Jamie Schwartz of Corner Brook, manager and chief operating officer of the Deer Lake Regional Airport Authority, has been named the new chair of the board of directors for the Marble Mountain Development Corporation (MMDC).

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, made the announcement today, noting Mr. Schwartz has been a member of the board of directors since 2002, and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role.

"Mr. Schwartz has the board experience, the industry expertise, financial and marketing expertise, sport and recreation background, community leadership profile, and the planning and organizational skills required to fulfill the goals and objectives of the corporation," Minister Jackman said.

The Marble Marble Development Corporation has a mandate to market and promote Marble Mountain Resort as a four-season anchor attraction to serve as a catalyst for tourism development on the west coast and in the province as a whole. Skier visits to Marble Mountain have been steadily increasing, from 44,000 in 1995-96 to 84,058 in 2006-07.

"The Humber Valley is experiencing economic growth that can be attributed, in large part, to Marble Mountain Resort," Minister Jackman said. "The Provincial Government is committed to the recognition and promotion of tourism in the province and is dedicated to making tourism a year-round industry."

The MMDC was incorporated in April 1988 and is a 100 per cent provincially-owned Crown Corporation. The corporation�s principal activities are marketing the facility, developing the infrastructure of the Marble Mountain Resort area and operating its ski and retail businesses.

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Media contact:
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca

Jamie Schwartz has been manager and chief operating officer of the Deer Lake Regional Airport Authority since 2000. From 1995-99 he served as general manager of the 1999 Canada Winter Games held in Corner Brook. Mr. Schwartz was manager of sports services with the provincial Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation from 1985-95, and prior to that, worked as a consultant with sports services, then housed in the Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in physical education and recreation management from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. He has been involved as a volunteer in numerous community-based organizations and events for more than 20 years. Mr. Schwartz and his wife Bonnie have two children, Megan and Jeremy.

2008 01 23                                                     10:55 a.m.