Meet Ward 1 candidate Don Mitchell

SooToday asked each of the candidates to submit a bio to introduce themselves to the voters. Meet Ward 1 candidate Don Mitchell:

Don moved to Sault Ste. Marie as Xerox Canada's first marketing representative for the area. He and his family quickly decided that the Sault was the place to put down roots so Don began a new career as an entrepreneur and businessman, first in the services sector and then as an Insurance Broker. He has spent the last 25 years with Algoma Insurance Limited as Partner and Vice President of Commercial Lines.
 
Don has been involved in the community as a volunteer and member of many boards and committees during his years in Sault Ste. Marie. His passion for building a stronger economic engine for the Sault shaped his leadership roles in community efforts: President of the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation, Chair of the Sault Ste. Marie Enterprise Centre, Chair of Mayor Rowswell’s Sault Ste. Marie Multi-Modal Committee, Chair of the Sault Ste. Marie Transportation/Infrastructure Committee and President of the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce.
 
Don has represented Sault Ste. Marie as a delegate with the St. Lawrence Seaway’s Trade Mission to China and was Chairperson/Organizer of the Sault Ste. Marie Trade Mission to China. He has been Co-chair of the Algoma University Golf Tournament for over a decade and served as a Member of the Board of Governors from 2007 through 2015 as it earned its University status.
 
Don coached and managed minor hockey teams in the Sault for over 25 years. He and his family were Greyhound billet parents for over a decade and Don has served in many roles for the Greyhound organization through the years including scout, player-mentor and owner.
 
Don was awarded Canada’s Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for his contributions to community and business. The Algoma University Senate recognised Don’s service by awarding him with the Honorary Senate Membership Award in 2011.  A Sault Ste. Marie Medal of Merit recipient in 2014, Don has also been recognised by the Chamber of Commerce on two occasions: the President’s award, for those who go beyond the call of duty in business and community development, and the Paul Dalseg Award for major, outstanding and unique contributions to Sault Ste. Marie.