A significant boost from the Palais des congrès de Montréal in partnership
with Tourisme Montréal

MONTREAL , Sept. 17 /CNW Telbec/ - Employees of the Palais des congrès de Montréal took part today in the second edition of their Journée Coup de pouce, a day they initiated to provide a boost ("coup de pouce") to community involvement. Supported this year by the staff of Tourisme Montréal, the day is intended to assist various charitable organizations and to show commitment to the community by the two organizations and their staffs. These two business partners are proud to join hands in aiding Montréal community groups.

Four areas were the focus of this second edition: the environment, homelessness, the family, and childhood. During the course of the day, employees of the Palais des congrès and Tourisme Montréal were split into teams and worked with five selected organizations: Les amis de la Montagne, the Old Brewery Mission, Moisson Montréal, Dans la rue, and Familijeunes. Varied tasks awaited the 115 participants, in particular sorting food, preparing meals, maintaining landscaping, and painting.

The Journée Coup de pouce is an opportunity for employees to be part of a unique experience of helping the community actively and becoming involved with those most in need. "The Palais has a responsibility in terms of sustainable development, and organizing this day is among our many commitments in this respect," said André Saucier, interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the Palais des Congrès. "At the Palais, we believe every act counts, and we are convinced that the day's activities make a difference in the organizations' day-to-day existence and in the employees' lives. Moreover, we are delighted by the participation of Tourisme Montréal, which made this day an even greater success."

The Palais des congrès de Montréal and Tourisme Montréal work closely on a number of projects, some of which deal with eco-responsibility. The two institutions' co-operation in the Journée Coup de pouce not only provided assistance for several organizations but also helped promote exchanges among employees. Charles Lapointe , President and Chief Executive Officer of Tourisme Montréal, emphasized the eagerness of his troops to contribute. "With everyone aware of the tangible effect that mutual aid has on the community, we were enthusiastic about adding the Journée Coup de pouce to Tourisme Montréal's calendar of activities. We are very pleased to have combined our efforts with those of the Palais in conducting this day, which reflects our values and those of our employees."

The first edition of the Journée Coup de pouce, held September 11, 2008 , was launched as part of the 25th anniversary of the Palais. On that day, some 70 Palais employees took part in various activities with five community organizations, cleaning the banks of the Lachine Canal, sorting food, serving meals and performing improvement or maintenance work.

About the Palais des congrès de Montréal

The mission of the Palais des congrès de Montréal is to attract and host conventions, exhibitions, conferences, meetings and other events. A public institution with a commercial vocation, the Palais generates major economic spinoffs for Québec and has contributed proudly for more than 25 years to sharing knowledge and enhancing Montréal's international reputation as a first-rate destination. For more information on the Palais des congrès de Montréal, visit our website at www.congresmtl.com.

About Tourisme Montréal

Tourisme Montréal is responsible for providing leadership in the concerted promotion and hospitality efforts to position Montréal as a destination on the leisure and business travel markets. It also guides development of Montréal's tourism product in accordance with ever-changing market conditions. For more information on Tourisme Montréal, visit its website at www.tourisme-montreal.org.

/NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available at http://photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to accredited members of the media/

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For further information: Chrystine Loriaux, Adm. A., B.A.A., Director, Marketing and Communications, Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal, [phone]; Jessica Lacasse, Advisor, Communications and Public Affairs, Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal, [phone], [email protected]; Pierre Bellerose, Vice President, Public Relations, Product Research and Development, Tourisme Montréal, [phone], [email protected];