Young, a decorated student-athlete, an NFL Hall of Fame quarterback, Co-founder and Chairman of private equity firm Hunstman Gay Global Capital (HGGC) and Founder and Chair of the Forever Young Foundation was chosen as an exceptional entrepreneur combining athletic excellence, business success and philanthropic leadership.

If Super Bowl MVP and NFL Hall of Fame inductee aren’t enough, 2025 IDEA recipient Young has torn up the business field as Co-founder and Chairman of HGGC, a private equity firm with over $8 billion under management. In addition to breaking countless NCAA and NFL records, launching a successful private equity firm, he has raised millions for numerous philanthropic endeavors.

“IDEA Co-Chair Ash Modha [BA/98], Co-founder and CEO Mondetta, and I had the opportunity recently to sit down with Steve and what struck us most was how he embodies and personifies all of the hallmarks of an incredible leader and very special person. The Associates are about connecting the world’s greatest entrepreneurs and tapping into their life experience to share and inspire our current business community along with the next generation of leaders in Manitoba,” says Paul Soubry [BComms(Hons)/84] NFI Group Inc. President and CEO, and Chair of IDEA. “With all Steve has accomplished, we were impressed by how humble he was. He is a unicorn – an exceptional athlete, a successful business leader and yet what he seems most proud of is the impact he has and can make for his community and the world.”

Young broke 13 NCAA college football records and was recognized as one of the top five student athletes in the United States. He went on to become a Hall of Fame NFL quarterback who dedicated over fifteen years to professional football, predominantly with the San Francisco 49ers winning three Super Bowls and earning seven Pro Bowl selections. He earned numerous accolades, including being named the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XXIX and receiving the NFL’s Most Valuable Player awards in 1992 and 1994. He held the record for the highest quarterback rating in NFL history and remains the only quarterback to clinch four consecutive NFL passing titles.

Following his football career, Young transitioned into work as an ESPN analyst and a best-selling author. He evolved again moving into the world of private equity co-founding HGGC Capital, establishing himself as a notable business leader. He also founded and currently Chairs the Forever Young Foundation, an organization involved in supporting children’s charities globally. He is a former International Spokesperson for the Children’s Miracle Network, where more than a billion dollars has been raised to aid children’s hospitals worldwide.

“Imagine scoring the game winning touchdown in every aspect of life – from sport to business to community. Steve Young doesn’t need to imagine it. He lives it,” shares RBC Regional President Kim Ulmer and IDEA 2025 Platinum Partner. “Whether navigating the gridiron, negotiating financial markets, or exploring how to make this world a better place, Steve Young has done so with an excellence, enterprising spirit and a compassionate heart.”

“We are honoured that Steve Young will be on our campus. From a student athlete, a champion in sports to becoming a champion for others in business and philanthropy, he continues to inspire people on and off the field,” says Michael Benarroch, UM President and Vice-Chancellor.

IDEA 2025 will take place on May 21, 2025, at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

About the Associates at the Asper School of Business:

The Associates are proud leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs moving the Manitoba economy forward. Comprising 370 senior executives, the Associates have been a driving force since 1982, advancing business education at the I.H. Asper School of Business. The Asper students are linked to the business community through mentorship programs, ongoing networking events and philanthropy. Giving back to the Asper School of Business and business community are the hallmark attributes of the Associates.

2025 International Distinguished Entrepreneur Award to honour Steve Young

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Manitoba Inc., Winter 2023

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40th anniversary of Manitoba’s premier business event takes place on May 30, 2024

NOVEMBER 22, 2023

The Associates of the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba announced the 2024 International Distinguished Entrepreneur Award (IDEA) recipient, Gerry Price. The local philanthropist and business icon, with a global presence across five continents and a team of more than 4,500 employees, has helped catapult Price Industries and now the Price Group of Companies from $30 million in sales to more than $1 billion. He guided this prairie powerhouse via the Price Way, the company’s business model that is rooted in values such as growth, innovation and, fundamentally, service. Gerry holds a Bachelor of Science (1970) and Master of Science (1972) degrees in Mechanical Engineering and an Honorary Doctor of Laws (2017) from the University of Manitoba, as well as a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics from Lehigh University in Pennsylvania.

