Bill Drew Named Churchill Gateway Executive Director; Former CWB Executive Now Leads Churchill Port Business Development.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba -- Rail, Transportation, Logistics Expert Directs Port Diversification Efforts

Directed Rail Logistics and Country Operations at Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) and Canadian National Railway (CN) Grain Operations in Winnipeg

The Churchill Gateway Development Corporation (CGDC) has announced the appointment of William (Bill) Drew as the new executive director of the corporation. In this position, Mr. Drew is responsible for developing new opportunities for the Port of Churchill, including diversifying the Port's import and export cargo and increasing the tonnage moving through the Port. Mr. Drew will report to the President of CGDC, Mike Ogborn.

The CGDC was established in 2003 as a non-share, public-private partnership for the purpose of marketing the Port of Churchill, which is located on the Hudson Bay in northern Manitoba, Canada. The CGDC includes representation from the Western Economic Diversification, the Province of Manitoba, and OmniTRAX, the private owner/operator of the port, and the railway that serves it, the Hudson Bay Railway Company.

"We are most fortunate to have been able to attract someone of the caliber of Bill Drew," stated Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, CGDC Chairperson and President of The University of Winnipeg. "This position requires an executive with superb knowledge in trade matters, leadership skill, and experience not only in marketing, but in numerous areas of business including transportation, logistics, grain and other commodity markets. Mr. Drew has the complete profile we were seeking."

Mr. Drew commented on his new position with the CGDC. "The opportunities for Churchill to achieve its potential as a premier international port are outstanding," said Mr. Drew. "Certainly we have tough challenges to confront and a lot of hard work before us. But that's an important reason I was attracted to this job."

Prior to his joining the CGDC, Mr. Drew was Director of Rail Logistics and Country Operations for the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB). Prior to this he served as Director of Grain Operations for Canadian National Railway (CN) in Winnipeg. During his career at the CWB and CN, Mr. Drew directed many innovative programs related to productivity, customer satisfaction, operations, and management.

"Mr. Drew comes to the CGDC and the Port of Churchill at one of the most exciting times in our history," added Dr. Axworthy. "In May the CGDC received five-year funding for marketing and cargo diversification efforts at the Port." Dr. Axworthy explained this funding is under the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). "In addition to this valuable marketing budget, Churchill is enjoying significant momentum and increased visibility worldwide."