News Release

FREDERICTON (CNB) – Andrea Feunekes, co-chief executive officer of Remsoft Inc., based in Fredericton, will be one of two business co-chairs of this year’s Southeastern United States –  Canadian Provinces Alliance conference, to be held June 12-14 in Fredericton.

The announcement was made today by the co-hosts of the conference, Premier David Alward and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour. The other business co-chair will be Stephen Johnston, chief executive officer of SmartSynch Inc., based in Jackson, Miss. The theme this year is Innovate - Connect - Compete.

"New Brunswick is excited to be hosting this year's conference, and we are proud to have Ms. Feunekes, one of our province's successful and innovative entrepreneurs, take on the role of business co-chair," said Alward. "The southeastern United States region has potential as a growing market for New Brunswick companies. We must make the most of this opportunity to showcase our province, build key relationships, expand business ties and spread the word that New Brunswick is great jurisdiction with which to do business.”

An innovation showcase will highlight some of New Brunswick's innovation strengths, including health technology, simulation training, advanced prosthetics and mobile communications. The showcase will be offered virtually for those unable to attend. Online participants will be able to use a web-based event, complete with an exhibition hall, conference hall, resource centre and interactive questions and answers. Those in attendance will be able to interact by way of live chat with exhibitors at the conference from the home or office.

"This is an exciting opportunity for New Brunswick companies looking to expand their businesses and develop relationships with companies beyond our border," said Feunekes. "The Southeastern United States – Canadian Provinces Alliance conference provides the opportunity to meet potential partners, form important business relationships and share the best of the best that each state and province has to offer."

This year's program will connect companies, researchers, organizations and associations seeking new business partners, sales, collaboration and investment partnerships. The conference will focus on distributors, agents, brokers, manufacturers, information technology service providers and universities or other researchers who work in the advanced manufacturing, information and communication technologies as well as the clean-technology sectors.

“The annual Southeastern United States – Canadian Provinces Alliance conferences are a fantastic opportunity to meet businesses from across the southern States and eastern Canada that are interested in building stronger connections," said Johnston. “Through new partnerships, we see enhanced trade and competitiveness. Last year's conference in Biloxi, Miss., led to several new business leads for my company, and I was honoured to have been business conference chair.

“I am looking forward to building on those relationships and meeting prospective new business partners when I come to Fredericton in June, my first trip to Canada's East Coast."

The alliance promotes trade and investment between and among New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

LINK:

●    Southeastern United States – Canadian Provinces Alliance 2011 conference: www.seuscp.org