OLDS, ALBERTA, JANUARY 31, 2012
Everyone attracted by business innovation, passion for philanthropy and a bevy of bright ideas will want to lend an ear to keynote speaker W. Brett Wilson at this year’s Olds College Gala, March 23, 2012.
A successful business and philanthropy television personality, Wilson was the lead deal-maker from CBC’s Dragons’ Den for three years and is the current marquis investor on Risky Business. He will address assembled business leaders, politicians, alumni, staff and students at Gala 2012. Themed as “Cirque du Gala,” this year’s event is to be held for the first time at the Ralph Klein Centre due to increased demand for tickets on this wait-listed annual sell-out event.
“Our annual black tie gala event has sold out in each of its first nine years, so we’re taking it to a larger venue. We’ve had Premiers, titans of industry, lieutenant governors, local business and community leaders, federal and provincial cabinet ministers at Galas past”. said Olds College Vice President Advancement Jordan Cleland. “We wanted to take a highly-compelling value proposition to yet another level by having a nationally-renowned celebrity speaker and Brett certainly fits the bill”.
Wilson is known for his business successes, promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation plus philanthropic leadership. His national business credits include co-founder of one of the oil and gas industry’s leading investment banks —FirstEnergy Capital Corp. — and acquired holdings in agriculture, real estate, sports and entertainment. He is the founder of the W. Brett Wilson Centre for Entrepreneurial Excellence at the University of Saskatchewan.
He is a noted philanthropist, exhorting Canada’s business community to approach corporate social responsibility as a realm of opportunity rather than a mantle of obligation. His efforts have raised awareness for numerous charities and multi-millions in financial support.
Combining principled business practice with philanthropic passion, Wilson has been elevated nationally to the apex of leadership accolades in both sectors. He has been named Alberta’s Business Person of the Year, Calgary’s Person of the Year and recognized as a National Builder for his encouragement of entrepreneurship, particularly with youth. In 2010, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Royal Roads University.
The Olds College Gala is the pre-eminent annual showcase for the institution’s achievements and student leadership, as well as an important fundraiser for student opportunities. For information on tickets and sponsorship please visit http://www.oldscollege.ca/gala or contact Doreen at (403) 556-8232
{ 0 comments }
