/CNW/ - Attracting and integrating immigrants is
crucial to the future prosperity of smaller Ontario communities.

The Conference Board of Canadas research shows how small communities
that successfully integrate skilled newcomers can obtain positive
results for their local economy.

On September 9, the Conference Board is convening leaders in business,
government and community-based organizations to share knowledge on how
to build welcoming communities. The one-day workshop will include the
presentation of new Conference Board research.

The highlight of the day is the public launch of the Leeds and Grenville
Immigration Portal. A central online source for community information
relevant to newcomers, the Immigration Portal is intended to ease the
settlement and integration process.

What:

Public launch of the Leeds and Grenville Immigration Portal

When:

Thursday, September 9, 2010, 12:15 p.m.

Who:

David Paul, Director, Economics Development, City of
Brockville
Magdy ElDakiky, Community Economic Development
Specialist,
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural
Affairs
Diana MacKay, Director, Education and Health, The
Conference Board
of Canada

Where:

Quality Hotel-Royal Brock, Brockville

The portal is supported by the United Way of Leeds and Grenville,
Brockville and Area Multicultural Council and the City of Brockville.

For more information on the Conference Boards research on immigration
in small communities, download Immigrant-Friendly Communities: Making
Immigration Work for Employers and Other Stakeholders [http://www.conferenceboard.ca/documents.aspx?DID=3229]