30Countries

500Companies and Organizations

712Business Leaders

5210Meetings

CountlessHandshakes and Deals

2

Widely supported by the federal and

provincial governments, major industry

associations, and the business community

at large, Centrallia 2012 was the largest and most

important business event in Manitoba in 2012.

The 2nd edition of this world-class event was

hosted in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada from

October 10-12, 2012.

It not only brought together business leaders from

around the world, but involved a broad cross-section

of the Manitoba business community as well,

including many of its most notable companies.

Described by some as “speed dating” for business,

participants are matched for one-on-one meetings

during a 2½ day forum on international trade,

investment and business development.

The format is simple: each company receives up to

fourteen 30-minute meetings with partners of choice.

To ensure companies are matched with relevant

meetings, participants are guided through a process

to prepare company profiles outlining their offerings,

needs, and objectives. This allows companies to be

very targeted in their approach and efficient with

their time.

The full program included one-on-one meetings,

a trade show, industry tours, seminars, meals and

networking events, as well as a keynote address by

international best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell.

In total, 5210 meetings were scheduled and nearly

80 exhibitors took part in the trade show.

Looking to participate in the next edition? For more

information call the World Trade Centre Winnipeg at

204-253-4888 or email info@centrallia.com.

The Centrallia Experience

3

Centrallia once again proved itself a winning

business development concept when its 2012

edition successfully attracted hundreds of

companies from around the world to Winnipeg for

two-and-a-half days of productive deal making.

Altogether, more than 700 business leaders from

30 countries attended, making it the largest event

of its kind held in Canada in 2012. Even more telling,

the overall number of companies and trade

organizations attending was up about 20%

over Centrallia’s first event in 2010, and 35%

more “speed-daters,” demonstrating that the hunger

for Centrallia’s style of B2B trade conference continues

to grow.

“We had over 80 trade promotion and development

organizations from around the world at Centrallia 2012,”

said Mariette Mulaire, President and CEO of Winnipeg’s

new bilingual World Trade Centre. “It was an excellent

opportunity for them to see firsthand the diversity and

vibrancy of Manitoba’s economy, and what we have to

offer anyone looking to establish trade relationships in

North America.”

Local participation at Centrallia 2012 was particularly strong

with approximately 200 Manitoba companies represented.

While businesses from across Manitoba’s diverse economy

attended, the strongest representation was from the

sectors of advanced manufacturing, transportation and

logistics/transport equipment manufacturing, energy

and environment, information and communications

technologies, agribusiness and food processing, building

products and construction.

Altogether, participants engaged in more than 5,000

pre-matched meetings over the course of the event,

plus many other information discussions afforded

by Centrallia’s numerous networking opportunities.

These B2B meetings were supported with a number of

educational opportunities including a couple of keynote

presentations, two round tables, two trade development

seminars as well as industrial tours of nine leading

Manitoba companies and organizations.

“We had over 80 trade promotion and development organizations from around the world at Centrallia 2012.”

More Countries, More Participants, More Deals

Centrallia Again Proves Value with Its Second Edition

4

Delegation Leaders Bring the World to Winnipeg

Trade organizations from around the world participated as Delegation Leaders. Crucial to

the event’s success, they promote Centrallia around the world, coordinate participation of

their companies, and provide valuable market access information during the event. Most

importantly, they ensure only pre-qualified, export-ready companies attend.

International Experts On Site to Assist

The presence of 80 exhibitors expanded the

networking and educational opportunities for

Centrallia. Here delegates could interact with

professionals, bankers, legal advisors, tax experts,

government agencies, trade promotion councils,

World Trade Centres and Chambers of Commerce.

Some delegation leaders were also on site and

briefed delegates regarding trade and investment

opportunities in their countries. The exhibition

area also featured the MTS Commmunication Centre

where guests could email, charge their phones,

access toll free phone/fax lines or just relax and

chat in the Centre's comfortable seating area.

