Mikey Vokey
named new FREX executive director
By COLIN MCPHAIL
For
the Daily Gleaner
27 Apr 2012 12:15AM
The board of the
Fredericton Exhibition introduced a new executive director and a new vision
Thursday for the 185-year-old event.
Mikey Vokey was
officially welcomed by the board and several members of the community during a
reception at the Fredericton Inn. He brings agricultural experience and an ambitious
direction for the exhibition, with plans to culminate in a nationally renowned
fair to celebrate its bi-centennial in 2027.
Vokey said before
achieving that dream, organizers must take small steps in building
relationships with the community.
“We want the local
campuses involved; we want the local businesses involved,” said Vokey. “We need
your support and we want to make this an unforgettable experience.”
He’s looking to
build a bigger, more diversed audience, while raising awareness for the industry.
FREX will also launch a new website this summer and can be found on Facebook
and Twitter (@Frex4Fun).
“We really want
people to see the facility as the asset it is,” Vokey said.
“During FREX week,
we shouldn’t be able to get a hotel room in the capital. You shouldn’t go to
eat at a restaurant during the week and not expect a lineup.”
Vokey’s recent post
was Cavendish Agri Services’ director of operations.
“Mike comes to FREX
equipped with decades of experience, business management, volunteerism, and
marketing and promotion,” said Tony Decourcey, board member.
“We absolutely made
the right choice.”
While Vokey wants
to preserve the traditions that follow one of Canada’s longest-running
exhibitions, he also recognizes the need to attract younger demographics.
The 2012 FREX takes
place Sept. 2-8, the same time thousands of university students arrive in the
capital city. Engaging the student population is a must, he said.
The first Sunday
has been dedicated to bringing in entertainment and events that appeal to a
younger group.
He would like to
see the university as well as Canadian Forces Base Gagetown join in as
planners, not just spectators.
“What we really
need is for them to come out and say here’s a type of event that we’ll come and
see,” he said. “It’s about finding out what product they want, making some
changes and adapting because we’ve got the venue.”
Mayor Brad Woodside
welcomed Vokey.
“I’m excited (he’s)
taking on a new vision and changes,” said Woodside.
“During the
upcoming FREX, when people walk in the door they should be able to see that
something’s happened.”
Vokey said he
believes people will stand up and take notice.
“The reason I took
the job is the potential,” he said. “There’s so much potential to reach out ...
it’s not about dwelling on the past but embracing heritage and moving forward.”
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