Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests.

It’s my pleasure to be here today, celebrating the success of another Nova Scotia company.

Protocase Incorporated is the perfect example of the ingenuity and creativity that can flourish in the right business climate.

Protocase is the brian-child of Steve Lilley, President and C-E-O. Steve saw a need in the market for customized enclosures for electronic circuit boards that wasn’t being met.

But he didn’t just want to fill the gap; he set high standards for himself and his new company. He wanted his products to be affordable without compromising quality. He aimed to fill customer orders within three business days - unheard of in this industry.

Steve didn’t let the fact this hadn’t been done before get in his way. He just rolled up his sleeves.

Now, six years later, Protocase Incorporated has met and surpassed its own high-standards. The company’s commitment to quality, affordability and quick delivery has established a loyal clientele. Protocase is now a multi-million dollar business experiencing seven percent growth, month over month.

In fact, Protocase has grown so quickly, it needs a new home. The company needs more space to accommodate the 139 employees it plans to hire over the next five years; employees who will fill a projected 24 million dollars in orders.

When a company demonstrates a winning idea and successful management, my government is prepared to support its growth.

I’m proud to say the Nova Scotia Government will invest 1.2 million dollars toward the construction of a new Protocase facility in the Harbourside Commercial Park. The money will come from the Industrial Expansion Fund; a fund established to develop and expand Nova Scotia businesses.

The corporate sector also sees potential in Protocase. GrowthWorks Canada, one of the country’s leading venture capital management companies, will invest 1.1 million dollars in the project. Protocase has already secured 425-thousand dollars from local investors.

Supporting Protocase’s expansion makes good business sense.

Small and medium enterprises in this province deserve our continued support. Hard-working entrepreneurs and their employees power this province’s economic engine.

Their success shows the rest of the world that Nova Scotia is a dynamic place to do business.

Congratulations to Protocase on your current and future success. I look forward to visiting your new, expanded facility.

Thank you.