Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Saint John Board of Trade to host event with Premier David Alward and Maine Governor Paul LePage

As part of its commitment to fostering relationships between businesses and the community, the Saint John Board of Trade is hosting its first ever, cross-border business event. The inaugural N2 International Exchange Forum, being held Thursday, October 25 at Lily Lake Pavilion, will mark the first time a New Brunswick Premier and Maine Governor have sat down for a public discussion on business sector opportunities.


“New Brunswick has always shared a unique connection with the New England states,” says Saint John Board of Trade President Imelda Gilman. “Saint John was originally founded on its cross-border relationships. We believe it is time to have a 21st Century discussion about the business and energy opportunities for the Province of New Brunswick and the State of Maine as a region.”

The Saint John Board of Trade and MT&L Public Relations partnered to create N2 International Exchange Forum to leverage and celebrate New Brunswick’s strategic geographical proximity to the New England States.

“We are thrilled that our Premier and the Governor of Maine will be in Saint John to kick-off the forum as the keynote speakers at the luncheon,” adds Gilman. “The interest from our business and sector leaders already has been really encouraging. Our local Saint John community and our counterparts across the border are dialed in to this event, and to renewing this working relationship that we share.”

Participants are invited to attend the luncheon with the Premier and Governor at Lily Lake with the option to also participate in one of two forums in the afternoon - Energy: A Regional Perspective for Maine and the Maritimes or Expanding Your Markets: Innovation and Expansion.

The event concludes with a networking mixer for the 25th Anniversary of Saint John and Bangor’s Sister City relationship with Saint John Mayor Mel Norton and Bangor Mayor Cary Weston and Access Atlantica Co-Chairs Nancy Thorne and Miles Theeman.

To find out more event details and register online visit www.n2exchange.com, or contact the Saint John Board of Trade office at (506) 634-8111 or by emailing info@sjboardoftrade.com. To get involved in the conversation before the Forum, join the LinkedIn group New Brunswick New England International Exchange Forum.

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Media Contact: Imelda Gilman, President, Saint John Board of Trade, igilman@SJBoardofTrade.com, 506.634.4157

Thursday, October 25, 2012 – 12 pm Lily Lake Pavillon

Luncheon kick-off: Cross-BorderConversation

Keynote Speakers:
Premier David Alward, Province of New Brunswick
Governor Paul LePage, State of Maine

Afternoon Forum Session Details:

Energy: A Regional Perspective for Maine and the Maritimes - 2 pm Lily Lake Pavillon:
Panellists:

Gaƫtan Thomas, President & CEO, NB Power; Mike Whalen, General Manager, Marketing, Business Development & Regulatory Affairs, Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline; Kenneth Fletcher, Director, Governor's Energy Office; Gerry Chasse, P.Eng., President & COO, Bangor Hydro Electric Company and Maine Public Service Company; and , Christopher Huskilson, President & CEO, Emera Inc.

Moderator: John Herron, President, Atlantica Centre for Energy

Expanding Your Markets: Innovation and Expansion - 2 pm Union Club
Panellists:

John Voltz, Executive Director, Blackstone Accelerates Growth; Karina LeBlanc, Executive Director, Pond-Deshpande Centre at the University of New Brunswick; Matthew Raynes, Shareholder, Eaton Peabody and Christopher Stewart, Partner, Stewart McKelvey, Immigration: Cross-Border Hiring and Working.

Moderator: John Holden, Development Consultant, Eaton Peabody


About the Saint John Board of Trade

The Saint John Board of Trade is a nationally accredited business organization dedicated to fostering an economic climate that enhances growth, prosperity, and an improved quality of life in the community. With more than 1,000 members, representing 600 small, medium, and large businesses and organizations and therefore, the interests of more than 30,000 citizens, the Board is a dynamic advocate and the principal voice for the business community of Greater Saint John. It offers a variety of programs, activities, services, and networking opportunities designed to enhance the business prospects of members and the overall business climate of the area.

About MT&L Public Relations

MT&L Public Relations is a communications firm in Atlantic Canada with offices in Saint John, Halifax and St. John’s. MT&L is a partner with NATIONAL Public Relations, with offices across Canada, US and Europe. To find out more about MT&L Public Relations visit www.mtlpr.ca.