WINNIPEG - October 22, 2008 – Committed to assisting local charities provide outreach and support, today Mayor Sam Katz joined by The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce pledged to donate 50% of the net proceeds from the 2009 Mayor’s State of the City address, which will be sponsored by MTS Allstream to Siloam Mission, New Life Ministries, and the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation.

“Winnipeg has a solid reputation as a City that gives back to its community,” said Mayor Sam Katz. “I was proud to run the Manitoba Marathon in 2006 to assist a variety of charities, and I am pleased that this upcoming event will not only benefit those in attendance, but the citizens of our city who need a hand of support to find success in our City.”

“The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce is pleased to partner with Mayor Katz on this initiative,” said Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Dave Angus. “The Chamber has always had a strong history of giving back to the community – in fact we were instrumental in the development of the United Way in Winnipeg.”

The Mayor and Chamber began a partnership by honoring the memory of Rev. Harry Lehotsky with proceeds in total of over $8,500.00 from the 2007 and 2008 State of the City addresses going towards New Life Ministries. The Mayor is hopeful that this partnership can expand to include new charities in future years.

The State of the City address has traditionally been the best attended event that The Chamber holds on an annual basis and with the added incentive of raising significant dollars for three worthwhile charities the aim is to make it bigger and better than ever.

The State of the City address will be held on Thursday, January 29th, 2009.