PEOPLE update December 15, 2020

In a letter to all members of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) today, the association’s board chair, Dave McKenna informed members of the passing of TIAC’s president and CEO, Charlotte Bell.

“As chair of TIAC, I am saddened to inform you that our president and CEO, Charlotte Bell, passed away peacefully this weekend surrounded by family,” McKenna wrote. “As previously announced, Charlotte fought a brave battle with an aggressive form of cancer. Words cannot express our collective grief, and I know the entire tourism community is saddened by this deeply personal and national loss.”

“Charlotte was a proud, strong and passionate leader for our collective cause. She was a role model for young female leaders on how to be tough, effective, and a visionary, while still leading with kindness. She leaves a proud legacy across Canada and numerous political leaders have expressed their respect, grief and common loss.”

“In accordance with Charlotte’s and her family’s wishes, there will be no public memorial or service and they kindly asked that any donation be directed to the Canadian Cancer Society.”

“The TIAC Board will continue to offer full support to our TIAC team as we continue Charlotte’s mission to support the tourism industry past the COVID crisis and through to recovery. We will be making future operational announcements in a separate communication in the coming days and weeks ahead.”

Razan Hawwa has been appointed sales and marketing manager at Courtyard by Marriott Burlington/Oakville. Previously, she was sales manager at the hotel. Her promotion came following the completion of Marriott’s online Operational Excellence program, and Marriott marketing courses. Hawwa has worked at the hotel since January 2020. Prior to that her career included work as a sales executive with Padgett Business Services, a position as COO of the Degroote Marketing Association and Welcome Week representative at Degroote School of Business, McMaster University.

Eric Hamel has returned to Hôtel Vogue, Curio Collection by Hilton, Montreal, as general manager. He was general manager and director of sales and marketing for the hotel in 2012-13, when it was called Loews Hôtel Vogue, and he led the construction of the hotel. His most recent position was as vice-president and general manager at Hotel Le Crystal, where he managed the hotel and its Starbucks Reserve for more than seven years. He has worked as director of sales and marketing at W Montreal, as director of group sales at Le Centre Sheraton Montréal, and as director of F&B and sales at Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ). Hamel has also served as a board member and vice-president of Association des hôtels du Grand Montréal for almost four years, has been board member and president of L’Arche Monteregie in Beloeil, Que. for almost five years, and was also a board member of Association Hôtellérie Quebec (AHQ).

Kristin Moller, senior vice-president, will be heading up a new office of J Public Relations (JPR) in Toronto. Over the past year, JPR has vastly broadened its agency services and expanded beyond hospitality representation, adding clients in various sectors of health and wellness, real estate, and lifestyle. The launch of the Toronto office is the result of a continued trend of portfolio growth and a heightened demand for Canadian market services. Moller has been with JPR for eight years and previously oversaw the New York office. As Canada remains a huge market for JPR’s existing portfolio, the Toronto office will play an instrumental role in creating robust marketing and communications strategies that drive revenue and powerful exposure for the agency’s clients around the globe. Now, with presence in the major media hubs of two North American countries, alongside the UK, the agency offers a substantially expanded reach among its competitive set.

BUM Commercial Furniture has announced more new appointments. The company specialiizes in the manufacturing and distribution of commercial outdoor furniture, shade and heating products in Canada. The company is very pleased to announce the addition of three sales agent groups to its growing team.

H2 Atlantic Agencies will be representing BUM Commercial Furniture in Atlantic Canada market. Their main focus will be promoting BUM products to the architect and design community. Scott Hipson and Chris Holland are the managing partners. They can be reached at cholland@h2atlantic.com and shipson@h2atlantic.com. Phone: 902-499-4211. Website: www.h2atlantic.com.

IFC, Ltd. will be representing BUM Commercial Furniture in the Alberta market. Their main focus will be promoting BUM products to the architect and design community. Paul Trahan is the president. Email: paul@ifccanada.ca. Phone: 403-461-9746.

CMDS Agencies will be representing BUM Commercial Furniture in the Saskatchewan & Manitoba markets. Their main focus will be promoting BUM products to the architect and design community. Conrad Schellenberg is the president. Email: conrads@cmds.ca. Phone: 204-806-1482.

In a recent B.C. cabinet shuffle, while Hon. David Eby will continue to serve as BC’s Attorney General, he will not be overseeing the liquor file.

Coquitlam-Maillardville MLA Selina Robinson will serve as BC’s next finance minister and oversee the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB). There is no specific reference to the hospitality industry, except that the Minister of Finance will now be responsible for the LDB and its associated revenue-generating activities.

Port Coquitlam-Burke Mountain MLA Mike Farnworth will continue in his roles as Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General and oversee the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB).

Kevin Maven has joined Sterling Karamar Property Management as senior property manager. In this position, he overseas portfolio of multi-residential Real Estates Assets in the Annex, Forest Hill and Midtown neighbourhoods of Toronto. Maven comes to his new position after seven years with Infinity Hospitality Managment Solutions. He also worked as regional director of operations with Crown Group of Hotels; general manager, residential real estate with Strategic Group in Calgary; and manager, business development and regional operations with Larlyn Property Management Group in Calgary.

Tracy L. Prigmore has been appointed to the board of directors of Castell Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the careers of women professionals in the hospitality industry. Prigmore expanded TLTsolutions in 2014 to create opportunities for individuals, families and entities to obtain passive income by investing in residential, multifamily and hospitality projects. The firm has a multi-million-dollar portfolio of real estate assets under management in four states. She also began the “She Has A Deal” platform in 2019. The competition is designed to create new pathways to hotel ownership and development for women by providing education, networking and investing opportunities. Its renowned pitch challenge creates a pipeline of women hotel owners and developers by exposing early career women to hotel ownership and development. Prior to entering real estate development, Prigmore spent 25 years as a healthcare executive and held senior leadership roles in strategic planning, business development and operations for three of the nation’s largest healthcare systems.