WILLIAMS LAKE - Businesses looking to reap 2010 benefits have another tool for success, announced Colin Hansen, Minister of Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Olympics.

"The 2010 Business Network is just one more way the Province, through
the B.C. 2010 Winter Games Secretariat, is ensuring our local businesses have the tools they need to capitalize on $4 billion in 2010-related procurement opportunities," said Hansen. "This network was set up to give our businesses increased exposure to an international audience and will be a lasting legacy to B.C.'s business community."

The 2010 Business Network is an online database that allows companies to profile themselves to 2010 buyers including official sponsors, national Olympic and Paralympic teams, international media organizations and scores of other Games-related organizations. The network will also allow companies to find and facilitate subcontracting, partnering and networking opportunities.

The British Columbia 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Secretariat's 2010 Commerce Centre will use the 2010 Business Network to assist B.C. firms to establish relevant contacts, identify partnering opportunities and arrange meetings that may lead to partnerships or successful contract biddings at the 2010 Winter Games and beyond.

"The 2010 Business Network will provide excellent opportunities for all B.C. businesses to forge successful business relationships, before and during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games," said Michael Nathanson, marketing and sales manager for MVKA Productions. "This is an excellent initiative, one that has the potential to create collaborative partnerships and contacts that will have lasting benefits well beyond 2010."

The network will benefit small- and medium-sized B.C. businesses by exposing them to a larger audience as well as provide significant matchmaking opportunities. It allows companies to post detailed profile, which will be available for all other businesses to browse and search for under specific pre-set categories.

Businesses can register for the 2010 Business Network by visiting the 2010 Commerce Centre website at www.2010CommerceCentre.com.201