Chris Ferris is the Senior Economist with Economic Development Winnipeg (EDW). He joined EDW in 2017. Chris conducts in-depth research and analysis on the Winnipeg regional economy to identify trends and key economic indicators. He delivers valuable information to our business community in the form of commentary, insights, forecasting and economic modeling.

Prior to EDW, Chris was a Senior Grains Analyst with IEG Vantage, a Market Analyst with the CWB, and a Statistical Analyst with Bell MTS. Chris holds both a Master’s and BA (Honours) of Economics from the University of Manitoba. 

Chris Ferris serves as the MABE President.

Tony Stillo is the Director of Canada Economics at Oxford Economics. He leads the team responsible for preparing the macroeconomic forecast for Canada using Oxford Economics’ Global Economic Model, reporting on key data releases, as well as producing and presenting research on key issues affecting the Canadian economy. Prior to joining Oxford Economics in 2018, Tony spent much of his career at the Ontario Ministry of Finance where he most recently led a team responsible for economic modelling, forecasting and impact analysis.

Chris Minaker is a relationship and partnership builder. With 20 years leadership experience in various roles within and around Manitoba’s public service, Chris excels at moving projects forward and getting things done that make an impact in the broader community.

Some of Chris’s accomplishments include establishing muti-year funding for successful non-profit organizations, increasing core funding for The University of Winnipeg, establishing partnerships between employers and post-secondary that resulted in job creation and opportunities for graduates, setting up the expansion of Indigenous education awards and securing funding for major strategic infrastructure projects that propel Manitoba’s economy forward.

Chris acquired his leadership skills early and in 2003, became the president of the University of Winnipeg Students’ Association. He graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a dual major in business administration and conflict resolution in 2004, and then obtained a master’s degree in conflict analysis and management at Royal Roads University.

Chris worked for the Manitoba government in policy and project management before taking on executive roles at The University of Winnipeg and The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. His current work at Prairies Economic Development Canada is focused on bringing policy and people together. His career focus is on building and supporting strong teams and helping to create a culture where everyone’s contributions are valued. Minaker’s sunny disposition and approachable style of leadership is both infectious and gets results.

Keelan Dagdick has held the role of economist at PrairiesCan since 2020, where she has worked in various units across the department. Currently, she works in the Research, Analysis and Planning unit.

Keelan started her career at PrairiesCan as a student in 2017, where she worked in the area of community economic development.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Economics from the University of Winnipeg, and currently volunteers with MABE (Manitoba Association for Business Economics). Previously, she volunteered for the Finance and Economic Students’ Association (FESA) at the University of Winnipeg, serving as President and Vice-President of Academic Services.

Edward has been involved in economic development in Manitoba for over 20 years, managing the development of industrial parks, serving as the Director of Market Intelligence for Economic Development Winnipeg. Most recently working as the Economic Development Officer for the City of Selkirk.

As Program Manager for the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund (MMDF), Edward manages all aspects of the program’s delivery including overseeing administrative, financial, marketing, and relationship building components, and directly reports to the MMDF Board of Directors.

Ron Hambley is the President and Chief Operating Officer of the Winnipeg Construction Association and has been working in the association management field for over 25 years working with various business and construction groups in Manitoba. Ron received his Masters in City Planning (MCP) from the University of Manitoba, a Certificate in Economic Development from the University of Waterloo, and his undergraduate degree (BA) from the University of Winnipeg.

In addition to working with WCA Ron is also a Part-time Appeals Commissioner for the WCB, and formerly a member of the Board of Governors of the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology.