WINDSOR, May 9, 2013: The WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation is pleased to announce that former Ontario Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Sandra Pupatello, will be joining WEEDC as Chief Executive Officer.
Ms. Pupatello requires no introduction to the Windsor-Essex community. As one of our region’s most vocal and tireless champions for continuing prosperity and opportunity, Ms. Pupatello’s drive, passion, enthusiasm, and knowledge of this region will ensure that Windsor-Essex can be known as a solid and profitable business investment worldwide.
Ms. Pupatello, a well-known and respected political figure during her 16 years at Queen’s Park, brings with her a wealth of public sector experience, as well as extensive business contacts both in Canada and abroad.
“It is a privilege for me to welcome Sandra to the WEEDC team. Her arrival as WEEDC CEO sends a strong signal to business: Windsor-Essex is ready to compete and show how profitable we can be. Sandra has been one of this region’s most passionate, energetic and effective advocates of our time. Prospective investors are sure to never forget Windsor-Essex after meeting with Sandra, and we couldn’t be happier with her decision to join WEEDC,” said Board Chair Joseph Byrne.
“Sandra Pupatello brings to WEEDC what few others can: Solid relationships with businesses around the globe, an inside-out knowledge of economic development within Ontario, the thorough understanding of our region’s strengths and opportunities amassed over her lifetime residency here, and a sincere love for her hometown and its people. Windsor welcomes the appointment of Sandra Pupatello as Chief Executive Officer of the Windsor-Essex County Economic Development Corporation, and we look forward to working with Sandra to grow business within the City of Windsor and the greater Essex County region,” said Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis.
“Essex County is delighted to welcome Sandra Pupatello to the position of CEO of the Windsor Essex County Economic Development Corporation. Sandra is blessed in that you’ll never see modesty from her when she’s speaking about our region and its accomplishments. Essex County looks forward to continuing the strong expertise and positive impacts that she has brought to each of her roles, and to further enriching the crucial services that WEEDC provides,” said Essex County Warden Tom Bain.
Under Ms. Pupatello’s leadership, Windsor-Essex will continue to be strategic as it continues to strengthen and diversify its regional economic base.
About the WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation (WEEDC) – The WEEDC is the lead economic development agency proudly representing Windsor-Essex, Ontario, Canada’s fastest growing economy (Conference Board of Canada), one of the world’s Top 7 most intelligent communities (Intelligent Community Forum) and FDi’s 2013/14 Best FDi Strategy, Small City, Runner Up. Acting as a catalyst and network developer WEEDC works to positively impact the region by providing services including business attraction, retention and expansion, small business and entrepreneurial development, and community development activities. For more information on previous awards please visit www.choosewindsoressex.com/awards.
CONTACTS:
Joseph Byrne, Chair,
WindsorEssex Economic Development Corp.
Tel: 519-257-0460
Lana Drouillard, Director, Marketing & Communications
WindsorEssex Economic Development Corp.
Tel: 519-259-9600