Boards and Committees

To achieve the Association’s objectives, the DBA relies on the support of its Board of Directors and four distinct advisory committees.

The Board of Directors plays a pivotal role in directing the areas of the Downtown Business Association’s operations, including planning, marketing and events, economic development, finance, and management. The members on the Board of Directors are appointed by City Council and represent the diverse needs and interests of the Association’s constitution and Downtown Edmonton. The Board of Directors meet monthly to review Committee actions and approve the priorities for future Association endeavours, as well as approve and implement the strategies and tactics developed in the Strategic Plan. Boards and Committees

CHAIR

Robert Bothwell

Bennett Jones LLP

VICE CHAIR

Martin Kennedy

EPCOR

TREASURER

Zarina Bhambhani

KPMG LLP

PAST CHAIR

Gord Rajewski

Pinchin Ltd.

DIRECTOR AT LARGE

Patrick Saurette

The Marc Restaurant

Bob Black

The Katz Group

Wayne Kryzalka

ATB Financial

Garrett Turta

Fairmont Hotel Macdonald

Chris Graham

Shoppers Drug Mart

Ian Large

Leger Marketing

Jeremy Hayward

SNS Technologists

Sheldon Magnes

Imperial Parking

Gary Tomchuk

Sherlock Holmes Hospitality Group

Linda Wedman

The Works Society

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ian O’Donnell

Downtown Business Association of Edmonton

EX OFFICIO

Councillor Scott McKeen

EX OFFICIO

Paul Ross

Branch Manager, Regional and Economic Development

Business Recruitment Committee

The Business Recruitment Committee is part of the Economic Development function of the Association. This project originated as an initiative of the Capital City Downtown Plan. The purpose of the committee is to promote and encourage business development in the downtown by: Boards and Committees

Business Development

To assist new businesses starting up in the downtown core. The main objective will be to provide services that will assist in fast-tracking the process to establish a positive downtown business environment.

Business Retention

To retain existing businesses in the downtown core. This objective involves encouraging businesses to stay downtown by providing them with any information they require to make educated, well-informed decisions.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is within the management function of the Association. Its purpose is to recommend policy, monitor the implementation of the Strategic Plan, review Committee Reports, make recommendations to the Board of Directors and provide input on overall staff operations. The Executive Committee is also responsible for the finances and financial procedures of the Association.

Marketing Committee

The Marketing Committee is a key component of the Marketing, Communications, Promotions and Special Events function of the Association. The committee is made up of marketing and media professionals from a broad range of downtown businesses who donate their time and expertise.

The objective of this committee is to give input on the marketing of events and promotions that create and support the downtown image; as well as publications and programs that promote networking opportunities for businesses and local residents. The goal is to consistently create the image that Downtown Edmonton is the preferred place to live, work, shop, play, and learn.

Operations Committee

The Operations Committee works extensively with various departments of the City of Edmonton regarding infrastructure and security issues. The objectives of the committee include proactive projects and monitoring in the areas of downtown beautification, maintenance, parking, safety, security, and operational matters in both public and private sectors.