Fredericton’s Business Ambassadors Recognized
Fredericton (November 9, 2009) – Lt.-Col. Paul Kearney, Commanding Officer at CFB Gagetown’s Joint Meteorological Centre, was named 'Business Ambassador of the Year' during the annual Fredericton Business Ambassador Awards ceremony held today at City Hall.
Hosted by Mayor Brad Woodside and Members of City Council, the Business Ambassador Awards were held to celebrate the City’s Ambassadors who have volunteered to help promote Fredericton during their meetings and travels.
“Fredericton’s ambassadors are helping to attract new businesses, residents, conferences and events to our City,” said Mayor Woodside. “Their efforts translate to economic growth and prosperity and we are very grateful for their support.”
Lt.-Col. Kearney was recognized for his lead generation and investment attraction efforts. Using his knowledge attained through an ambassador training session, he promoted Fredericton to a prospective business at the 2009 Paris Airshow, which resulted in attracting ING Engineering, a company that specializes in unmanned aerial vehicles, to Fredericton. He was presented with a crystal award and a BlackBerry Storm sponsored by Telus.
Other award winners included first-place winner David Lee, who was recognized for his business development and immigration-related initiatives. Mr. Lee has worked tirelessly to promote Fredericton internationally and generate various business and educational opportunities. He is an integral member of Fredericton’s multicultural community as the President of the Korean Association. He has promoted Fredericton to hundreds potential immigrants, distributing more than 500 information packages, 100 audio-visual promotional CDs, and he has helped more than 200 international students and families immigrate to Fredericton. Mr. Lee received an award and prize sponsored by Kingswood, which included four rounds of golf on its 18-hole signature golf course and a four month fitness pass.
Second place was awarded to Christopher Murray, the youngest member of the Ambassador program. He was singled out for his distribution of Fredericton’s business card CDs during his international travels as part of the Long Island Youth Orchestra. He received his award and an iPod Touch sponsored by the City of Fredericton.
One of the evening’s highlights was an advance screening of Fredericton’s updated promotional video – produced by Outreach Productions. The video, entitled “Why We’re Here”, was narrated by prominent Fredericton business people like Susan Holt, of RIM; Lee Corey, of Corey Pet Foods; Graham Brown, of ADI; and Mayor Woodside. The video depicts Fredericton's cost-competitive business environment, quality of life, and world-class reputation as a ‘smart city’. The French version is in currently in production, and the video will also be translated into Mandarin and Korean. The light, compact CD is the primary marketing tool used by Fredericton’s ambassadors during their meetings and travels. The video is available on the city website at www.fredericton.ca, click “Economic Development” and then “Videos”.
The City of Fredericton Business Ambassador Program began in 2003 and currently has 263 members.
To learn more about the Ambassador Program, and how you can help to promote the City please visit: www.fredericton.ca (see “Economic Development”, then “Ambassadors”).
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Media Contact: Laurie Guthrie Hayes, Promotions Officer, City of Fredericton (506) 460-2942.
