Largest ever Banff Centre corporate gift helps launch Peter Lougheed Leadership Institute Suncor Energy as first Founding Supporter

Banff, Alberta, April 22, 2014 -- The Banff Centre has received its largest ever corporate investment, $2.5 million from Suncor Energy, to support the Peter Lougheed Leadership Institute and the development and delivery of new innovative programming within the Institute.

The Banff Centre president, Jeff Melanson said, “We are grateful and delighted that one of our longest-standing supporters, Suncor has stepped forward so quickly to commit $2.5 million to the Institute, becoming its first Founding Supporter.”  He adds, “The Banff Centre’s offerings are unique in Canada and enable emerging and established leaders to come together to impact social change across all sectors without boundaries.  We are thrilled that Suncor firmly believes in the role the Institute can play for Canada and beyond.”

The Peter Lougheed Institute at The Banff Centre will inspire collaborations that draw from diverse perspectives, in which participants from around the globe and here at home can experience transformational growth by gaining new skills and approaches to tackling some of society’s toughest challenges. 

 “As longtime supporters of The Banff Centre, we are thrilled to continue our partnership and be a part of the Peter Lougheed Institute,” says Steve Williams, president & CEO, Suncor Energy. “The Institute will provide a place where diverse stakeholders will be able to come together to accelerate ideas, have courageous conversations and solve complex issues.”

Dan Buchner,  incoming vice-president of the Peter Lougheed Leadership Institute, says, “We greatly appreciate Suncor’s leadership in recognizing the benefits of change through intentional collaboration across disciplines, and we welcome their continued involvement as the Institute develops programming that will offer key dialogue and solution-seeking opportunities, facilitate access for social, Indigenous, youth and other community leaders; and build on the legacy and potential of creative leadership.”

The Peter Lougheed Leadership Institute is part of The Peter Lougheed Leadership Initiative, a partnership with the University of Alberta announced in September 2013. Honouring former premier Peter Lougheed, the Initiative will provide students and leaders with an innovative learning experience that enhances their skills and inspires positive change for the future.   At The Banff Centre, the Leadership Institute’s global summits, interdisciplinary programs and incubation residencies will leverage Banff’s creative environment to develop innovative educational, social and business practices.  

Founding Supporters enable all operating, administration and programming components of the Institute. They also provide essential working capital in the short term to establish the Institute, and longer term to build for its sustainable impact.  The Peter Lougheed Leadership Institute is seeking a number of Founding Supporters and other donors from the private sector to ensure the Institute can realize its potential as a globally renowned facility for greater social change. 

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