BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//ChamberMaster//Event Calendar 2.0//EN METHOD:PUBLISH X-PUBLISHED-TTL:P3D REFRESH-INTERVAL:P3D CALSCALE:GREGORIAN BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20260922T123000Z DTEND:20260922T143000Z X-MICROSOFT-CDO-ALLDAYEVENT:FALSE SUMMARY:MBiz Breakfast: The State of Post-Secondary Education DESCRIPTION:MBiz Breakfast: The State of Post-Secondary \nManitoba's long-term economic success depends on one critical asset: people.\n\nAs employers across the province continue to face persistent workforce shortages and evolving skills needs\, the role of Manitoba's post-secondary institutions has never been more important. Universities and colleges are responsible for preparing tomorrow's workforce\, advancing research and innovation\, and strengthening Manitoba's economic competitiveness.\n\nJoin the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce for a timely discussion with the Co-Chairs of the Post-Secondary Presidents' Council of Manitoba and the leaders of the province's largest post-secondary institutions as they explore the current state of post-secondary education and its connection to Manitoba's business community.\n\nThis conversation will examine how Manitoba's universities and colleges are working together to strengthen the province's talent pipeline\, support workforce development\, foster research and commercialization\, and respond to rapidly changing labour market demands. Panelists will discuss the distinct roles their institutions play within Manitoba's education ecosystem\, the value of post-secondary education in today's economy\, and how stronger collaboration between business and education can help address the province's workforce challenges.\n\nFrom work-integrated learning and applied research to artificial intelligence\, innovation\, immigration\, Indigenous student success\, and the future of skills development\, this discussion will provide valuable insight into the opportunities and challenges shaping Manitoba's future workforce.\n\nWhether you're an employer struggling to recruit skilled talent\, a business leader interested in Manitoba's innovation economy\, or someone invested in the province's long-term prosperity\, this breakfast offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from the leaders helping shape Manitoba's next generation of talent.\n\nJoin us for an engaging conversation on one of the most important drivers of Manitoba's economic future.\n\n\nAbout the Moderator\n\nBeverlie Stuart - President and CEO\, Manitoba Aerospace \n\nBeverlie Stuart is a respected leader and catalyst for economic growth\, workforce innovation\, and organizational excellence. As CEO of Manitoba Aerospace Inc.\, she brings a distinguished career spanning the public\, private\, post-secondary\, and non-profit sectors\, where she has successfully led transformative initiatives that strengthen Manitoba's workforce\, enhance business competitiveness\, and drive economic prosperity.\n\n\n\nRecognized for her expertise in economic and business development\, workforce strategy\, and high-performance team leadership\, Bev has designed and implemented impactful programs that connect industry needs with talent development\, helping organizations and communities thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.\n\n\n\nA passionate community builder\, Bev has dedicated countless hours to volunteer leadership on provincial and national boards and committees. She currently serves as Past Chair of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and Vice Chair of the Canadian Career Development Foundation Board of Directors\, where she continues to influence policies and initiatives that support economic resilience and workforce advancement across Canada.\n\n\n\nA lifelong learner and advocate for continuous growth\, Bev holds a Master of Arts in Leadership\, along with undergraduate credentials in Administrative Management\, Human Resource Management\, and Adult and Continuing Education. Her unique blend of strategic vision\, collaborative leadership\, and commitment to community impact has made her a trusted advisor and influential voice in shaping Manitoba's economic future.\n\n\n\nAbout the Speakers\n\n\n\nFred Meier - President and CEO\, RRC Polytech \n\nFred Meier became President and CEO of RRC Polytech Manitoba's only polytechnic institution in 2020\, leading the Polytech through transformative academic and institutional growth.\n\n\n\nFred's vision has guided RRC Polytech in embracing its identity as a polytechnic\, launching a bold strategic plan to anticipate industry needs and prepare a workforce for the jobs of tomorrow. Key priorities include delivering industry-aligned programming for over 20\,000 students\, advancing Truth and Reconciliation\, embedding equity\, diversity\, and inclusion\, and deepening industry partnerships in Manitoba and beyond.