Press release
Montreal, UNESCO city of design:
An important distinction for the metropolis
Montreal, May 17, 2006 The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal was pleased to learn that Montreal has just been designated a UNESCO city of design. Quebec's metropolis thus swells the ranks of the Global Alliance for Cultural Diversity alongside Berlin and Buenos Aires.
The Board of Trade firmly believes in Montreal's potential and in all the qualities that make it a city of exceptions. At a time when the importance of cities' shining on the international stage is well known, this prestigious recognition confirms the relevance of our ambition to make Montreal a world-class cultural metropolis, declared Isabelle Hudon, president and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal.
Coming from an organization as distinguished as UNESCO, this honour reflects, in particular, on our artists and creators. Whether we are talking about the performing arts, cultural events such as major festivals, heritage, film, or simply design, the world's major cities have nothing on Montreal. The opportunity to highlight our cultural assets, to share our knowledge and know-how with foreign partners, to cultivate innovation through exchanges, and to gain access to new resources on the international scene: the access and visibility granted by UNESCO's acknowledgement is tremendous, added Hudon.
Design is an important component of the creative forces of the greater metropolitan area. This sector now counts some 20,350 employees working within a multitude of training and distribution organizations and institutions. It generates economic spin-offs of more than $750 million. The presence of the head office of the International Design Alliance, an international organization mandated to promote design and strengthen ties between stakeholders, confirms Montreal's position as an international design hub.
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 businesses of all sizes with an integrated range of specialized services helping them achieve their full potential in terms of innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. The Board of Trade is the largest private organization in Quebec dedicated to economic development.
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Source:
Julie Desjardins
Coordinator, Communications
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Tel.: (514) 871-4000, ext. 4008
julie.desjardins@ccmm.qc.ca