual Report
Page 18 of 19
3.0
2010 Year-End Audited Financial Statements
The 2010 year-end audited financial statements are presented starting the next page.
2010 Thompson Unlimited Year-End Annual Report
Page 19 of 19