\n\n\n\nUnder Fred's leadership\, RRC Polytech surpassed the $60-million target for its largest-ever fundraising campaign in under two years. He also played a pivotal role in establishing the Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics and the Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts\, solidifying the Polytech's leadership in applied research and work-integrated learning.\n\n\n\nFred emphasizes collaboration and fostering a positive\, inclusive work environment\, recognizing employee engagement as essential to institutional success. He is also deeply committed to Truth and Reconciliation\, seeking guidance and learning from Knowledge Keepers\, Elders and Grandmothers in Residence to incorporate Indigenous knowledge into Polytech practices\, from policies to the naming of spaces.\n\n\n\nBefore joining RRC Polytech\, Fred held senior leadership roles in Manitoba's public service\, including as Clerk of Executive Council and Secretary to Cabinet. He holds a Master of Science from the University of Manitoba. An avid cyclist\, Fred enjoys exploring the outdoors\, curling\, and spending time with his family.\n\n\n\nMichael Benarroch - President and Vice-Chancellor\, University of Manitoba \n\nMichael Benarroch became President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manitoba on July 1\, 2020\, and was unanimously reappointed by the Board of Governors to a second five-year term beginning July 1\, 2025\, following a comprehensive review by the Board's Presidential Review Committee.\n\n\n\nThroughout his career spanning over three decades\, Dr. Benarroch has demonstrated his lifelong dedication to transformative higher education and has made significant contributions to the fields of economics\, research\, and post-secondary education administration.\n\n\n\nHe served as Provost and Vice-President (Academic) at Toronto Metropolitan University from 2017 to 2020\, acting as the institution's chief academic and operating officer\, as well as a tenured professor in the department of Economics\, Faculty of Arts. From 2011 to 2017\, Dr. Benarroch served as the Dean of the I.H. Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba and enjoyed a 21-year-career with the University of Winnipeg\, where he was chair of the department of Economics (1999 to 2007) and served as the university's Faculty of Business and Economics founding dean from 2008 to 2011. X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:MBiz Breakfast: The State of Post-Secondary \;\n
Manitoba'\;s long-term economic success depends on one critical asset: people.
\n\n
As employers across the province continue to face persistent workforce shortages and evolving skills needs\, the role of Manitoba'\;s post-secondary institutions has never been more important. Universities and colleges are responsible for preparing tomorrow'\;s workforce\, advancing research and innovation\, and strengthening Manitoba'\;s economic competitiveness.
\n\n
Join the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce for a timely discussion with the Co-Chairs of the Post-Secondary Presidents'\; Council of Manitoba and the leaders of the province'\;s largest post-secondary institutions as they explore the current state of post-secondary education and its connection to Manitoba'\;s business community.
\n\n
This conversation will examine how Manitoba'\;s universities and colleges are working together to strengthen the province'\;s talent pipeline\, support workforce development\, foster research and commercialization\, and respond to rapidly changing labour market demands. Panelists will discuss the distinct roles their institutions play within Manitoba'\;s education ecosystem\, the value of post-secondary education in today'\;s economy\, and how stronger collaboration between business and education can help address the province'\;s workforce challenges.
\n\n
From work-integrated learning and applied research to artificial intelligence\, innovation\, immigration\, Indigenous student success\, and the future of skills development\, this discussion will provide valuable insight into the opportunities and challenges shaping Manitoba'\;s future workforce.
\n\n
Whether you'\;re an employer struggling to recruit skilled talent\, a business leader interested in Manitoba'\;s innovation economy\, or someone invested in the province'\;s long-term prosperity\, this breakfast offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from the leaders helping shape Manitoba'\;s next generation of talent.
\n\n
Join us for an engaging conversation on one of the most important drivers of Manitoba'\;s economic future.
\n
\nAbout the Moderator\n\n

Beverlie Stuart - \; President and CEO\, Manitoba Aerospace \;
\nBeverlie Stuart is a respected leader and catalyst for economic growth\, workforce innovation\, and organizational excellence. As CEO of Manitoba Aerospace Inc.\, she brings a distinguished career spanning the public\, private\, post-secondary\, and non-profit sectors\, where she has successfully led transformative initiatives that strengthen Manitoba'\;s workforce\, enhance business competitiveness\, and drive economic prosperity.
