REGINA - The findings have been released of the independent review into the botched Experience Regina brand launch.
The Regina Exhibition Association Limited Board of Directors announced the review findings at a news conference Thursday morning. The main takeaway from the report is there will be no changes at the top of REAL.
Tim Reid will maintain his position as the President and CEO of REAL, according to their news release. As well the the Board of Directors, as delegated by City Council, has “committed to working within our current agreement with the City of Regina to fulfill our obligations over Tourism Regina.”
In addition, according to their news release, the board has pledged to do the following, in accordance with the report findings:
They will review the board’s policies and procedures related to governance with the lens of the observations of the report, including committee charters, procurement policies and risk priorities;
The board will define what information is required to be shared with, or presented to, the board as part of committee and board meetings to allow the board to effectively carry out its responsibilities;
The board will direct management to review operational procedures related to internal project management process, external communications and decision-making authority;
There will be a review of the organizational structure, including capacity and capability, of REAL and Tourism Regina and ensure appropriate mentorship, supervision and accountability; and,
There will be a tourism advisory committee established to "ensure Tourism Regina is reflective and inclusive of the citizens of our community."
The entire Experience Regina brand fiasco erupted soon after the rebrand of the former Tourism Regina was announced in March, with critics slamming slogans that were used in the campaign such as “show us your Regina” and “the city that rhymes with fun.”
Since then, the REAL board has ditched the Experience Regina name and gone back to Tourism Regina. The REAL board engaged independent consultant George Cuff, of George B Cuff & Associates Ltd., to conduct the independent review, and the board recently received his final report.
The REAL board states it is still in the early stages of reviewing the report and considering its findings and recommendations.
“Recognizing the mistakes made in the Experience Regina brand launch, the REAL Board of Directors is commited to a constructive path forward that best represents our City and our citizens,” said Wayne Morsky, Chair, REAL Board of Directors, in a statement. “The completion of the independent review is a critical step in this process, and we want to be transparent with our stakeholders and community members as we move forward.”
