Ian McMillan retiring from Tourism Sault Ste. Marie

NEWS RELEASE
TOURISM SAULT STE MARIE
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Ian McMillan is retiring from the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation on July 31. The Executive Director of Tourism Sault Ste. Marie was hired by the SSMEDC in 2001 to head its newly-formed tourism division. Over the past 17 years, he has led a number of visitor-attraction initiatives.

“Ian has had a significant impact on economic and tourism development in Sault Ste. Marie,” said Robert Reid, President and Board Chair of the SSMEDC. “From the Agawa Canyon Tour Train revitalization project and Group of Seven product development, to securing major events like the 2012 CARHA Hockey World Cup and attracting cruise ships, his legacy is far reaching. We thank him for his many years of service and wish him all the best in retirement.”

Prior to his role with the SSMEDC, Ian was Brand Manager for Northern Tourism Marketing Corporation and Executive Director of Algoma Kinniwabi Travel Association.

During his 35-year career, he sat on a number of Boards, including the Travel Industry Council of Ontario, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario, Attractions Ontario, Great Lakes Cruising Coalition and Cruise Ontario. In 2017, he was inducted into the Festivals & Events Ontario hall of fame.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to promote the community and region, where my family and I call home,” said McMillan. “I thank the staff, my colleagues and clients that I’ve had the pleasure of working with over all these years. It truly has been a fulfilling career.”

Over the next few weeks, the SSMEDC Board of Directors will be undertaking a plan to fill the Executive Director of Tourism position. “We’re proud to have a great staff team that supports tourism in the area – the recent WTF Comedy Festival is a prime example,” said Reid. “Moving forward, we’re eager to build off our past successes and continue to drive economic and tourism development in Sault Ste. Marie.”

The SSMEDC is comprised of two operating divisions: Business Development and Tourism Sault Ste. Marie. Last month, the corporation released its 2017 Annual Report. The publication includes information on programs, clients and results.

For more details, visit the website.  

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