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:
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 RuralEXPO 2003 Conference Program Rural Business Exhibition Youth Forum "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. |
||
|