Dec 8, 2009: The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) celebrated its 10 Year Anniversary today at a public event at The Grand Theatre in Sault Ste. Marie. A number of special announcements and presentations were made at the event which commemorated 10 years of innovation, growth and change within the community.

Presentations were made by:

* Tom Vair – Executive Director, SSMIC
* Alex Miller – President, ESRI Canada
* Chris Wray – Chair, SSMIC Board of Directors
* David Orazietti, MPP (via video message)
* Mayor John Rowswell
* Joseph Fratesi – CAO, City of Sault Ste. Marie
* Steve Butland – City Councillor

In addition to the celebrations, SSMIC announced an organizational integration of the Upper Lakes Environmental Research Network (ULERN). Under the SSMIC banner, ULERN’s strong tradition of advancing the science research sector will continue and its current projects will be leveraged for continued growth in exciting new areas of science.

The celebrations also involved the unveiling of an updated logo for SSMIC as the organization communicates its evolution as a catalyst for growth in both the science and technology sectors. The synergies of bringing together seA and ULERN under the SSMIC name create a dynamic, new platform for growth in the innovation sector in the community.

Another important component to the celebration was special recognition given to City Councillor Steve Butland for his founding and continuing role with SSMIC. Mr. Butland was the mayor of Sault Ste. Marie at the time of SSMIC’s formation and instrumental in the establishment of the Innovation Centre and the direction it has taken. Councillor Butland also continues to contribute to SSMIC as a current member of the Board of Directors.

Finally, SSMIC was delighted to have special guest, Alex Miller, president of ESRI Canada attend the event and make a special presentation to the audience. SSMIC has worked in partnership with ESRI Canada on a number of projects and initiatives which have led to many great achievements in Sault Ste. Marie including the establishment of a health informatics research chair position at Algoma University last year.

“We feel incredibly honoured to have our friends, supporters and partners join in the celebration of our 10 year anniversary and the successes of our science and technology sector,” said Tom Vair, executive director, SSMIC. “This is a special milestone for the organization and we look forward to all that can be accomplished in Sault Ste. Marie as we continue to build momentum in the science and technology sectors.”

“We would like to extend a special thank you to Alex Miller, president of ESRI Canada for travelling to Sault Ste. Marie in order to celebrate with us today,” said Vair. “ESRI Canada has been a strong supporter of many of our initiatives and projects which continue to benefit Sault Ste. Marie. We’re looking forward to our continuing partnership with ESRI Canada in the years to come.”

“The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre serves as an excellent example for other communities to follow,” said Alex Miller, president, ESRI Canada. “Through its outstanding vision and leadership, it has created a model to successfully share and use information, technology and knowledge to build a safer, healthier and more prosperous society.”

SSMIC’s award-winning Community Geomatics Centre (CGC) has been recognized by international organizations such as ESRI and the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA) for its unique community information utility work and advanced work in the health and human services.

Guests were invited to learn more about SSMIC and its projects and initiatives by attending presentations including: GIS Presentation (by Paul Beach, manager, Community Geomatics Centre, SSMIC), Business Services Presentation (by Tim Harmar, business development manager, SSMIC) and Science Market Development Presentation (by Errol Caldwell, research director, SSMIC).

Following the presentations guests were invited to have refreshments, food and a special Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre cake.
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About Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre

The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre was founded in 1999 and serves as a catalyst for growth in the IT, science and knowledge based sectors in the Algoma District. In 2009, they integrated with science enterprise Algoma (seA) and Upper Lakes Environmental Research Network (ULERN) to combine resources and accomplish their mutual goals of enhanced innovation capacity for both the IT and science sectors. The Innovation Centre works closely with community partners to enhance and improve science and IT sector opportunities.

The Innovation Centre is focused on four core areas: operating a business incubator to encourage the establishment and growth of business start-ups; providing support services to the SME (Small to Medium Enterprise) IT and science community; supporting the establishment and enhancement of advanced research projects in the region and undertaking strategic market development projects such as the highly successful GIS project.

The Innovation Centre operates an award-winning GIS department that has been recognized internationally for its unique community information utility model and advanced work in the health and human services sector.

For More Information Contact:

Mei Ling, MA
Communications Manager
Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre
1520 Queen Street East, NW307
Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2G4
Tel: 705.942.7927 ext. 3122
Fax: 705.942.6169
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Email: <mailto:mling@ssmic.com> mling@ssmic.com<mailto:mling@ssmic.com>
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