The Grand Theatre was shining with bright stars on Wednesday June 10, 2009 when the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) held their fourth annual SSMARt (Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma Region) Innovation Awards. Formerly known as the SSMARt IT Awards, the gala ceremony honours and recognizes local talent in the science and IT sectors.

This award acknowledges a company's leadership through the innovation of its science and/or technology products, services or research, the sustained growth of its assets and its dedication to community involvement. Science and/or technology should be the primary focus of this emerging or expanding company. The nominated companies were rated by their growth, innovative products/services, market position, strategic advantages, and impact on the science, technology and/or local community.

The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for National Research Council Canada (NRC), today presented a Canadian Innovation Leader Certificate to Forest BioProducts Inc. (SITTM's parent company), at the company's facility in Sault Ste. Marie.