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RBC supports agricultural education and innovation in Brandon |
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RBC’s gift will support agri-innovation at Assiniboine Community College.
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Agri-innovation recently got a boost in Brandon, Manitoba
Many believe that the future of agriculture in Western Canada will in part be shaped by innovative products and technologies like biodiesel, ethanol, and biogas. Agri-innovation recently got a boost in Brandon, Manitoba thanks to Assiniboine Community College (ACC), the provincial government and a private sector capital campaign where RBC was the lead donor.
ACC has been providing education for forty years. Now, the college is planning a move to a new campus in Brandon's North Hill, with the province funding the relocation. Through its foundation, the college is also raising $6 million in a private sector capital campaign to allow for increased capacity in its trades programs as well as exciting new academic initiatives.
Agri-Innovation holds promise
One of ACC's initiatives is its Agri-Innovation Centre, which will serve as a hub for public education, new skills training, knowledge development, and commercialization through applied research. RBC Foundation is donating $100,000 to support the centre's Visiting Guest Professorship in Agri-Innovation and a student and public education speaker series dealing with the business of bio-energy and other bio-products. "New agricultural products and technologies may lead to economic and environmental benefits in terms of changing global market patterns and climate change," explains Terry Burgess, RBC's Regional Vice-President for Manitoba West and ACC foundation board member and alumni. "RBC's gift will help ACC contribute to agri-innovation with valuable expertise, leadership and learning opportunities." The Centre's first visiting professorship is scheduled for fall 2007.
Valuing Education
In 2006, RBC invested almost $11 million in educational initiatives across Canada. "We believe that helping individuals learn is one of the best investments a company can make to ensure the future prosperity of our communities," continues Burgess. RBC's support for Assiniboine College over the years has also included contributions to the Agricultural and Environment Division, the Agri Business Diploma program, the local College Foundation's Annual Gala dinner, and The Financial Services program, now known as the RBC Financial Services program.
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