I see mtl event an opportunity for - Montréal International to introduce two projects to increase the proportion of university graduates in Greater Montréal and recruit ambassadors around the world

MONTRÉAL, Nov. 17, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Montréal International, Greater Montréal's economic development agency, today introduced two key projects to increase the proportion of university graduates among Montrealers (Graduates Help Build Our Futures) and recruit ambassadors for the region around the world (Greater Montréal Ambassadors Network). The two initiatives presented at the I see mtl event are intended to boost Greater Montréal's global image.

The Ambassadors Network
Montréal International is working with its partners to build a network of dedicated people who are ready to make the most of their contacts to showcase the region's achievements.

"Now is the time for everyone who lives and breathes Greater Montréal to spread the word and help revitalize the metropolis," said Dominique Anglade, President and CEO of Montréal International. "In an increasingly competitive world, where a city's image and reputation are key to branding it as a destination of choice, Greater Montréal must get out there and make a strong pitch to shine a spotlight on itself. To succeed, the region needs the commitment and dedication of those who got where they are today thanks to its unique character and amazing potential," added Anglade.

Network members can subscribe to Montréal International's Twitter feeds, @GreaterMTL (English) or @GrandMTL (French), to get the latest updates on Greater Montréal as they happen: successful business endeavours, scientific breakthroughs, technological innovations, international recognition, academic achievements, standout cultural, sports or tourist events, and many other stories of excellence and creative genius. "We would like ambassadors to share all those milestones with their contacts at home and around the world," Anglade explained.

To learn more about the Ambassadors Network, click here.

Graduates Help Build Our Futures
Montréal International would also like to see an increase in the proportion of university graduates among Montrealers. "To drive economic growth, we must invest in people and help them achieve higher levels of education and training," said Anglade. "Unfortunately, the numbers are not on Greater Montréal's side. That's why it is essential that we increase the proportion of university graduates entering the city's workforce, in order to meet growing demand from knowledge-based industries," she added.

With its 11 universities, Greater Montréal is truly Canada's hub for higher education and one of the world's top university cities. "Paradoxically, however, the proportion of university graduates among Montrealers aged 25 and over is relatively low," Anglade pointed out.

To reverse the trend, I see mtl workshops will look at potential solutions to highlight the benefits of university education and to attract and retain more international students and foreign workers.

The goal of the project is to increase the proportion of university graduates among Montrealers aged 25 and over from 26.5% in 2011 to 31.5% by 2017. Such an increase would significantly raise per-capita income by $5,000 and add $20 billion to Greater Montréal's GDP. "It's a simple equation: the higher the proportion of university graduates, the wealthier the region will be. It is up to us to rise to the challenge," Ms. Anglade concluded.

To learn more about this project, click here.

TASK FORCE – Pushing for Direct Flights
Montréal International is also working on a third project with Aéroports de Montréal, the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montréal and Tourisme Montréal. The initiative, dubbed TASK FORCE – Pushing for Direct Flights, is intended to expand efforts to introduce more direct flights to and from Montréal and make sure existing ones are maintained.

To learn more about this project, click here.

About Montréal International (www.montrealinternational.com)
Created in 1996, Montréal International is the result of a private-public partnership. Its mission is to act as an economic driver for Greater Montréal to attract foreign wealth while accelerating the success of its partners and clients. Its mandates include attracting foreign direct investments, international organizations and international strategic workers as well as promoting the competitive and international environment of Greater Montréal. Montréal International, a non-profit organization, is funded by the private sector, the governments of Canada and Québec, the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (Montréal Metropolitan Community) and the City of Montréal.

Since its creation, Montréal International has helped attract $10.6 billion in foreign direct investments to Greater Montréal. And these investments have contributed to creating or maintaining close to 52,000 jobs. To date, Montréal International has also supported almost half of the city's 60 international organizations in setting up their operations in the area, while helping attract and retain more than 9,000 highly skilled foreign workers.

 

SOURCE: Montréal International

For further information: Céline Clément, Public Relations Director, Montréal International, Tel.: [phone], [e-mail]