Sarnia, Ontario – Five local businesses are taking strides to improve processes, productivity and market-readiness through research partnerships with Lambton College, announced Patricia Davidson, Member of Parliament for Sarnia-Lambton, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

"Innovation is a driving force in this region's economy," said MP Davidson. "Our government is proud to support local businesses as they innovate, grow and become more competitive. The partnerships between Lambton College and five local businesses will stimulate business growth, create jobs, and have a lasting effect on the economy in this community, and in southern Ontario."

"Lambton College is very pleased to participate in this FedDev Ontario initiative," said Dr. Tony Hanlon, President and CEO of Lambton College. "It enables us to further contribute to our community's economic sustainability by allowing our faculty to assist local small- and medium-sized businesses to bring new innovative products to market by offering them applied research and pre-commercialization know-how and facilities."

Last year, under the Applied Research and Commercialization Initiative, Lambton College was approved for up to $230,700 from FedDev Ontario to partner with small- and medium-sized businesses on activities such as applied research, engineering design, technology development, product testing, and certification. The support provided will create new economic opportunities, help businesses in southern Ontario grow, and enable them to become even more innovative and competitive.

For more information on the Applied Research and Commercialization Initiative and Lambton College's partners, please refer to the backgrounder.

Created in 2009, FedDev Ontario supports the southern Ontario economy by building on the region's strengths and creating opportunities for jobs and economic growth. The Agency has launched a number of initiatives to create a Southern Ontario Advantage and place the region in a strong position to compete in the global economy. These initiatives are designed to encourage partnerships and support projects that help the region's businesses and communities become more competitive, innovative and diversified. To learn more, please visit www.feddevontario.gc.ca or call 1-866-593-5505.

For more information, contact:

Stephanie Thomas
Special Assistant – Communications
Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear
613-960-7728

Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
519-571-6879