“It is an honour on the 40th anniversary of our event to present the 2024 International Distinguished Entrepreneur Award to Manitoba’s own Gerry Price,” says Arni Thorsteinson, Chair of the IDEA Committee and President of Shelter Canadian Properties Limited. “Bringing together excellence in both engineering and business, Gerry has transformed Winnipeg’s Price Industries Ltd. into a dominant global organization that continually pushes the boundaries of innovation. Gerry’s unwavering commitment to his team and community makes him an exemplary recipient of this award.”

The Price family has a longstanding connection to UM. In 2020, Gerry Price and his wife, Barb Price [BHE c/69, Cert Ed/70], generously donated $20 million to the Faculty of Engineering. The faculty now bears his name, and the investment will create additional faculty member positions, greatly enhancing the capacity of the undergraduate engineering program as well as its impact on students and our community. You can read more about the Price family’s generosity to UM here.

“UM is so grateful for all that Gerry Price and his family have done for our university and the community with his exceptional talents as an entrepreneur and engineer. It will be my pleasure to honour a local icon, who encapsulates all the competencies this university inspires: humanitarianism, creative problem-solving, communication and collaboration,” says Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Manitoba. “I look forward to celebrating and sharing his story with everyone at the gala in the spring.”

We are grateful to RBC for continuing as IDEA‘s Platinum Sponsor.

“There are icons in business and then there are those whose shoulders these icons stand upon. For both his entrepreneurial and generous spirit, Gerry Price is that person,” shares RBC Regional President Kim Ulmer. “We at RBC are returning once again to support IDEA because of the powerful role the Associates of the Asper School of Business play in honouring those who leave the deepest of footprints on the world around us.”

Founded as E.H. Price Limited in Winnipeg in 1949 by Ernest H. Price, the company was purchased by Gerry and Barb Price in 1986. In the years that followed, the company expanded its operations into the United States and beyond, became the number-one manufacturer of commercial HVAC products in North America and branched out into additional industries, including aluminum extrusion and glass manufacturing. The company is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024.

After Israel Asper, Gerry Price is the second person in UM’s history to be celebrated with the rare trifecta of an Honorary Degree, a Distinguished Alumni Award and the International Distinguished Entrepreneur Award.

The 2024 IDEA Dinner will take place on May 30, 2024, at the RBC Convention Centre.

For more information, please contact AnnaMaria Toppazzini, CEO, University of Manitoba Business School Foundation, Associates at the Asper School of Business, at: 204-981-4880, or email: ceo@associatesmb.ca

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Pioneer of high-end organic winemaking, creator of iconic beverage brands, philanthropist, and successful Canadian business entrepreneur Anthony von Mandl announced as 2023 IDEA recipient

DECEMBER 1, 2022

The Associates of the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba announced that Anthony von Mandl, O.C., O.B.C, Founder, Owner & CEO, The Mark Anthony Group of Companies, will be the recipient of the 2023 International Distinguished Entrepreneur Award (IDEA). Mr. von Mandl is the proprietor of a collection of family-owned luxury wineries in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, and the creator of a collection of innovative new to world beverage brands that have achieved iconic brand status and have completely transformed the beverage alcohol industry.

“It is an honour to welcome Anthony von Mandl to Manitoba as the 2023 IDEA Recipient,” said Arni Thorsteinson, Chair of the IDEA Committee and President of Shelter Canadian Properties Limited. “We have known Anthony for many years, and I am inspired by how he has grown his company organically from a one-person wine importing business to an international drinks company whose hallmarks include a portfolio of luxury wineries, hand-crafted premium spirits, and iconic beverage brands. He is an embodiment of the term ‘entrepreneur’ and has taken every opportunity throughout his career to support local businesses and give back to community charities.”

The Vancouver-born, European-educated entrepreneur founded a wine importing firm in Vancouver, out of a 100 square foot office. Despite extremely difficult initial years, he successfully grew the business, and began to realize his audacious dream: to produce world-class wines in British Columbia’s then unknown Okanagan Valley.

In 1981, von Mandl risked everything to purchase a near-bankrupt winery, renaming it Mission Hill after its stunning hilltop location. As no one believed in his dream, his only option was to self-finance his vision by building entirely new businesses and pioneering new categories in the drinks trade, including the world’s first flavoured ciders with the Okanagan Cider Company in the early 1980’s, followed by the creation of the Mike’s Hard Lemonade in the 1990’s and the breakthrough White Claw Hard Seltzer, a brand that has transformed the entire drinks industry. Mike’s has since gone on to achieve iconic brand status in America and White Claw is the #1 brand in the explosive hard seltzer category in U.S. and Canada. Building on this success in North America, von Mandl is taking a long-term approach to build White Claw into an iconic, global brand.

