“There are 50,000 people employed in this industry in the province. So that’s why I’m here. I grew up in this industry. More than anything I care about the people. I care about their jobs. I’ve known a lot of these people all my life and their livelihoods depend on this industry.”
The Toronto Sun recently ran a profile piece on the Woodbine Entertainment Group’s new CEO, Jim Lawson. The article takes a look at Lawson’s past – including his days in minor-league hockey – and his tenure atop the Canadian Football League.
The profile piece paints quite an interesting picture of Woodbine’s top dog. Lawson’s love of horse racing and his determination to bring Woodbine to where it needs to be to ensure a positive future is front and centre in the piece.
Trot Magazine spoke with Lawson earlier this year and picked his brain as to what racing in the province of Ontario would look like in 20 years’ time in a perfect scenario. To read the piece, click here.
In the Toronto Sun article, Lawson again asserted his drive to make sure racing finds itself on solid footing going forward, and what is paramount in that process, according to Lawson, is the potential multi-faceted expansion at Woodbine Racetrack that is currently being addressed within Toronto’s City Council.
“I want to make sure this industry survives ... getting the gaming experience here will be a catalyst to developing the whole community here,” Lawson said. “It’s vital.”
(With files from The Toronto Sun)
WEG got the decision right,
WEG got the decision right, to give Mr Lawson the CEO position. From personal experience I know about his passion for our sport and his honesty. Thank you Jim for taking on this challenge