MPI Toronto has recognized Meetings Mean Business Canada chair Clark Grue with its 2021 President’s Award.
Clark’s efforts on behalf of Canada’s business events industry take the form of media interviews, industry webinars and meetings with elected officials. Government decision makers have gained an appreciation for the shutdown’s devastating toll on the industry, as well as a better understanding of how business events can help drive Canada’s economic recovery.
“Over the past year, Clark has captured not only my attention, but my deep respect,” said Margaret Binns, president, MPI Toronto. “In his role as chair of MMBC, he works tirelessly to advocate to elected officials and to industry stakeholders about the critical social and economic impact that our industry has on the financial health of this nation. He was the obvious choice for this award.”
In accepting the award, Clark recognized how the industry has worked hard to raise its voice at a critical time: “Advocacy is definitely a team sport.. it takes an army of voices and continual persistence to have success. So many of you have done so much for this industry over the past year. I want to thank each one of you for your efforts and your commitment.”
“I’m proud to say that the meetings industry has come a long way this past year in advocating to government for the support that is so desperately needed,” added Clark, who is also president and CEO of Calgary-based Rainmaker Global Business Development. “A special thanks goes to the volunteer board and the executive of Meetings Mean Business Canada. And a huge thank you to MPI for your support and commitment to MMBC’s work.”
MMBC works with industry partners such as the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, to advocate for immediate and appropriate relief for the visitor economy. These advocacy efforts have contributed to the introduction of new programs, for example the Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP Canada).