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Business Ambassador Program Welcomes 402nd Member
Fredericton (October 6, 2010) – The City of Fredericton welcomed 42 new members to its Fredericton Business Ambassador Program during a noon-hour training session today bringing total membership to 402.
“I am thrilled that we have such civic-minded people who go above and beyond to promote Fredericton during their meetings and travels,” said Mayor Brad Woodside as he deputized the new members. “When we introduced this program, we set a target of 300 members by 2010 and we have exceeded those expectations. Thank-you very much for helping us tell the world that we have a wonderful city here and we’re open for business.”
Mayor Woodside thanked Economic Development Officer Laurie Guthrie for her foresight in establishing the program with a small inaugural group of 30 honourary members in 2003, and nurturing it year after year into one that is now being modelled by other municipalities and the provincial government.
“We now have a very successful ambassador program that continues to grow every year. Our ambassadors believe in our City, and we have provided them with a formalized education program, complete with online training materials, so when they are on the road, they can promote Fredericton as a smart, sustainable city offering a cost-competitive business environment, and balanced lifestyle. ”
The ultimate goal of the Fredericton Business Ambassador program is to see Fredericton grow and prosper, now and for future generations, by attracting new businesses, residents, conferences, events and opportunities to the City.
Ambassasors are given the knowledge and the tools (i.e. business card CDs) to distribute during their meetings and travels. There is no associated cost or extra time commitment – other than an initial one-hour training session.
Anyone can be an ambassador, including:
• Business people, professionals & university faculty who receive clients and visitors from out-of-town or travel beyond Fredericton to meet with clients and attend conferences/events.
• Professional recruiters requiring relocation tools to attract new staff and students.
• Citizens & New Residents / Immigrants – who are in a great position to encourage their family and friends from afar to relocate here.
• University Students & Alumni – who can fuel our workforce, and spread the word about Fredericton to their networks beyond the city.
On Tuesday, November 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. at City Hall, Mayor Woodside and Members of City Council will be hosting the 2010 Fredericton Business Ambassador Awards -- an appreciation reception to recognize a “Business Ambassador of the Year”. Consideration for the crystal award and grand prize, plus other various prizes for first and second place winners, is based on Ambassadors’ reported activities in areas like: distribution of promotional tools, lead generation, investment attraction, and immigration/population growth-related initiatives. Eligibility for the 2010 awards closes November 1.
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Media Contact: Laurie Guthrie, Economic Development Officer, City of Fredericton - Development Services 460-2942.
