Through the Key to Giving™, Great-West Life was the premier sponsor of the 2010 Manitoba International Marketing Competition, January 6-10. The event helps prepare marketing students for challenges in the business world and provides them with an opportunity to meet and learn from business students studying elsewhere in North America and around the world.

Representatives of Great-West Life participated as judges for the case competition and delivered remarks at the event's reception and banquet.

Speech delivered by Grant Boissonneault, Regional Manager, Selectpact Distribution

January 9, 2009 – Winnipeg

Good evening. My name is Grant Boissonneault, and I’m pleased to be here tonight on behalf of Great-West Life.

For nearly three decades, the Manitoba International Marketing Competition has helped prepare students from here in the province of Manitoba, from throughout North America and from around the world for success in business. It’s more than simply a competition; the event puts decision-making ability and business acumen to the test. In the process it highlights the importance of careful planning, determination and perseverance – all qualities that will serve the students well in any business endeavour they pursue.

As a leading financial services provider, Great-West Life appreciates the important role education plays in preparing students for success in all types of enterprises, be they personal, professional or civic in nature. Through our national corporate citizenship program, we contribute to non-profit and charitable organizations across the country with a goal to build stronger communities. Much of this support – financial contributions and the volunteer commitment of our staff and financial advisors – goes toward educational initiatives across the country and here in Manitoba.

Over the years, through our longstanding relationship with the University of Manitoba, our companies have funded initiatives ranging from the Brodie Centre to the Actuarial Science Program. Several years ago, we committed $1.5 million to establish the Research Investment Fund, supporting research in health care, high technology and the humanities. We also have a longstanding relationship with the Commerce Students Association as a sponsor of several student events, and of course, as an employer of commerce graduates.

Our relationship with the University and its students is one in which building stronger communities converges with sound business judgement. As one of Winnipeg’s leading employers, we look to the I.H. Asper School of Business and the University of Manitoba for a pool of remarkable talent – which brings us back to this event. As sponsor of the Manitoba International Marketing Competition, we enjoy a prime opportunity to see high-calibre business students demonstrate their aptitude.

Those of us on the judging panel for this competition faced the challenge of selecting award winners from a pool of bright and talented future business leaders. I think we’re all eager to find out which teams will win for their presentations.

Congratulations to all whose efforts have helped make this event a success and also to all participants. Enjoy the evening.

Thank you.