The Survey Says...How satisfied were you with your Centrallia experience?

93% Satisfied or Very Satisfied

Would you recommend Centrallia to other business leaders?

97% Yes

Did Centrallia result in new business opportunities or leads?

96% Yes

Would you participate in a future edition of Centrallia?

93% Yes

5

What did participants find in

coming to Centrallia?

2½ Days in 2½ MinutesA short video capturing the energy and

excitement of Centrallia 2012 has been

uploaded to Centrallia’s website. Visit

centrallia.com to check it out.

Top Business SectorsAlways diverse, Centrallia attracts

businesses from many different

economic sectors. These were the

top six at Centrallia 2012:

1 Advanced Manufacturing

2 Transportation and Logistics /

Transport Equipment Manufacturing

3 Energy and Environment

4 Information and Communications

Technologies (ICT)

5 Agribusiness and Food Processing

6 Building Products and Construction

And the World CameCentrallia 2012 saw

representatives from

30 countries register.

Algeria Argentina Australia Belgium Brazil Burkina Faso Burundi Cameroon Canada China D. R. Congo Côte d’Ivoire Equator France Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Israel Italy Mali Mexico Mongolia Nepal Netherlands Senegal Tunisia United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States of America

Centrallia's presentations were simultaneously translated in French and Spanish.

Under $500,000

21%

$500,000 to 2 million

27% 2 million to 5 million

19%

Over 5 million

33%

Registered Companies

by Annual Sales

Stra

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s42

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37%

37%

22%

14%

11%

9%

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Supp

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strib

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6

1,600 Attend Welcome Networking Reception

The important contributions of the Federal and Manitoba governments, Manitoba’s corporate community and Centrallia’s partners in making Centrallia possible were acknowledged by Centrallia Co-Chairs Mariette Mulaire, President

and CEO of World Trade Centre Winnipeg, and David Angus, President and CEO of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce.

Manitoba’s Premier Greg Selinger helped welcome the world to Winnipeg.

Centrallia Honorary Chair Gail Asper spoke of Manitoba's vibrant community.

Best selling author of Outliers, Blink, The Tipping Point and What the Dog Saw, Malcolm Gladwell was the keynote speaker.

7

Affiliate Partners Key to SuccessOver 40 organizations have joined Centrallia as Affiliate Partners to

help promote our global forum to their members. Their assistance

proved invaluable in making the 2012 edition of Centrallia a success.

For a full list of our Affiliate Partners visit centrallia.com/partners.

“We had 14 scheduled meetings of 30 minutes, but we also had 50, maybe even 60 interesting meetings that were not scheduled. We made some very, very interesting contacts. We already have meetings planned to have discussions with potential clients.”

Frédéric Paré, Québec, Canada

Solutions E’Mind Tek Inc.

The Honourable Steven Fletcher, Canada’s Minister of State welcomed delegates to Centrallia Thursday morning. The federal government was an important funding partner for both Centrallia 2010 and 2012.

Winnipeg City Councillor Jeff Browaty represented Mayor Sam Katz in extending an official welcome to Centrallia participants from the City of Winnipeg.

Peter Bjornson, Manitoba’s Minister of Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade emphasized the importance of international trade, a position evidenced by the Manitoba government’s sizable

investments in both Centrallia 2010 and 2012, as well as Winnipeg’s new World Trade Centre.

8

Industrial ToursAn Insider’s Look Into Manitoba’s Economy

This year, many tour companies sent out company representatives to travel

with our guests to their location.

Centrallia’s industrial tours (held in advance of the event) were once again

a hit with all of them being very well attended. In total, 210 Centrallia

participants were provided with management led tours of nine Manitoba

companies and organizations. Here’s what each tour involved:

MacDon Industries Ltd.

macdon.com

A leading manufacturer of

technologically advanced harvesting

equipment, MacDon products are

sold worldwide for the harvesting

of cereals, oilseeds, soybeans,

legumes, rice, hay and forage.

