Toronto Region Research Alliance Appoints Patrick Draper New President

Veteran Economic Development Executive to Lead Regional Investment Attraction Agency

TORONTO, May 25 /CNW/ - Courtney Pratt, Chairman of the Toronto Region Research Alliance (TRRA), announces the appointment of Patrick Draper as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective May 25, 2010. TRRA is a regional economic development organization focused on attracting research-intensive investment to the Toronto Region.

Mr. Draper joins TRRA after four years as Director of Economic Strategy & Tourism for the Regional Municipality of York where he was responsible for the strategic direction and implementation of economic development and tourism initiatives in the high-growth region north of Toronto. He also served as Deputy Minister of the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism from 1997-1998.

"Patrick is an experienced economic development executive with a strong sales and marketing background," says Mr. Pratt. "His expertise will continue to build the Toronto Region's profile locally and abroad, and strengthen relationships with our current partners and stakeholders."

Mr. Draper says, "I am excited about joining TRRA at a time when research and innovation takes centre stage in our future economic prosperity. The Governments of Canada and Ontario are moving swiftly to create a culture of innovation and we need to leverage these new initiatives in a regional context. TRRA has created a positive reputation as a catalyst for fostering increased investments into research and development and I intend to build on that momentum."

Mr. Draper's executive experience leading organizations includes: President of The Webcasting Network and Paramount Travel Group. He also held senior roles with L&F Products Canada, Chiquita, Nielsen Cadbury and Pepsi Cola USA. He has served as Chair of the Greater Toronto Economic Development Partnership and has memberships in the Economic Developers Association of Canada, the Economic Developers Council of Ontario, and the International Economic Development Council.

ABOUT TRRA

The Toronto Region Research Alliance (TRRA) is public private partnership focused on attracting research-intensive investment to the region and maximizing the economic advantages of the region's extraordinary research strengths. TRRA serves the broader Toronto Region, embracing Durham, Guelph, Halton, Hamilton, Peel, Toronto, Waterloo, Wellington and York regions. TRRA is supported by the governments of Ontario and Canada, regional stakeholders and private sector companies.

For more information, visit: www.trra.ca

For further information: Ruth Lewkowicz, Director of Marketing and Communications, [phone] or [email protected]