Hamilton McClymont

Senior Manager with a record of revitalizing organizations and directing successful projects in the performing arts and attractions business. Innovative, practical solutions to challenges together with an ability to find the right balance between past traditions and future trends are the marks of McClymont's work.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Lamont Management Inc
President
1996 -

Projects in the arts and the attractions business have included strategic and operational planning, market assessment and feasibility studies, and "hands-on" management.

Major projects

Has participated on teams with Eppstein-Uhen Architects (Milwaukee), Knowlan Consulting Group Inc (Vancouver), Proscenium Architecture + Interiors (Vancouver), and Toby Russell Buckwell & partners, (Vancouver)


Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver
Fair Manager
1992 - 1995

With a mandate to "revitalize a classic" and within the context of an uncertain future, managed the planning, creative direction, marketing and operations of three annual 17 day provincial fairs.

Established, with the construction of a garden at its centre, a literal "greening" of the fair thereby making the PNE the best looking fair in Canada, reinforced the rural/urban connection at the fair by strengthening the agricultural program and developed attractions such as the Aboriginal Peoples' Pavilion which diversified participation in the fair.

The result was an average 6% increase in attendance, a 25% increase in revenue and an improvement of $4 million to the bottom line. Under McClymont's direction, the fair made money for the first time in years.

The 1994 fair was given the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions' prestigious "Achievement of the Year" award.


Canadian Stage Company, Toronto
General Manager
1990 - 1992

Structured the financial component of this major theatre company's strategic and operating plans, put the Company on the road to the profitable operations needed to begin eliminating its $3 million deficit.


Alpha Projects International Ltd
Principal
1986 - 1990

Projects included feasibility studies, model programs and reports on management structures and operational finances for performance facilities in Prince George, San Jose, Anaheim, Charlotte and Vancouver. Teamed with firms such as Arthur Erickson Architects, (Vancouver), Auerbach + Associates (San Francisco), Management Resources (Tustin, CA) and Artec Consultants Inc (New York).


Major projects


EXPO 86 Corporation
Positions from Project Manager, Royal Visit to Vice President, Entertainment
1983 - 1986

As Executive Producer, undertook the creative development and managed the production of the opening and closing ceremonies including co-ordination with national television.

Involved in the creative development of the overall programming concept for EXPO 86, led a team that initiated "Specialized Periods" theme weeks, a programming "first" for a World's Fair.

Invented the "DC-3 Airmada" which attracted two dozen operating examples of this marvellous old airplane to the celebration of the 50th anniversary of its entry into commercial service.

Directed the implementation of the EXPO 86 Entertainment program which presented over 14,000 performances both on and off the site and required the management of 800 people in six departments and the control of an operating budget in excess of $35 million.

Conceived the novel combination which brought Milan's Teatro alla Scala to the Pacific Coliseum for hugely successful performances of "I Lombardi" and the magical transformation which turned a hockey arena into a viable opera house in a few days.


Vancouver Opera Association
General Manager
1978 - 1982

Engaged by the Board to manage both the company's artistic direction and business affairs at a time when the VOA was $725k in debt. Through annual operating profits and special one-time government assistance, reduced the debt to $375k. Convinced the VOA Board not to sell the company's rehearsal/office building in 1978, which ultimately resulted in a capital fund of nearly $2 million when BC Transit expropriated the property 4 years later.

Expanded the VOA's planning horizon from one year to three, provided opportunities for artists to perform roles new to their repertoire, and restored the VOA to a place of leadership within Vancouver's arts community and opera in Canada.


Canada Council, Ottawa
Music Officer, Finance
1976 - 1978

As the first full-time finance officer in Council's Music Section, managed the $7 million grants budget to within $1,000 of objective. Worked with Council's musical clients to help them improve their financial, administrative and organizational skills.


Neptune Theatre, Halifax
Administrator
1974 - 1976

Conceived a major fundraising event (the Robert Stanfield Roast) which was telecast nationally on CBC, and organized Neptune appearances in New York, Philadelphia and Ottawa.


Toronto Arts Productions
Various positions from Program Manager to Administrative Director
1969 - 1974

Reorganized the company's financial and administrative structures and eliminated the need for deficit financing by securing an annual grant from the City of Toronto for the company's theatre, music and public affairs programs at the St. Lawrence Centre.


EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts, Dalhousie University , Halifax, Nova Scotia (1970)
McGill Junior Matriculation, Lower Canada College , Montreal, Quebec (1961)
John Rennie High School, Pointe Claire, Quebec (1960)

University Naval Training Divisions, Royal Canadian Naval Reserve (61 - 63)
Air Cadet League of Canada (58 - 61)
Awarded flying scholarship and earned Private Pilot License, 1961


PROFESSIONAL

Held a number of directorships including: Canadian Association of Fairs & Exhibitions, Themed Attraction Association (BC), Professional Association of Canadian Theatres, Canadian Conference of the Arts, Vancouver Opera Association, Professional Opera Companies of Canada, Vancouver East Cultural Centre, Canadian Committee of Opera America, Vancouver Music Alliance. Member of the Management Committees of EXPO 86 Corporation and Pacific National Exhibition.


PERSONAL

Father of two young adults
Pilot; aircraft owner (C-GTVP); member COPA, Delta Heritage AirPark Committee, EAA
Recreational hockey player, opera fan