NLIS 2
September 23, 2003
(Industry, Trade and Rural Development)

 

RuralEXPO 2003 poised for success

With exhibit space fully booked for the rural business exhibition, a total of 90 nominations received for the third annual Community Economic Development Awards, and more than 350 people expected to attend the conference program, RuralEXPO 2003 is poised for success.

"I am pleased with the high level of interest in RuralEXPO 2003," said Industry, Trade and Rural Development Minister Judy Foote. "RuralEXPO is an opportunity for businesses, community organizations and individuals to profile the role they are playing in promoting economic opportunity and business growth in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. The level of interest shown to date demonstrates the confidence and commitment people from all corners of our province have in the future of rural Newfoundland and Labrador."

RuralEXPO 2003 is being organized around four events:

  • A conference program that will focus on approaches and practices for community and business development that work best in rural Newfoundland and Labrador;
  • A rural business exhibition that will showcase successful rural businesses and community economic development organizations from around the province;
  • A youth forum that will provide an avenue for young people to be heard and to provide their perspective on the future direction of the province; and,
  • The third annual Community Economic Development Awards ceremony and gala banquet that will honour contributions made by outstanding individuals and organizations to community economic development in Newfoundland and Labrador.

RuralEXPO 2003 delegate registration begins on Thursday, September 25, in Gander. It will be followed in the evening by a Songwriter�s Circle, organized by the Music Industry Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, at the Gander Arts and Culture Centre at 8:00 p.m. The event will feature local artists Jackie Sullivan, Kevin Collins, Shawn Wiseman, and Randel Arsenault.

Official opening ceremonies for RuralEXPO 2003 will take place at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, September 26, at the rural business exhibition in the Gander Community Centre. Premier Roger Grimes, Minister Foote, Sandra Kelly, MHA for the District of Gander and Claude Elliot, Mayor of Gander, will officially launch the event.

Community Economic Development Awards
The third annual Community Economic Development Awards will be presented at a gala awards ceremony on the evening of Friday, September 26. Seamus O�Regan, co-host of CTV�s Canada AM will act as master of ceremonies for the event. Awards will be handed out in six categories: Excellence in Partnership, Outstanding Individual Achievement, Excellence in Fostering Entrepreneurship, Innovation in Education, Excellence in Youth Leadership, and Lifetime Achievement.

RuralEXPO 2003 Conference Program
The main conference program for RuralEXPO 2003 will include a series of presentations, seminars and workshops led by experienced individuals who will focus on approaches and practices for community and business development that work best in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. Twenty-six speakers are scheduled to speak at the conference, organized around nine themes.

Rural Business Exhibition
The rural business exhibition will showcase many of the successful rural businesses from across Newfoundland and Labrador. The companies will represent a variety of sectors, including traditional, maturing and emerging new industries. The exhibition will also profile the role of community economic development organizations and industry associations in promoting economic opportunity and creating the right environment for business and economic growth in the province at the community level.

Youth Forum
Over 100 youth delegates representing all regions of the province have registered to participate in the youth forum, another key component of RuralEXPO 2003. The forum will involve young people in round table discussions and debate with business, community and provincial leaders.

"Government values the important contribution our young people make to the economic and social future of our province," said Minister Foote. "The youth forum is an important part of RuralEXPO 2003 since it provides youth with an avenue to pose important questions to today�s leaders, to participate in active debate and to bring forward their ideas on the future direction of our province."

RuralEXPO 2003 events are being held at Hotel Gander and the Gander Community Centre from September 25-27. The event is being organized by the Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development, in partnership with representatives of Regional Economic Development Boards, Futures in Newfoundland and Labrador�s Youth (FINALY), the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities, Newfoundland-Labrador Federation of Co-operatives, Junior Achievement of Newfoundland and Labrador, Youth Ventures, the Regional Economic Development and Schools (REDAS) Program, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Community Business Development Corporations.

For more information on RuralEXPO 2003, visit the website at www.gov.nl.ca/ruralexpo

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-4570

2003 09 23                                       10:30 a.m.


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