Press release
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
salutes the success of the 2004 edition of the Canadian Grand Prix
Montreal, June 14, 2004 The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal wishes to underline and salute the huge success of this weekend's main event: the Grand Prix of Canada on Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. In terms of direct and indirect economic spin-offs for the region's merchants, hotels, and tourism industry, as well as the reputation of metropolitan Montreal, the week leading up to this event is the most critical of the year.
The Grand Prix of Canada is Montreal 's most powerful international calling card. For the past twenty-five years, this spectacular sporting event one of the best on the Formula 1 circuit has given Montreal exceptional visibility and stature around the world, highlighting its festive and hospitable atmosphere. Economic spin-offs of this calibre, estimated at $75 million annually, are invaluable to our city, declared Benoit Labonté, president and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal.
Labonté also acknowledged the contribution of Normand Legault, the great patron of the F1 in Canada, noting that he is an unparalleled business man for Montreal. The energy and determination he devotes to everything he undertakes has brought him enormous success throughout his career. So it's not surprising this dedicated Montrealer fought as hard as he did to ensure his' city continued to benefit from the exceptional spin-offs of this prestigious event, enhancing our city's reputation around the world.
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal has some 7,000 members. Its primary mission is to represent the interests of the business community of the Greater Montreal and to provide individuals, merchants, and 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 Quebec's leading private economic development organization.
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Source:
Sylvie Paquette
Coordinator, Media relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
sylvie.paquette@ccmm.qc.ca
Tel.: (514) 871-4000, ext. 4015