The Olympic Bid Corporation got a big boost this week when the man who pulled off Expo 86 threw his support behind the bid to host the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
"We’ve been out in the wilderness for quite a few years now and we need another shot in the arm," said Jimmy Pattison, head of the third largest privately held company in Canada with 25,000 employees and $5.2 billion in sales.
Pattison was dubbed Mr. Expo 17 year ago after he took on the quest to bring Expo to Vancouver. He won over many doubters with his flair and his business sense.
The Jimmy Pattison Group has pledged $500,000 in cash and in-kind support for the Olympic bid. The announcement was made this week in Vancouver.
"The backing, expertise and experience of Jim Pattison and his group of companies greatly enhance our efforts of producing a successful bid," said Jack Poole, chair and chief executive officer of the Vancouver 2010 Bid Corporation.
"Mr. Pattison produced a winner with Expo 86 and we welcome his support of B.C.’s next great project."
At the same announcement the bid corporation opened its Vancouver Information Office at 200 Burrard Street.
The space was donated by Cadillac Fairview as part of its bid sponsorship.
