International Award for Innovation Place

VANCOUVER , Oct. 23 /CNW/ - The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) named Innovation Place the 2009 Outstanding Research/Science Park. Recognized for their role in supporting the growth of science and technology related economic development in the Province of Saskatchewan, Innovation Place became the second Canadian park to receive the award in its 13 year history.

The Premier of Saskatchewan, Brad Wall , is pleased to see Innovation Place get international recognition. "This award is further evidence of the leadership role this province can take in technology and innovation," says Wall. "For almost 30 years, Innovation Place has been helping entrepreneurs take discovery from the lab to the market place, providing opportunities for our young people to help grow this province."

As president of Association of University Research Parks (AURP) Canada , Dale Gann noted that, "Innovation Place has been a national and global leader in the development and operations of research park facilities, services and amenities. This recognition is well deserved and my congratulations to the Innovation Place Management team."

The AURP judging committee unanimously chose Innovation Place noting its global reputation and positive impact on the cities of Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert , the Province's universities and Saskatchewan as a whole.

"Not only does Innovation Place play a valuable role in its own community, it is an extremely valuable member of the global research park community, helping to establish best practices in our profession," said Gregory W. Deason, AURP President.

The 14th Annual AURP Awards of Excellence recognize the achievements of outstanding research parks and industry veterans and encourages the development of best practices among research and science parks.

"By clustering the expertise from private business, university and government researchers, we are encouraging interactions, collaborations and innovations in science and technology," noted Innovation Place President Douglas Tastad .

The 14th Annual AURP Awards of Excellence were presented at the 2009 International Conference in Vancouver .

About Innovation Place

In 2008 the clients at Innovation Place collectively contributed more than $647 million to the provincial economy and more than 8,500 jobs in the province are attributable to the presence of the organizations located at the research parks. Innovation Place developed the province's first LEED Gold certified building, the Forest Centre in Prince Albert , and continues to be a champion for green building design, construction and operation.

About AURP

The Association of University Research Parks is a professional association of university related research and science parks. AURP's mission is to foster innovation, commercialization and economic growth through university, industry and government partnerships. For more information, visit AURP's Web site at www.aurp.net or contact Chelsea Simpson at [email protected].

For further information: For media inquiries, please contact: Austin Beggs, Vice President, Corporate Relations, Innovation Place, [phone] (Cell [phone]), www.innovationplace.com; Chelsea Jo Simpson, Marketing Manager, Association of University Research Parks, [phone], [email protected], www.aurp.net