Tourism, Culture and Recreation October 14, 2009 Three New Appointees to Marble Mountain Board There are three new faces on the Marble Mountain Development Corporation (MMDC) board of directors, while four individuals have been reappointed to a second term. The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, said Robert (Bob) Pike of St. John�s, Stephen May of Corner Brook, and Dale Park of Steady Brook, are the newest members of the board. They will join board chair Jamie Schwartz, who was appointed in January 2008, along with board members Janice Ryan, Mike Dolter, Jerry George, and Laura Walbourne, who have been reappointed through to May 2011. The 11-member board also includes representation from the departments of Tourism, Culture and Recreation; Finance; and, Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "The west coast continues to be a tourist destination of choice, thanks in large part to the Marble Mountain Ski Resort," said Minister Jackman. "The three new appointees will bring a new perspective to the board, while the knowledge and experience of the reappointed members will ensure business continuity and ongoing excellent management of the facility." The board of the Marble Mountain Development Corporation has a mandate to market and promote the facility as a four-season anchor attraction which will serve as a catalyst for development on the west coast and in the province as a whole. Marble Mountain employs more than 100 people during its peak season of operation from December to April each year, and generates revenue in excess of $2.7 million annually � along with millions more in tourism-related spending and economic activity. "I welcome the new appointees to the board and look forward to working with them," said Mr. Schwartz. "Our focus over the next couple of years will be to continue to upgrade infrastructure at the resort, with a view to enhancing the ski and snowboard experience, and to develop and implement a new marketing campaign which includes capitalizing on social networking opportunities � such as Facebook and Twitter. The ultimate goal is to continue to provide a top-quality experience for all of our clients, and to increase visitation from both residents and non-residents alike." Skier visits to Marble Mountain have more than doubled from 44,000 in 1995-96 to 90,700 in 2008-09. Hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, restaurants and businesses in general benefit from the visitor activity at the resort. In 2008, the Provincial Government announced a $1.2 million investment over three years to upgrade and expand Marble Mountain infrastructure, including the provision of new ski lift equipment; new and improved slope development; expanded terrain development for both skiers and snowboarders; maintenance to the lodge itself, and some basic service system upgrades. For more information on Marble Mountain, visit: www.skimarble.com. - 30 -
BACKGROUNDER Biographies of New Board Members Robert (Bob) Pike Stephen May Dale Park 2009 10 14 10:30 a.m. |
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