News Release

For Immediate Release
September 5, 2002

International Business Event To Focus on Cape Breton

Sydney, Nova Scotia, - International, national and regional business leaders will converge on Baddeck, Nova Scotia, early in October to discuss trade and investment opportunities in Cape Breton. The 2002 Cape Breton International Business Summit will focus on key economic sectors including energy, tourism, information and communications technology and the environment. High profile corporate executives, select government officials and community leaders are meeting to explore future business potential on the Island.

The Summit is the first economic development event organized jointly by the Island’s Chambers of Commerce (Sydney and Area and Strait and Area), and Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation. Nova Scotia Business Inc. will be assisting in recruitment. The partnership has been formed to streamline economic development efforts and to offer a uniform approach to marketing Cape Breton as a business destination.

“The Summit is the first event that sees all parties with an interest in economic development working together to promote the advantages of doing business in Cape Breton. Preparations began in late spring this year with the appointment of a broadly representative steering committee,” stated Perry Chandler, chair of the Strait and Area Chamber.

“This project is a team effort with a growing level of enthusiasm. More than thirty confirmations are already in hand and the list is growing daily. We are excited about the opportunity to showcase Cape Breton to business leaders and we are encouraged by the positive reception this events is getting from decision makers,” commented John Nash, president of the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce. 

The three-day program will offer panel discussions, workshops, industry sector analysis, networking forums, and keynote speakers. With the assistance of ECBC, expansive support materials are being readied for the summit including new promotional literature, the Cape Breton business case, and a compelling web site. 

“Cape Breton has experienced significant economic growth and new employment in the past two years and it is evident that new and innovative approaches to economic development are a key component of this growth. We believe the 2002 Cape Breton International Business Summit represents a fresh tactical approach in the generation of direct investment and trade,” said Rick Beaton, VP of ECBC. 

“The summit is a collective effort by community stakeholders, based on a new spirit of innovation and a ‘can do’ attitude. Stakeholders believe the future holds the potential for new jobs in Cape Breton and many more new opportunities than were possible in the past. We believe this is why the summit is garnering so much interest and support,” stated Dr. Alastair MacLeod, chair of the Summit steering committee.

The 2002 Cape Breton International Business Summit will take place October 9-11 in Baddeck. 

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For further information contact:

Barbara Stead-Coyle
Communications Officer
Cape Breton Growth Fund
902-564-7331
bstead@cbgf.ca