OREANDA-NEWS. Larry Berg, former President and Chief Executive Officer of Vancouver Airport Authority and former Chair of Business Council of British Columbia’s Board of Governors has been appointed to the Order of British Columbia. Larry was recognized for his outstanding leadership and vision that helped Vancouver International Airport (YVR) earn its reputation as one of the world’s top airports.

 “On behalf of Vancouver Airport Authority, I want to offer my sincere congratulations to Larry on his appointment to the Order of British Columbia,” said Mary Jordan, Chair of Vancouver Airport Authority.  “During his 15-year tenure as President and Chief Executive Officer of Vancouver Airport Authority, Larry Berg’s leadership and vision helped shape Vancouver International Airport’s reputation as one of the best airports in the world, and moreover, an airport that all British Columbians can be proud of. I am so pleased that he is being recognized for his outstanding legacy that continues to benefit the community and the province.”

Under Larry’s guidance, YVR became a significant economic generator for the province. The 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Canada Line were two recent accomplishments that demonstrated Larry’s ability to think beyond the airport to the greater community and the province. In January 2012, he announced a USD 1.8 billion investment in a 10-year Gateway Strategy to help attract new routes and carriers to YVR while improving customer experience and efficiencies. This investment will help ensure that YVR remains the gateway of choice for years to come and is just one of his lasting legacies.

Larry was also extremely involved in British Columbia’s business community and joined the Business Council of British Columbia’s Board of Governors in 2001, serving as Chair in 2006 and 2007.

“Larry epitomizes the character and qualities exhibited by recipients of the Order or British Columbia,” said Greg D’Avignon, President and CEO, Business Council of British Columbia.  “During his tenure as Chair of the Business Council of British Columbia, he provided valuable leadership, input and insight not only to the benefit of the organization, but to the province’s  economic landscape, and by extension, all those who live here.”

As Chair of the Board of Governors, Larry led the highly successful Pacific Economic Summit: British Columbia-California with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Premier Gordon Campbell that drove our leading approach to climate change; and the Labour Forum, which brought together representatives from the Business Council, BC Federation of Labour, Coalition of BC Businesses, and the Provincial Government, to focus on training and skills.

“Larry has exhibited leadership and integrity in all of his efforts, whether it be during the world-class transformation of Vancouver International Airport, throughout his contributions as a community volunteer or during his time as the Chair of the Business Council of British Columbia,” said Hank Ketcham, Executive Chairman, West Fraser Timber and current Chair, Business Council of British Columbia. “Larry’s influence on British Columbia’s social and economic prosperity is lasting which makes him most deserving of this honour, the Order of British Columbia.”

About Vancouver Airport Authority
 Vancouver Airport Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that manages Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Canada's second busiest airport, YVR served 17.6 million passengers in 2012, facilitated 261,000 takeoffs and landings and handled 227,000 tonnes of cargo. Sixty-eight airlines serve YVR, connecting people and businesses to more than 120 destinations worldwide. Vancouver Airport Authority is a dedicated community partner and in 2012, donated over USD 650,000 to community organizations. We are committed to creating an airport that British Columbia can be proud of: a premier global gateway, local economic generator and community contributor.

About Business Council of British Columbia
 The Business Council of British Columbia, now in its 47th year as the premier business and economic policy research organization in BC, represents 260 leading companies and enterprises in every key sector of the economy. Our membership, found throughout every region of BC, represents 25 percent of all jobs in the province.