Information Release
June 9, 2010
Fredericton Ambassador Team 340 People Strong!
FREDERICTON, NB – Councillor Stephen Chase deputized 65 new members into the Fredericton Business Ambassador Program on this date growing the team to 340 people strong!
Councillor Stephen Chase remarked “As part of my new portfolio as Chair of the Development Committee of Council, I wanted to experience the training first-hand. We are extremely appreciative of our Fredericton Ambassadors who are out there helping us promote Fredericton during their meetings and travels. I am thrilled to be part of this movement, and look forward to celebrating our Ambassadors late Fall at the Fredericton Business Ambassador Awards!”
Laurie Guthrie, Economic Development Officer with the City of Fredericton, introduced the concept of a business ambassador program in 2003 by inducting 30 inaugural members. Since that time, she has developed a formalized education program, online training materials for people abroad wishing to participate, and she has grown the program to 340 people to date (exceeding 2010 target of 300). Fredericton’s program has been modelled by other communities, and the Province of New Brunswick.
The mantra of the Ambassador Program is to promote Fredericton as a Smart, Sustainable City offering a Cost Competitive Business Environment, and Balanced Lifestyle. The ultimate goal is to see Fredericton grow and prosper, now and for future generations, by attracting new businesses, residents, conferences, events and opportunities to the city.
The program is as simple as having the knowledge and tools (i.e. business card CDs) to distribute during meetings and travels. There is no associated cost or extra time commitment – other than the initial one hour training session.
Anyone can be an ambassador like:
• 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.
• 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.
In the late Fall, the City of Fredericton will be celebrating its Business Ambassadors, and recognizing 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.
It’s all about Making Connections! Find out how you can join the Ambassador Team today. For more information, click Ambassadors, or contact: Laurie Guthrie, Economic Development Officer, City of Fredericton at 460-2942.
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Media Contact: Laurie Guthrie, Economic Development Officer, City of Fredericton-Development Services Phone: 460-2942, Fax: 460-2894, Email