Mr. von Mandl is an Officer of the Order of Canada and a recipient of the Order of British Columbia; both honours recognize his innovative contributions to enhancing Canada’s international reputation in the wine industry. A former YPO International Board Member, he holds five honourary doctorates and has been inducted into both the Canadian Agriculture Hall of Fame and American Marketing Hall of Fame. He is also a co-recipient of ‘The Warren Bennis Award for Leadership Excellence’ alongside A.G. Lafley, former CEO of Procter & Gamble. Previous winners include Mikhail Gorbachev, Benazir Bhutto, and Howard Schultz of Starbucks. Mr. von Mandl is Chairman of The von Mandl Family Foundation, supporting health, disparity, the arts, and environmental-based initiatives globally.

University of Manitoba President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Michael Benarroch noted: “The life of Anthony von Mandl has been a true example of the spirit of entrepreneurship, having literally worked his way from practically nothing to a model of success. His unwavering commitment to his big idea allowed him to revolutionize a growing industry. We are honoured to have him as IDEA recipient in 2023.”

Since 1984, the Associates of the Asper School of Business has presented the International Distinguished Entrepreneur Award to outstanding entrepreneurs who have made exemplary contributions to global economic life.

“We often hear about the American Dream. Anthony von Mandl is the ideal role model for the Canadian Dream,” shared RBC Regional President Kim Ulmer. “We at RBC return each year to support the IDEA celebration because of the special role the Associates of the Asper School of Business play in bringing our community together to learn from those who dare to reimagine the future and boldly pursue it. Mr. von Mandl is exactly that person and an inspired choice as the honouree for IDEA 2023.”

Anthony von Mandl joins previous distinguished IDEA recipients including: Sir Richard Branson, Stu Clark, Paul Desmarais Sr., David Foster, A. Linda Hasenfratz, Akio Morita, Ross Perot, Heather Reisman & Gerald Schwartz, Dame Anita Roddick, David Thomson, Prem Watsa, Arianna Huffington, Dr. Hartley Richardson, Dr. Ernest Rady, and the 2022 recipient, Indra Nooyi.

Anthony von Mandl will be presented with the IDEA award by President Michael Benarroch at the 2023 IDEA dinner on May 4, 2023 at the RBC Convention Centre.

For more information, please contact AnnaMaria Toppazzini, CEO, University of Manitoba Business School Foundation, Associates at the Asper School of Business, at: 204-981-4880, or email: ceo@associatesmb.ca

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June 29, 2022 – The Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) has officially announced the appointment of Dr. Bruno Silvestre as Dean of the I.H. Asper School of Business. Dr. Silvestre will begin his five-year term starting July 1, 2022.

While in this role, Dr. Silvestre will also serve as CPA Manitoba Chair in Business Leadership and will continue to carry his tenured professorial appointment in the Department of Supply Chain Management.

Dr. Silvestre has been serving as Acting Dean of the I.H. Asper School of Business since October 2021. He previously served in various roles including as Associate Dean, Strategic Partnerships & Administration; Director of the Transport Institute; Acting Department Head, Business Administration; and CN Professor in Supply Chain Management.

Prior to joining the University of Manitoba in 2016, he was a Research Chair and Associate Professor in Sustainable Supply Chains and Innovation at the University of Winnipeg. Prior to pursuing an academic career, Dr. Silvestre spent 13 years in leadership positions in industry, most recently in a large multinational operating in the energy sector.

While serving in his administrative roles at the University of Manitoba, Dr. Silvestre has been responsible for partnership development, accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), strategic planning and strategy execution, and resource planning and budget management. He spearheaded the development of a new Master of Supply Chain Management and Logistics at the Asper School of Business that welcomed its first cohort last fall.

Dr. Silvestre’s research expertise is multidisciplinary and focuses on supply chain management. As an internationally accomplished and well-cited researcher, he disseminates his work through peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, conferences, presentations, and reports. His commitment to the profession is demonstrated by his service on multiple editorial boards and as an associate editor for several journals.