Richardson Centre for Functional

Foods and Nutraceuticals

rcffn.ca

Focused on the development of

functional foods and nutraceuticals

for health promotion, performance

enhancement and disease prevention.

Food Development Centre –

Portage la Prairie

gov.mb.ca/agriculture/fdc

The Food Development Centre is a

federally – licensed research and

development facility with expertise

in innovative product development

and commercialization, particularly

in the area of functional foods and

Nutraceuticals including liquid foods.

Manitoba Hydro

hydro.mb.ca

The Manitoba Crown Corporation

charged with providing hydro electric

energy and natural gas to customers

throughout Manitoba, and exporting

electrical power to customers in the

United States and Canada.

Motor Coach Industries

mcicoach.com

The largest manufacturer and

marketer of intercity coaches in

North America.

Bristol Aerospace Limited /

Magellan Aerospace

bristol.ca

An operating division of Magellan

Aerospace, focused on developing

advanced products for use in aircraft,

aeroengines, satellites, space

payloads and rocketry.

New Flyer Industries Inc.

newflyer.com

North America’s leading manufacturer

of heavy duty transit buses.

The Composites Innovation

Centre

compositesinnovation.ca

A joint industry and government

venture focused on supporting

and stimulating economic

growth through the research

and development of composite

development technologies.

City of Winnipeg Water and

Waste Department

winnipeg.ca/waterandwaste

Providing water treatment,

delivery and waste services to

the City of Winnipeg.

9

SeminarsGlobal Talent Mobility

Manpower, a world leader in innovative

workforce solutions, led a seminar discussion

on international recruitment which is

becoming increasingly necessary for many companies

in meeting their staffing needs. As part of the

presentation, Manpower’s Byrne Luft shared actual

success stories from around the world describing how

people are moving from country to country to satisfy

their needs and those of their employers.

Doing Business in Canada

Winnipeg based law firm Thompson Dorfman

Sweatman LLP conducted a well attended

seminar which reviewed some of the key

“must-knows” for any company considering expansion

into Canada including issues related to business

immigration, corporate and personal tax, labour and

employment and the benefits of various corporate

structure options. Thompson Dorman Sweatman’s

presentation team included lawyers (left to right)

Leandro Zylberman, Alex Bainov, Silvia de Sousa,

Karolina M. Dec and Antoine Hacault.

Guest speaker Colin Osborne, President and CEO of Vicwest Inc., spoke on the lessons learned taking Westeel – a Vicwest subsidiary – global. Founded in 1905, the Canadian based Westeel has become one of the world’s leading providers of grain storage and handling systems. Vicwest also operates Vicwest Building Products and earns $450 million in annual revenue. It is listed on the TSX under TSX:VIC. A video of Mr. Osborne’s presentation can be found at centrallia.com.

Brad Watson, a partner with KPMG, gave a presentation designed to help businesses considering expanding internationally, off shoring or near shoring. Drawing on KPMG’s 2012 Competitive Alternatives Guide for comparing business locations in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, he also discussed how SMEs can evaluate their

own competitiveness – as well as the competitiveness of their partners – in external markets. A video of Mr. Watson’s presentation can be found at centrallia.com.

10

Centrallia Round Tables#1 Water, Nutrients and Clean Technology

Attended by over 60 participants from 11 countries, the Water, Nutrients and Clean Technology round

table explored the technological challenges and opportunities relating to the management of

Lake Winnipeg, the 11th largest freshwater lake in the world, as well as provided general insights

into the potential for the water and clean technology industry overall. The round table featured presentations

from 16 companies and organizations including Hank Venema, Director of IISD’s Water Innovation Centre,

John Fjeldsted, Executive Director of MEIA and by a large contingent from the Netherlands.

Organizing Partners:

International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), Manitoba Environmental Industries

Association (MEIA), National Research Council Canada (NRC-IRAP)

Dr Huub Rijnaarts, from Wageningen University (NL), famous for sustainable food production and sustainable environment, addressed the audience in ways to recover phosphorous from used water streams and the need to restore natural systems.

Steve Wirtel, Senior Vice-President from Ostara, British Colombia (Canada) described their unique nutrient recovery technology.

Paul Newman, Vice President of Arcadis Canada, a top 10 global leading management and engineering consultancy firm, speaks to the audience about trends and opportunities for clean technologies and

innovation to address the environmental challenges and legacy issues that face the mining sector.

Sheryl Rosenberg of Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP, expert in environmental law, provides an insightful overview of the regulatory

framework governing the mining sector in Manitoba.

“Our experience has been unbelievable. The one on one accessibility to people from all over the world has been fantastic.”

Ross Orr, Ontario, Canada

BacTech Environmental Corp.

“We were able to meet with the people we were planning to meet with and have had very good meetings, with very good results.”

Ward Janssens, Ontario, Canada

Orgaworld (Canada) Ltd and Modulo Beton

11

#2 Opportunities in the Mining Sector

The primary resource industry within

Manitoba accounting for over $3 billion

in production in 2011, mining was a

priority growth sector for Centrallia 2012.

Its round table succeeded in attracting a total

of 84 participants who were able to take in

two separate panel sessions. The first session

focused on developments and opportunities

in the mining sector within the three central

Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan, Manitoba

and Ontario. The second panel examined the

legal and regulatory frameworks for companies

working in the sector as well as opportunities

for clean technologies.

Panel Members:

Hudbay Minerals, Thunder Bay Community

Economic Development Commission,

Saskatchewan Government – Ministry

of the Economy, Thompson Dorfman

Sweatman LLP, Arcadis Canada, BacTech

Environmental Corporation

Avram Saunders, President and CEO of Lightning Eliminators & Consultants, Inc. out of Colorado, makers of specialized lightning protection equipment, puts his question to the panelists.

Centrallia the Perfect

“Companion Business Event”

Business organizations such as the

Site Selectors Guild (hosted by Yes!

Winnipeg), the Regional Trade Promotion

Organization (RTPO), the Canada-Israel

Industrial R&D Foundation and the Canadian

Networking Aeronautics Project for Europe

(CANNAPE) took advantage of Centrallia 2012

to provide added value to participants in

their own business networking events. By

scheduling their own conferences to occur just

before or after Centrallia 2012, they gave their

participants the chance to “double down” on

their investment and take in two networking

opportunities with one visit to Winnipeg.

Organizations interested in coordinating an

event with the next Centrallia are invited to

contact CEO and President, Mariette Mulaire.

“I’ve had very good business meetings, both on the trade side and the investment side. So far, it’s paid off.”

Mieke Pynnaert, Belgium

Flanders Investment and Trade

12

Malcolm GladwellGladwell to Centrallia Participants: ‘Don’t Worry About Being First.’

Centrallia 2012’s Keynote Speaker

Malcolm Gladwell helped welcome

participants and kick-off the event

with a thoughtful discussion about how

business success doesn’t always fall to

the swiftest, but rather those with the

vision to capitalize on the lessons and

inventions of others. Speaking before a

sold-out crowd of 1,600, the best selling

author of numerous books including

Blink, The Tipping Point, and Outliers said

that while most people believe that

being first to market with a product or

idea is essential for success, the

experience of companies such as Apple –

which didn’t invent the PC or mouse –

suggests that following can be an even

bigger advantage. That’s because

following provides the opportunity to

learn from the costly mistakes of those

who came first, and bring to market

a better product. A video of Malcolm

Gladwell’s presentation can be found

at centrallia.com.

A question and answer period with keynote speaker Malcolm Gladwell moderated by Diana Swain, one of Canada’s leading investigative

journalists, was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience.

As part of the closing ceremonies, each country in attendance was acknowledged on stage.

