June 29, 2010

New facility aims to build global connections in southern Alberta  

June 29, 2010 – Calgary Economic Development is proud to announce the grand opening and launch of the Global Business Centre, its newest initiative to promote investment and trade development in Southern Alberta and support the increase of businesses exporting abroad.

“As outlined in the 10-year Calgary Economic Development Strategy, we must focus on increasing and broadening our global reach,” said Bruce Graham, President and CEO at Calgary Economic Development. “If we want to be a great city, we can’t wait for the world to come to us. Calgary is growing as an international centre for business and as our economy continues to recover, it is exactly the right time to focus on international business attraction and helping our local business community grow and diversify their export strategies.”

Global Business Centre programming has been established to support outgoing business; local companies wanting to market their products and services internationally. It has also been designed to benefit incoming companies from foreign markets who are interested in setting up their business here, accessing the market or in exploring joint venture opportunities with Alberta-based partners. Business forums, speaker presentations, B2B matching, mentoring, investor advocacy, outreach programs and special events are all services that are offered by the centre.

“Our Government is proud to have supported the development of the Global Business Centre, which will help create new trade and investment opportunities while improving the international competitiveness of businesses throughout our region, said Lee Richardson, Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre.”

“CEDA was involved in a very successful trade mission to Brazil in March, led by Calgary Economic Development,” said Todd Anderson, VP of Sales and Marketing with CEDA International Corp. “The relationships and connections of the team at the Global Business Centre will assist the Calgary business community in their international business expansion efforts, providing the support and expertise required to tap into the international marketplace.”   

The Global Business Centre launch will include speeches and an official ribbon cutting by Bruce Graham, President and CEO, Calgary Economic Development; Deputy Mayor Bob Hawkesworth; Minister Iris Evans; and MP Lee Richardson.

Media are invited to attend the launch, starting at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 29 at the Global Business Centre, 120, 8th Avenue SE. Interviews with speakers will commence immediately following the formal presentation at 9:00 a.m.

ABOUT CALGARY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT  
Calgary Economic Development (CED) is working to make Calgary the undisputed choice for people and business. As Calgary’s lead economic development agency, we work with businesses to facilitate growth, expedite local, national and international business investment and trade development opportunities and promote sustainable economic growth in the Calgary region. For more information on Calgary Economic Development, please visit our website at www.calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com


The following remarks were delivered by Lee Richardson, M.P. for Calgary Centre at the ribbon cutting for the new Global Business Centre.

Thank you Deputy Mayor Hawkesworth. Good morning everyone. It is an honour to be here with you today on behalf of my colleague, the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Deputy Mayor Bob Hawkesworth; and Bruce Graham, President and CEO of Calgary Economic Development and Western Economic Diversification.

To begin, I would like to acknowledge my fellow platform guests: The Honourable Iris Evans, Minister of Alberta International and Intergovernmental Relations.
Our Government was proud to announce its support for establishing the Global Business Centre here in Calgary, and I’m pleased to join all of you this morning to celebrate its grand opening and official launch.

The importance of this initiative to the long-term growth of businesses throughout Calgary and southern Alberta cannot be understated.
With approximately one-third of Western Canada’s GDP derived from exports, the ability of small and medium-sized companies to access international markets is vital to creating the foundation for a competitive and expanded business sector.

As a source for services that facilitate trade and investment opportunities for Alberta firms, the Global Business Centre will work in partnership with other service providers to ensure our entrepreneurs have the resources they need to compete and succeed on an international scale.
From market research and professional development seminars, to trade missions and path-finding support, companies can look to this Centre for the tools that lead to new connections with suppliers, customers and partners around the world.

Further, by supporting international companies to establish a presence in southern Alberta, the Centre is positioned to play a significant role in attracting investment and strengthening economic development in our region – all of which could help generate increased economic activity and growth.
As I mentioned earlier, our Government proudly supported this initiative through an investment of more than $1 million.

Our Government recognizes that small and medium-sized businesses are the engines of the Canadian economy and are responsible for the creation of most new jobs.

We are further improving conditions for investment while enhancing competition and reducing barriers for business.


To maintain open markets and ensure global recovery takes hold, Canada has also taken a leadership role that includes:

• Unilateral tariff relief to support our manufacturers as well as global trade;
• The launch of trade and economic negotiations with the European Union; and
• The successful completion of free trade agreements with the European Free Trade Association, Columbia, Peru, Panama and Jordan.

By investing in these types of initiatives, our Government will continue to work with our partners to build a competitive and dynamic western Canadian economy.
On behalf of Minister Yelich and the Government of Canada, I would like to congratulate all of the partners who have contributed towards making the Global Business Centre a reality.

I wish you every success as you move ahead with this initiative and look forward to hearing of the positive outcomes that are realized.

Thank you.