In a message to all faculty staff and students, Dr. Diane Hiebert-Murphy, University of Manitoba Provost and Vice-President (Academic), thanked the members of the Presidential Advisory Committee and the many individuals who provided input into Dr. Silvestre’s appointment.

“Given Dr. Silvestre’s demonstrated effective administrative leadership skills, and a genuine passion and enthusiasm for ensuring that the Asper School continues to flourish, I believe that the Faculty can look forward to a very promising future under his leadership,” said Hiebert-Murphy.

Dr. Silvestre, who has had the opportunity to work as Asper’s Acting Dean since September 2021 noted that he is humbled and honoured to have the opportunity to work with UM leadership to serve Asper students, faculty, staff and the business community.

“We have an incredible team of faculty and staff and together we will work to enhance our commitment to equity and inclusion, while advancing business research and business education in this province and in Canada,” said Silvestre.

– Asper Staff, Thursday, UM Today article

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Media Release

The post Financial Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, Dr. Ernest Rady Announced as 2020 IDEA Recipient appeared first on The Associates.

Last night we had our 37th Annual General Meeting and Recognition Dinner. It was one of the largest attended AGM in years and I wanted to take this time to thank all those in attendance. Our guest speaker was Goldy Hyder, CEO of the Business Council of Canada and it was very timely to hear his perspective on how we can work together for Canada’s economic future. As Chair, It is rewarding for me, to see how many of our members take the time to engage with, and participate in our events and programs.  A special thank you to our CEO of the Associates, AnnaMaria Toppazzini and her team for organizing such a wonderful AGM.

I am always encouraged by the growth that The Associates have seen over the past few years, both in numbers and in diversity. In the past two years alone we have had 97 new members join The Associates, with over 40% of new members being women. This growth pattern is indicative of the collective and unified value from the business leaders in Manitoba in Advancing Business Education. We also have an incredibly strong and engaged board and membership, so thank you for your involvement.

Last night, Arni Thorsteinson, Chair of the IDEA Committee, announced Dr. Ernest Rady, a Winnipeg-born, international entrepreneur, businessman, and philanthropist, as the recipient of the 2020 International Distinguished Entrepreneur Award. He is being recognized for his entrepreneurial achievement and extensive and generous philanthropy in the United States and Canada as well as for working hard to kick start new ideas, create growth and change and inspires others to lead. Dr. Rady is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of American Assets Trust (AAT), a publicly traded real estate investment trust with a market value of approximately USD $4B. You can read more about Dr. Rady in the Press Release by clicking here. IDEA will be held on May 28, 2020. Reservations are now open, please reserve your seats early.

I am also very pleased to advise that Dr. Michael Benarroch has been appointed the University of Manitoba’s 12^th President and Vice-Chancellor. As many of you may remember, Dr. Benarroch was the previous Dean at the I.H. Asper School of Business until 2017. He worked very closely with the Associates and was a great promoter of both the school and the Associates.

During his time at the Asper School of Business, Dr. Benarroch enhanced the overall reputation and community partnerships, and, working with Indigenous faculty, students and community members, helped strengthen the Aboriginal Business Education Program, which is now enjoying unparalleled success, and seeing a growing number of diverse students graduate than ever before.

I am enthusiastic and optimistic about the future of The Associates in 2019/2020, and I look forward to seeing all of you at the various events and programs coming up this year. I invite you to attend the upcoming Associates/Young Associates Holiday Reception on December 17. This event is a great opportunity for Associates and Young Associates to mix and mingle with each other, while enjoying a seasonal cocktail and delicious appetizers at The Manitoba Club.

I can say with confidence that the future of The Associates is bright, and I am pleased to be working with each and every one of you towards our goal to advance business education in Manitoba.

       Sincerely

Colin Ryan, CFA, ICD.D
     Chair, The Associates
     Executive Vice President | Senior Portfolio Manager and Director
Wellington-Altus Private Wealth

ASSOCIATES BOARD OF DIRECTORS

•••••

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Dear Associates,

As we move towards summer, there is significant progress to report on a variety of activities being undertaken by the Associates, Young Associates, IDEA, and the University of Manitoba Business School Foundation.

I must thank all of the Associates who are engaged throughout the year at the multitude of events and opportunities, as well as to those who give their time to the Asper School by volunteering to speak with students and engage them on a number of initiatives. We hear regularly from Dean Gady Jacoby and the students how valuable our engagement in the school is.

