As part of our weekend of Grand Opening festivities Michael Thompson – City Councillor will be at The Outlet Saturday at Noon.
Michael Thompson is Chair of Toronto’s Economic Development and Culture Committee, Vice-Chair of the Toronto Police Services Board and the City Councillor representing Ward 37, Scarborough Centre.
Now in his third term as City Councillor, Michael Thompson has earned a reputation as one of Toronto’s hardest working political leaders.
Michael’s commitment to economic development is longstanding. In his first term in office, he spearheaded the creation of the Wexford Heights Business Improvement Area and established a Job Fair that annually brings thousands of job seekers together with dozens of employers. He maintains a widespread network of business relationships that has helped to enhance business retention, promote growth and increase private sector employment. His active engagement with business has helped speed the launch of new business ventures, resolved business/residential conflicts and gained business participation in a wide range of community-building initiatives. In 2010, thanks to his persistent salesmanship, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the world’s largest student run professional association, held its annual conference in Toronto, bringing more than 10,000 young engineers (and millions of dollars) to the city.
A believer in the critical value of culture as a builder of strong communities, Michael co-founded the Taste of Lawrence Avenue East Festival, which brings together tens of thousands of people each year to experience local performing arts and cuisine. He also created the “Scarborough Rocks” community image building campaign, which emphasizes Scarborough’s unique cultural blend.