January 28, 2005 Miramichi, New Brunswick ALT Group Inc., a learning technologies company who specializes in advanced training and database applications, will hire a research and development specialist to further develop their product range thanks to ACOA assistance. Founded in 1996 by Carole Daley, ALT has extensive industry knowledge and experience which have provided good customer results. The company develops customized software, such as personalized database management systems, eLearning and eBusiness applications. With Internet and personal computers changing the way people do business, these products are keeping companies up-to-speed and organized, and in turn, saves them time and money. "I am pleased to announce that the Government of Canada, through ACOA, is contributing $74,646 to this project under the Innovation Skills Development Initiative," said Charles Hubbard, on behalf of the Honourable Joseph McGuire, Minister of ACOA. "I am proud to support the recruitment of skilled graduates to small- and medium-sized enterprises." "I'm very pleased with this ACOA initiative, because it enables us to hire a technical graduate to do research and development," said Carole Daley, President of ALT Group. "Thanks to this project, we will have leading-edge skills required for the future growth of our business." Launched in 2002 as an integral part of the Entrepreneurship and Business Skills Development Partnership (EBSDP), this initiative has enabled companies to acquire innovation management and technical skills to help them become more productive and competitive in the global economy. The program provides up to 75 per cent of project costs. Since its inception, the Innovation Skills Development Initiative has enabled close to 140 New Brunswick companies to implement 174 projects totalling almost $8 million. In Northumberland, ACOA has invested close to $250,000 for the implementation of projects. ISDI was designed to improve the innovation management and technical competencies of small and medium-sized enterprises in Atlantic Canada. For more information on ACOA programs, visit the Agency's Website atwww.acoa-apeca.gc.ca. - 30 - Valérie Poulin Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Joseph McGuire Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (613) 941-7241 Gisèle Savoie Communications Officer ACOA New Brunswick (506) 452-3341 Carole Daley President ALT Group Incorporated (506) 773-9203