Thank you as well to all who volunteer on the Board and Committees for the work completed throughout the year. Without your support none of this would be possible, I have listed our board at the end of this communication. It is a group of very engaged and passionate supporters of the Asper School.

The 36^th IDEA was held at the end of May and it was an unparalleled success, with a record number of 1505 guests and 62 partners! We beat all records and had a most humble and gracious recipient in our own Hartley Richardson. Big congratulations to Arni Thorsteinson and his committee as well as our CEO, AnnaMaria Toppazzini and her staff for putting on an amazing event. Thank you to all our members who supported the event in unprecedented manner.

For your viewing pleasure, I am also pleased to provide you with two videos of IDEA. The first is of the speeches and award presentation, and the second is the IDEA All-Star Band featuring James Cohen, Peter Jessiman, Mark Chipman, Ron Paley, and lead vocalist of Jefferson Starship and close friend of Hartley, Mickey Thomas. Be sure to watch it until the end to see Hartley join the band to sing “We Built This City”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJSrUCUEVBw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nk14JDj_rzo

Please feel free to visit our website to see photos from the night as well;

https://associatesmb.ca/idea/gallery/

Our calendar has been and continues to be busy, we have had a total of 40 Associates events (plus the YA has had 50 events) so far this year with more planned! We are also pleased to announce that we have had 34 new Associates join and I have also listed them at the end of this note. On behalf of Howard Morry and the member engagement committee I would encourage you to please take a moment to look at the list and introduce yourself to them at the next event. The updated 2019 Membership Directory is available online now (click to view) or by logging in to the website under Members Only documents. 

I also thought you might like to see a breakdown of our membership composition, I have included it at the end of this letter. We are working to increase the diversity and gender balance of our membership base and I am pleased to note that Denise Zaporzan and her recruitment committee are doing a great job on this front.

There are numerous developments at the Asper School, too many to mention in this note, but a few highlights include:

• Shona Grewar, the CSA President for 2018-19 was awarded the Business Students’ Association President of the Year Award.
• The Asper MBA Case team won the Haskayne Ivey East meets West MBA Case competition, beating Ivey in a head to head competition.
• In mid-April, 27 successful candidates from across The University of Manitoba (including Asper), Red River College, University of Winnipeg and University College of the North were announced as the first cohort of the President’s Student Leadership Program offered by the Asper School’s James W. Burns Leadership Institute.
• The Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship hosted three successful competitions this spring and is supporting the launch of a new “introduction to entrepreneurship” course that starting this fall will be a mandatory course for all Commerce Students.
• Stu Clark, an esteemed alumnus and entrepreneur, has donated $10 million to the I.H. Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba. In recognition of this gift, the university is establishing the Stu Clark Graduate School at the I.H. Asper School of Business.

“I believe very strongly in the vision and direction the Asper School, and the University of Manitoba, have taken towards sparking students’ entrepreneurial spirit,” says Stu Clark, [B.Comm(Hons.)/76] and honorary degree recipient. “Supporting our future leaders, and bolstering their potential, is the best investment you can make.”

This latest gift elevates all graduate programs in the Asper School of Business, supporting innovative graduate student research in emerging areas such as behavioral finance, and bolstering scholarships to unprecedented levels.

One of the U of M’s most generous donors, Stu Clark’s lifetime support of the I.H. Asper School of Business totals $19.3 million. Clark’s generosity helped the U of M open the Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship in 2008, and fund an endowed chair within it.

We look forward to seeing you at our first event for the 2019-2020 year, the First Year Dinner which takes place September 4, at the RBC Convention Centre. It is one of our best attended events and always a special event where we get to interact with students entering their first year at the Asper School.

Expect 2019-2020 year to be an exciting period for growth with the Associates, Young Associates, and the Asper School of Business. We welcome your ideas and recommendations. Please feel free to contact myself directly or the office at 204.474.6201 or come visit AnnaMaria and her team in Room 547 Drake Centre, 5^th Floor, Asper School of Business.

Thank you again for all your support and involvement in the Asper School.

Have a great summer!

Sincerely,

 

Colin Ryan, CFA, ICD.D
Chair, The Associates
Senior Vice-President | Managing Director | Portfolio Manager
BMO Nesbitt Burns

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