\n
\nRecognized for her expertise in economic and business development\, workforce strategy\, and high-performance team leadership\, Bev has designed and implemented impactful programs that connect industry needs with talent development\, helping organizations and communities thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.
\n
\nA passionate community builder\, Bev has dedicated countless hours to volunteer leadership on provincial and national boards and committees. She currently serves as Past Chair of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and Vice Chair of the Canadian Career Development Foundation Board of Directors\, where she continues to influence policies and initiatives that support economic resilience and workforce advancement across Canada.
\n
\nA lifelong learner and advocate for continuous growth\, Bev holds a Master of Arts in Leadership\, along with undergraduate credentials in Administrative Management\, Human Resource Management\, and Adult and Continuing Education. Her unique blend of strategic vision\, collaborative leadership\, and commitment to community impact has made her a trusted advisor and influential voice in shaping Manitoba'\;s economic future.
\n
\nAbout the Speakers
\n
\nFred Meier - President and CEO\, RRC Polytech \;
\nFred Meier became President and CEO of RRC Polytech &ndash\; Manitoba&rsquo\;s only polytechnic institution &ndash\; in 2020\, leading the Polytech through transformative academic and institutional growth.
\n
\nFred&rsquo\;s vision has guided RRC Polytech in embracing its identity as a polytechnic\, launching a bold strategic plan to anticipate industry needs and prepare a workforce for the jobs of tomorrow. Key priorities include delivering industry-aligned programming for over 20\,000 students\, advancing Truth and Reconciliation\, embedding equity\, diversity\, and inclusion\, and deepening industry partnerships in Manitoba and beyond.
\n
\nUnder Fred&rsquo\;s leadership\, RRC Polytech surpassed the $60-million target for its largest-ever fundraising campaign in under two years. He also played a pivotal role in establishing the Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics and the Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts\, solidifying the Polytech&rsquo\;s leadership in applied research and work-integrated learning.
\n
\nFred emphasizes collaboration and fostering a positive\, inclusive work environment\, recognizing employee engagement as essential to institutional success. He is also deeply committed to Truth and Reconciliation\, seeking guidance and learning from Knowledge Keepers\, Elders and Grandmothers in Residence to incorporate Indigenous knowledge into Polytech practices\, from policies to the naming of spaces.
\n
\nBefore joining RRC Polytech\, Fred held senior leadership roles in Manitoba&rsquo\;s public service\, including as Clerk of Executive Council and Secretary to Cabinet. He holds a Master of Science from the University of Manitoba. An avid cyclist\, Fred enjoys exploring the outdoors\, curling\, and spending time with his family.

\n\n


\nMichael Benarroch - President and Vice-Chancellor\, University of Manitoba \;
\nMichael Benarroch became President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manitoba on July 1\, 2020\, and was unanimously reappointed by the Board of Governors to a second five-year term beginning July 1\, 2025\, following a comprehensive review by the Board&rsquo\;s Presidential Review Committee.
\n
\nThroughout his career spanning over three decades\, Dr. Benarroch has demonstrated his lifelong dedication to transformative higher education and has made significant contributions to the fields of economics\, research\, and post-secondary education administration.
\n
\nHe served as Provost and Vice-President (Academic) at Toronto Metropolitan University from 2017 to 2020\, acting as the institution&rsquo\;s chief academic and operating officer\, as well as a tenured professor in the department of Economics\, Faculty of Arts. From 2011 to 2017\, Dr. Benarroch served as the Dean of the I.H. Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba and enjoyed a 21-year-career with the University of Winnipeg\, where he was chair of the department of Economics (1999 to 2007) and served as the university&rsquo\;s Faculty of Business and Economics founding dean from 2008 to 2011.

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\n LOCATION:The Metropolitan Entertainment Centre by Canad Inns The Met Grand Hall 281 Donald St\, Winnipeg MB R3C 1M9 UID:e.3629.578 SEQUENCE:3 DTSTAMP:20260810T180547Z URL:https://business.mbchamber.mb.ca/events/details/mbiz-breakfast-the-state-of-post-secondary-education-578 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR