Toronto, ON, June 6, 2006 - Exhibition Place and Direct Energy, North America's largest competitive energy solutions provider, officially unveiled the new Direct Energy Centre, an Exhibition & Convention Centre, at an event attended by municipal government officials, industry stakeholders and environmental leaders.
Formerly known as The National Trade Centre, Direct Energy Centre is an award-winning venue and North America's 6th largest facility of its kind. Through conservation, alternative energy sources and innovative technologies and management, The Board of Governors of Exhibition Place has committed to transforming the site into a 78-hectare "green zone."
"This partnership is a win-win situation for both parties, said Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone, Chair, Board of Governors of Exhibition Place. "Direct Energy will have the opportunity of demonstrating its commitment to the environment to the 5.2 million annual visitors to our grounds while Exhibition Place has a keenly interested partner to help us achieve the Board's goal of transforming the site into a showcase of environmental technologies."
The Direct Energy Centre will be a facility that demonstrates what is possible when a long-term commitment to conservation is made. Direct Energy's multi-year, $7 million sponsorship will enable Exhibition Place to finance the necessary programs to establish the site as a global model for energy efficiency and the production of renewable energy.
"Energy conservation is not solely the responsibility of business, everyone can help to make a difference at work and at home. The Direct Energy Centre further demonstrates Direct Energy's commitment to educating consumers about innovations in energy efficiency and conservation and is a first-class venue to showcase our energy management, service and technology capabilities," said Deryk King, Chairman and CEO, Direct Energy.
In addition to the multi-year sponsorship, Direct Energy has funded and designed the construction of a public education space called the Direct Energy Innovation Centre that contains an interactive education exhibit with ten information stations. Stations highlight different alternative energy sources, recent energy innovations and some of the City of Toronto's and Direct Energy's energy conservation programs.
About Direct Energy Centre and Exhibition Place
Direct Energy Centre is an award winning exhibition and convention centre which plays host to over 180 exhibitions, meetings, conventions and special events each year; featuring prominent shows such as the Toronto International Boat Show, the One-Of-A-Kind Show; the Sportsmen's Show; The National Home Show and the Canadian National Exhibition. Owned by the City of Toronto, the facility is an integral program of Exhibition Place which is governed by The Board of Governors of Exhibition Place and professionally managed by O&Y/SMG Canada.
Exhibition Place, a 192-acre waterfront site owned by the City, is Canada's largest urban park and attracts more than 5.2 million visitors annually. It hosts in excess of 300 trade and consumer shows and special events every year. www.directenergycentre.com
About Direct Energy
Direct Energy is North America's largest competitive energy solutions provider, with over five million residential and commercial customer relationships. Direct Energy provides customers with choice and support in managing energy costs through a portfolio of innovative products and services. To learn more about Direct Energy or its energy efficient products and services, call 1-800-266-3939 for Home Services, 1-888-393-5553 for Business Markets or visit www.directenergy.com |
