Attend the 2024 IDEA Student Presentation with business icon Gerry Price

The Associates of the Asper School of Business invite UM students to meet one of Manitoba’s most influential business leaders and one of UM’s most dedicated alumni.

On May 30, 2024, Gerry Price [BSc/70, MSc/72, LLD/17], the 2024 International Distinguished Entrepreneur Award (IDEA) recipient, will share his impressive career journey, followed by a Q&A facilitated by the Asper School of Business Commerce Students’ Association President, Melani Fernando.

Bruno Silvestre, Dean of the Asper School of Business, comments on Price’s legacy as a business leader.

“Gerry Price demonstrates the intent and value of IDEA, recognizing a business leader who has not only seen incredible professional success, but who has also consistently used that success to give back to the Manitoba community. The Asper School of Business is honoured to welcome Gerry to the Drake Centre for this exclusive event. We thank the Associates for giving students this opportunity to connect with an influential leader, philanthropist and innovator.”

The CEO and Chairman of Price Industries, Price began his career as a mechanical engineer, pursuing his Bachelor and Master of Science at UM, before completing a PhD at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania.

Starting in contracting, manufacturing and sales, Price advanced to President of Price Industries Ltd. after only nine years with the organization. Following the “Price way,” he led the growth of the organization from 250 employees and $31 million in sales when he took on the role, to the Price Group today, which comprises 10 companies, more than $1.2 billion in sales and 4,400 employees around the world.

Hosted at the Asper School of Business, the IDEA Student Presentation is an opportunity for UM students to learn from and engage with a top entrepreneur and business leader face-to-face. Students can ask questions and connect with Gerry as he shares stories and lessons learned throughout his distinguished career.  

CSA President Melani Fernando explains why meeting with an icon as a current student is so important.

“When we look at a business professional like Gerry, we can see how successful he is today. Being able to ask him about the stages of his career, that success and see his trajectory, even the struggles, is a really exciting opportunity.

“His transition from engineering into business and leadership will really stand out to students. We know how quickly the business world is changing and that adaptation is a valuable skill. Hearing from someone who made those career transitions will be inspirational and informative.”

Gerry Price is many things—an icon, a prairie powerhouse, a distinguished international entrepreneur, a passionate philanthropist and an inspiration. At the IDEA student presentation, students are invited to meet him as a mentor, a model and, ultimately, a great business leader who was once a UM student himself.

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Event information:

IDEA Student Presentation with Gerry Price

May 30, 2024 | 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Room 343, Drake Centre, 181 Freedman Crescent, Asper School of Business, University of Manitoba

• Please register for the event here.
• Complimentary refreshments will be served.

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Since 1984, the Associates of the Asper School of Business have presented the International Distinguished Entrepreneur Award to illustrious business leaders who have achieved international stature, outstanding entrepreneurial success and have made an exemplary global contribution. IDEA is internationally recognized as prestigious honour and provides notoriety to the University of Manitoba, the Asper School of Business, and the Associates of the Asper School of Business.

Gerry Price will be presented with the award at the 40^th IDEA dinner on May 30, 2024, in Winnipeg at the RBC Convention Centre. RBC is a platinum partner celebrating entrepreneurial excellence through the IDEA celebration each year. 

Read more about Price’s remarkable achievements in the official IDEA announcement here.

Asper Staff