ABRIDGED NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE. MARIE
INNOVATION CENTRE

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Learn about ‘Entrepreneurial Opportunities in the Emerging Bio-Economy’

Full-day workshop features seven industry professionals who will speak on topics including carbon trading, oilseed and fiber processing for feed and fuel and more

October 27, 2009: Carbon trading and biofuels are some of the biggest trends as part of Canada’s emerging bio-economy.

How can local residents, entrepreneurs and small businesses take advantage of these trends to their benefit?

What other opportunities are available in this new economic sector?

On October 30, 2009, the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) will answer these questions and more at the Entrepreneurial Opportunities in the Emerging Bio-Economy workshop.

This full-day workshop takes place at the Quality Inn and features presentations by seven industry professionals on some of the most relevant bio-economy topics today.

Presentations include:

- Carbon Markets, Climate Change and New Opportunities for Business:Todd Parker, associate, Delta Institute

- Carbon Trading: An Assessment of Carbon Sequestration Benefits: Mark Kean, president, Mikro-Tek Inc.

- Reed Fuel Ready: Using Reed Canary Grass as a Feedstock for Making Fuel Pellets: Dr. Gregory M. Zimmerman, chair, biological sciences, LSSU

- Industrial Hemp – A Multi-Purpose Biomass Crop: John Baker, president and CEO, Stonehedge Bio-Resources

- On-Farm Oil Processing for Feed, Fuel and Freedom: Jasmin Hofer, CEO, Energrow Inc.

- Sustainable is Attainable at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Toby Rhue, forest fleet manager, Hiawatha National Forest and Chris Case, facility manager, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

“Sault Ste. Marie and Northern Ontario are in a strong position to take advantage of opportunities in the growing bio-economy. We hope that local residents, entrepreneurs and small businesses attend this informative workshop featuring leaders in the industry,” said Tom Vair, executive director, SSMIC.

“There is a lot of local interest in the topics of carbon trading and biofuels and we’re pleased to be bringing these high caliber speakers to Sault Ste. Marie in order to address these topics.”

Bio-economy is defined as an economy where the basic building blocks for industry and the raw materials for energy are derived from forest/plant/crop-based (i.e., renewable) sources.

Because Northern Ontario has access to natural resources and a strong agricultural community, they are positioned to take advantage of this emerging area.

Admission for the workshop is $25 and includes lunch, a light breakfast and refreshments.

For more information or to register contact Tim Harmar, business development manager, via e-mail or at 942-7927, ext. 3129.

The workshop is hosted through a contribution from the National Research Council - Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) with support from MaRS.

Entrepreneurial Opportunities in the Emerging Bio-Economy

When

October 30, 2009

Time

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

Workshop runs until 5 p.m. and includes lunch.

Location

Quality Inn, 180 Bay Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 6S2

Cost

$25 per person

For details on the agenda and more information visit here.

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