MONCTON – A wind of change began at Enterprise Greater Moncton (EGM) in June, when EGM announced the Economic Leadership Council (ELC) at the top of its governance model. The ELC, comprised of well-known business leaders, the mayors of the three municipalities and the board chairs of EGM and the Greater Moncton Chamber of Commerce will steer the strategic direction for economic development in the region.
The next big step for EGM was to recruit a new CEO to work proactively with the ELC, EGM’s Board of Directors, EGM staff, the private sector partners who make up EGM’s Strategic Partnership, the three mayors, the three municipal economic development entities, both provincial and federal governments and many other community stakeholders for the region’s long-term economic success.
After an extensive recruitment process, the Board of Directors is delighted to announce that Ben Champoux will be the new CEO of EGM and today is his first official day on the job. Champoux is a well-known professional in the community with a solid track record and work ethic. He has been a great ambassador of Greater Moncton since he moved to the region in 1998.
Robert Irving, Chair of the ELC, spoke very highly of the selection of Champoux as the new CEO. “This leadership position plays a very important and dynamic role for regional economic development, and I am very pleased with the selection of Ben Champoux for this position. Ben brings to this position the combination of education, experience, energy, and the passion for our region that is required for the successful leadership of Enterprise Greater Moncton and its partners. The Economic Leadership Council has fully endorsed his candidacy and will be working closely with Ben as he transitions into his new role.”
Champoux has held significant positions at the City of Moncton over the past eight years, from Business Development Specialist when he joined the city in 2005, to Director, Tourism and Culture, most recently. He also worked for many years as the Senior Market Analyst for New Brunswick with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Champoux studied economics at l’Université de Sherbrooke. He also has a Masters in Health Administration from l’Université de Montréal.
Champoux has always been passionately involved in the community through his support of charity events and volunteering on various boards of prominent organizations. Champoux says his new role at EGM will allow him to pursue his ultimate goal of enhancing the prosperity and quality of life in the community.
“I am truly honoured that I was selected by the Board of Directors to be the new CEO of EGM’ said Champoux. ‘I am humbled by the vote of confidence and the support I’ve received from the ELC, the three mayors and respective municipal economic development entities as well many other community stakeholders. I am also delighted that this new role allows me to continue to work in partnership with Dieppe, Moncton, Riverview and all other community stakeholders for the long-term economic success of our region.”
Support on the appointment of the new CEO from the municipalities was unanimous.
“I have had the pleasure to observe Ben’s work, and have always been impressed by his collaborative approach, his attention to detail, and his superior communications skills. His positive attitude and enthusiasm will allow our region to regain momentum,” said Dieppe Mayor Yvon Lapierre.
Moncton Mayor George LeBlanc said, “I am pleased to support Ben’s appointment as the new CEO of Enterprise Greater Moncton. I have had the opportunity to work closely with Ben over the past five years and I know he will do an exceptional job as CEO. While we will miss him at City Hall, I know we will all benefit from his leadership at EGM.”
“There is a growing sense of opportunity and renewal in the local business community,” said Riverview Mayor Ann Seamans. “Having worked with Ben previously, I have complete confidence that his expertise and outstanding leadership qualities make him the right person to lead the regional economic development agency into a new era of growth and success.”
EGM is the economic development agency that promotes Dieppe, Moncton and Riverview for investment and business opportunities. In 2012, EGM led Greater Moncton to be named the “#1 place to do business in North America” along with three consecutive titles the years prior in KPMG’s Competitive Alternatives Study. EGM was also named one of the top-ten economic development agencies in Canada, the only one in Atlantic Canada, by Site Selection Magazine in 2012.
“The board was looking for a highly motivated, results-oriented, innovative and bilingual leader with an entrepreneurial can-do attitude; someone who had already earned the respect of our municipal and private sector partners,” said Lois Scott, Chair of the EGM Board of Directors. “The board is confident we have recruited a person with all the required skills to lead the organization going forward. We are delighted that Ben has accepted to join us in this important role.”
With the support of the three municipal governments, all strategic partners and community stakeholders, a new CEO and the ELC in place, there is no doubt the regional economic development agency will continue its positive impact on the Greater Moncton region.
Media Contact:
Jane Harwood
Manager, Communications and Public Relations
Enterprise Greater Moncton
506-858-9550 ext. 104
506-961-1994