On Friday, Momentum Aerial and Acrobatic Troupe, Manitoba’s own homegrown aerial circus arts company, dazzled the crowd with their own amazing aerial connections. The troupe featured aerialists Ainsleigh Jackson, Maia Thomlinson, Renee Manahan and Liz Cooper who also choreographed the performance with Director Monica Goermann. Momentum’s international engagements include performances in Portugal, Austria and Switzerland.

“The best thing is, I’ve come here trying to solve a problem. And I have been able to.”

Mark Myrowich, Manitoba, Canada

ErosionControlBlanket.com

13

Centrallia Inspires Online Business

Manitoba based software developer Protegra

has recreated the unique Centrallia

experience in a new online business

networking service called Protunity. Like Centrallia,

only companies that have been prequalified by

a recognized business development organization

such as a Chamber of Commerce, a Sector Council

or a World Trade Centre will be invited to join. In

developing Protunity, Protegra worked closely with

Winnipeg’s World Trade Centre to ensure that the

new service would meet the needs of the types of

companies that attend Centrallia. The result is a online

networking service that any Centrallia participant

would be well advised to join. Sign up now! For more

information about Protunity go to protunity.com.

The Board of Winnipeg’s new World Trade Centre was formally ushered in to the sound of pipes by the City of Winnipeg Police Pipe Band.

Quebec based performer Gregory Charles rocked the house at the Gala Dinner with his impressive repertoire featuring music by some of Canada’s most famous artists from many different genres and eras. He also took requests from the audience to the delight of all.

A special performance by the world renowned Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Quartet kept guests

entertained through Thursday’s dinner.

Dancers from Monica’s Dance Gym, Winnipeg

Independents and our very own Centrallia volunteers

surprised all in attendance Friday afternoon with a

special “Flash Mob” presentation of Randy

Bachman’s Taking Care of Business. Choreographed by

Sarah Roche, the dancers had everyone smiling and

taking pictures.

“I can identify that we will definitely be doing some business with Belgium … also, I met some people locally that we will be able to provide some product to, probably right away. That’s pretty amazing!”

Khal Shariff, Manitoba, Canada

Project Whitecard Inc.

Centrallia’s official mascot, the polar bear MANI, proved to be a very popular ambassador for the event and Manitoba. Many participants paused to have their photo taken with him and all guests received a "mini-MANI" as a souvenir to take home with them.

14

The World Trade Centre Winnipeg Board – A Mariette Mulaire, President and CEO; B Chair of the Board: Raymond Lafond; Board Members: C Don Boitson (Magellan Aerospace), D Bernard Clément (Pembcorp Automotive Group), E Albert El Tassi (Peerless Garments), F André Granger (Westeel), G Diane Gray (CentrePort Canada Inc.), H Leo Ledohowski (Canad Inns), I Alexander R. Malaket (OPUS Advisory Services International), J Jean-Pierre Parenty (Parenty Reitmeier), K Jean-Marc Ruest (Richardson International Limited), L Charlie Spiring (National Bank Financial Health Management), M Fiona Webster-Mourant (Manrex Ltd.); Ex-Officio Members: N Dave Angus (Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce), O Carole Freynet-Gagné (ANIM).

IN addition to showcasing Manitoba’s business

assets to the world, Centrallia 2012 was

also the coming out party for Winnipeg’s

new bilingual World Trade Centre, which was officially

launched between Thursday’s morning and afternoon

sessions. The launch announcement included the

news that WTC Winnipeg will also become the

host organization for all products related to the

Centrallia brand.

“Centrallia is the perfect World Trade Centre event,

as a number of WTC functions are deployed during

its two-and-a-half days,” said Mulaire. “International

business networking, trade education seminars,

access to both national and international trade

experts as well as government trade representatives –

all of this is available to Centrallia participants.

Now, by becoming the host organization for future

Centrallia events, the WTC Winnipeg will be able to

provide needed continuity and support for businesses

who successfully made connections through Centrallia,

as well as those pursuing leads they received from

the event.”

