Magnate Thomson to be saluted at city event

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This article was published 01/05/2015 (3285 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

IF David Thomson isn’t careful, he’s going to be asked to chair the boards of Travel Manitoba, Yes! Winnipeg and Sport Manitoba — all at the same time.

The co-owner of the Winnipeg Jets and chairman of media giant Thomson Reuters, who will be presented with the International Distinguished Entrepreneur Award at a black-tie dinner in Winnipeg June 1, wasn’t born in the province and doesn’t live here, but you’d never know it.

The man, described by Canadian Business magazine as heading the richest family in the country, has a history and personal connection with the city, however. He worked here as a young man for the Hudson’s Bay Company after it was purchased by his family in 1979.

It was just a few years of the 57-year-old’s life, but it made an indelible impression on Thomson. For a man who shies away from both recognition and the spotlight, he was touched by the honour coming his way.

“The recognition from the community of Winnipeg is deeply meaningful. My early exposure to the community shaped a lifetime course with a range of subsequent experiences, (both) personal and business. Travels across the world underscore the unique attributes of Winnipeg,” he said.

“The passion within the community is a source of inspiration. (I) truly sense a primal sensibility honed across generations through courage, toil and hardship. To my mind, the character within this community is without peer.”

More than 700 tickets to the dinner have been sold at $300 each.

Presented annually by the Associates at the University of Manitoba since 1984, the IDEA recognizes global excellence in entrepreneurship and commerce.

Thomson described the list of previous IDEA recipients as spanning “the most extraordinary range of business and community leaders across the globe.”

Some of them include Howard Schultz (Starbucks), Murray Edwards (Calgary Flames), Jim Balsillie (Research in Motion), Jim Sinegal (Costco), Izzy Asper (Canwest Global Communications), Anita Roddick (the Body Shop) and Chip Wilson (Lululemon).

“(I am) deeply honoured and humbled amidst such distinguished company. The award ultimately reflects the leadership and efforts amongst countless individuals and organizations within one’s orbit. The moment surely belongs to a wider universe, past and present. I proudly share this honour with them,” he said.

Thomson was in town last week watching the two Jets’ playoff games. He was wearing white, of course.

Mark Chipman, co-owner of the Jets, will introduce Thomson at the IDEA dinner.

“Every time he experiences a game here, he’s really quite taken by the level of passion, whether it’s the home opener or a regular-season game. Like all of us, he was really struck by what was an overwhelming show of support for the team, and by extension, the community, (during the playoff games),” Chipman said.

Chipman, who has been business partners with Thomson since 2001, said he’s not surprised Winnipeg has grown on him to the extent it has.

“David’s view is far beyond Toronto. He has a very global view. His companies have offices in more than 100 countries. It doesn’t surprise me that he makes an effort to understand the places where he does business,” he said.

Thomson is also chairman of Woodbridge Company Ltd., his family’s investment company, and chairman of the Globe and Mail, Canada’s largest national newspaper.

geoff.kirbyson@freepress.mb.ca