Claude Benoit, President and CEO of the Old Port of Montréal Corporation, Receives Award of Distinguished Service from Canadian Museums Association

MONTREAL, April 30, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Claude Benoit, president and CEO of the Old Port of Montréal Corporation, was honoured with the Award of Distinguished Service by the Canadian Museums Association (CMA) on April 25. This award, which recognizes the career of a seasoned professional in the Canada's museum sector, was presented at the AMC's 65th national conference, which was held in Gatineau from April 23 to 27.

Claude Benoit was chosen from among the members of Canada's museum community, including volunteers, board members, supporters and employees, who dedicate themselves to the advancement of Canadian museums.

Ms. Benoit, who was nominated by several of her peers, was selected for "demonstrating excellence in her contributions to the operation and advancement of Canadian museums."

During her career with museums and historical sites, Ms. Benoit has had several notable achievements. As executive director of the McCord Museum, she oversaw the institution's repositioning in Montreal.

She went on to establish the Montréal Science Centre, a major cultural facility that attests to Montréal's and Canada's leadership in this field. She then served as vice-president, programming, and president and CEO of the Old Port of Montréal Corporation, where she redeveloped the programming and products and services offered at the Old Port of Montréal.

In 2010, under Ms. Benoit's leadership, the Old Port of Montréal joined the list of the world's 15 most beautiful waterfronts, as selected by the highly reputed Travel + Leisure magazine. The Old Port welcomes more than six million visitors each year, making it the most popular and busiest site in Québec, and one of the top tourist sites in Canada.

In addition to the CMA award, Ms. Benoit has received a number of other awards and honours, including the Order of Canada (2004) and the McNeil Medal from the Royal Society of Canada (2004), in recognition of her outstanding ability to promote and communicate science to students and to the public in Canada.

On March 31, Ms. Benoit was honoured with the prestigious Frederick G. Todd award, from the Association des architectes paysagistes du Québec (AAPQ).

About the Old Port of Montréal
The Old Port of Montréal Corporation is a business corporation created by the Government of Canada in November 1981. As the manager of the Quays of the Old Port of Montréal and the Montréal Science Centre, the Old Port of Montréal Corporation participates actively in Montréal's economic development by creating high-quality culture, tourism and recreation products.

Source:
Old Port of Montréal Corporation, manager of the Quays of the Old Port and Montréal Science Centre

Information:
Nadia Paquet
Director, Public Relations
514-283-7160
[e-mail]