MONTRÉAL F1RST: A new campaign celebrates Montréal's innovative talent

MONTREAL, March 10 /CNW Telbec/ - The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal and its five pillar sponsors-Astral Media, Bell Canada, Hydro-Québec, Desjardins Group, and Rio Tinto Alcan-are proud to launch a new campaign today to recognize Montréal's innovative talent.

With the theme MONTRÉAL F1RST, this campaign shines a spotlight on innovations born in our metropolis. The messages-which make reference to a CAE flight simulator, the BIXI self-service bike system, and the Biodôme, among others-will appear over the coming months on street columns and superboards on the Island of Montréal, as well as in Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau Airport. The campaign also includes a microsite at www.montrealf1rst.com, as well as radio spots scheduled to air this spring.

"The MONTRÉAL F1RST campaign pays tribute to the innovation and creativity of our businesses. All are concrete examples of success, which-through their talent-contribute to the reputation and success of our metropolis. We want to express our pride by honouring those that have mastered the art of business, and by celebrating our metropolis, a fertile breeding ground for these innovations," stated the President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal, Michel Leblanc.

"We welcome the collaboration of our pillar sponsors, leading companies in our economy that care deeply about Montréal's reach and reputation. They are all committed, along with the Board of Trade, to making a difference by giving rise to a great movement of pride associated with the city's vitality. The MONTRÉAL F1RST campaign is the result of this association," concluded Michel Leblanc.

The six accomplishments to be featured across the Island of Montréal and on the campaign microsite:

    
    - F1rst metropolis to develop a flight simulator for the world's largest
      airplane
    - F1rst metropolis to have solar-powered self-service bike stations
    - F1rst metropolis to have a living museum that brings together
      4 climates under one roof
    - F1rst metropolis to multiply stem cells in the laboratory
    - F1rst metropolis to send a micro-device through the blood vessels
    - F1rst metropolis to present an immersive film in a giant sphere
    

About the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal

The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal has some 7,000 members. Its mission is to represent the interests of the business community of Greater Montreal and to provide individuals, merchants, and local businesses of all sizes with a variety of specialized services to help them achieve their full potential in terms of innovation, productivity and competitiveness. The Board of Trade is Québec's leading private economic development organization.

For further information: Sylvie Paquette, Coordinator, Media relations, Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal, [phone], ext. 4015, [email protected]