SAGUENAY, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Jan. 20, 2011) - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, today announced the awarding of $80,000 in total non-repayable funding to the Aluminium Valley Society (SVA) for the organization, in collaboration with its partners, of the fourth edition of The Aluminium Valley in Business exhibition taking place May 10 to 12, 2011, in Saguenay. 

"The Aluminium Valley in Business is a major event in that it serves to strengthen the role of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean as a key hub in the global aluminium sector. That is why the Government of Canada is pleased to lend its financial support to this important show, which promises to generate significant spinoffs for the region's economy," explained Minister of State Lebel.

Taking place under the theme "Aluminium in your Space", the event is being organized by the SVA, in collaboration with the Trans-Al Network, Séfar BDH, the Centre québécois de recherche et de développement de l'aluminium, the Aluminium Research Centre - REGAL, Rio Tinto Alcan and the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi. The exhibition will serve as a prime opportunity for some 100 businesses from the regional aluminium cluster to expand their knowledge, demonstrate their know-how, showcase their innovations, build contacts with major contract-givers and forge new partnerships. The show will also promote greater synergy among the various industry players, namely small and medium-sized enterprises, research centres, establishments of higher learning and support organizations, in order that they may explore new opportunities for diversifying their markets, finding new market outlets and expanding their client base. 

This financial assistance from the Government of Canada includes $45,000 from Canada Economic Development's Business and Regional Growth program and $35,000 from National Research Council Canada's Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP).

About the National Research Council Canada and its Industrial Research Assistance Program

National Research Council Canada's Industrial Research Assistance Program provides a wide range of technical and business-oriented advisory services and financial support to qualifying Canadian innovative small and medium-sized enterprises.

NRC-IRAP is delivered by a field staff of 240 business and technology experts in more than 100 communities across Canada. The program is dedicated to supporting SMEs and helping them harness their full potential by transforming knowledge and innovation into strategic opportunities, jobs and prosperity for all Canadians.

For further information on The Aluminium Valley in Business, visit www.valuminium.ca/sva2011.

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