WTC Winnipeg Launched

“WTC Winnipeg will be able to provide needed continuity and support for businesses who successfully made connections through Centrallia.”

A

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Winnipeg was welcomed into the World Trade Centre family of 330 centres worldwide by Eric Dahl, CEO the of WTC Association in New York.

Mariette Mulaire introduces World Trade Centre Board.

15

“This is my second time here … A couple of [our companies] have already made sales and they are looking for the next Centrallia.”

Rock Nelson,

South Dakota, U.S.A.,

Sioux Falls Development

Foundation

(Delegation Leader)

Stacia Franz and Christine Ens were busy at Speakers' Corner, a video booth that allowed participants to share their experiences at Centrallia. Powered by the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, the booth

captured over 25 stories over the course of the event. View them at centrallia.com.

Aboriginal performing artist group Walking Wolf brought to Centrallia’s opening ceremonies the unique heritage and welcoming spirit of Manitoba's people. This act was followed by Economic Development Winnipeg's dynamic introduction to the city.

Manitoba Strengthens Economic, Cultural Ties with Lower Normandy, France

During Centrallia, the regional government

of Lower Normandy signed a Memorandum

of Understanding with the Province of

Manitoba to ensure economic development in

multiple sectors for mutual benefit. This, as a

result of over three years of international trade

development with ANIM's economic development

partners in France.

Introducing Centrallia’s Heroes… Our VolunteersOne comment we hear often from our Centrallia

participants is what a great value the event is;

they simply can’t believe what they get in

return for their participation fee. Well, the reason we

are able to pack so much content and service into two

and a half days is the many volunteers who donate

their time working as event hosts, translators and

drivers, plus performing many other functions

essential to putting on an event of this magnitude.

In total, no less than 214 people volunteered their

time and passion to making Centrallia 2012 the

success it was, and we thank every one for their

invaluable help making it possible. Special thanks

to Université de Saint-Boniface, Red River College,

Collège Jeanne-Sauvé, Glenlawn Collegiate, Windsor

Park Collegiate, The Chinese Chamber of Commerce

of Manitoba and businesses from which many of the

volunteers came. Thank you everyone!

16

Collaborating Partner | Partenaire collaborateur | Socio colaborador

Manitoba Champion Sponsors | Commanditaires champions du ManitobaAuspiciadores Campeónes de Manitoba

Lead Partner | Chef de file | Líder

Contribution from: | Contribution de : | Contribución de:

Made possible with the support of : | Rendu possible grâce au soutien de : Patrocinado por:

Partners | Partenaires | Asociados

Twitterallia, a large overhead display of Centrallia related Twitter messages, kept everyone fully connected with news, event updates and participant success stories throughout the event. A large number of participants were also assisted in setting up Twitter accounts for the first time. Twitterallia was powered by our social media sponsor Cruise Media Group.

Tourism Winnipeg’s Samantha Bason was available throughout the event to welcome and inform our international visitors.

“I am with RDÉE Ontario … and we’re here to report that on behalf of my delegation, it (Centrallia) was a resounding success.”

Alain Thivierge, Ontario, Canada

RDÉE Ontario (Delegation Leader)

17

Gold Level Sponsors | Commanditaires niveau or | Auspiciadores de nivel oro

Prize/Activity Sponsors | Commanditaires Prix/Activité | Auspiciadores Premio/Actividad

Bronze Level Sponsors | Commanditaires niveau bronze | Auspiciadores de nivel bronce

Silver Level Sponsors | Commanditaires niveau argent | Auspiciadores de nivel plata

&

MF2

2412

-111

2

ProsPerity through trade™

wtcwinnipeg.com 1 204 253 4888

WtC WINNIPEG

Lead partner

Phot

o: T

ouris

m W

inni

peg

Proud to join the World trade Center association network of more than 330 World trade Centres.

NoW oPeN!