Queen’s School of Business Commerce students hosted the 31^st annual Inter-Collegiate Business Competition (ICBC) to great success during the final round weekend January 8 & 9.  ICBC is the largest and longest running undergraduate business case competition and featured 150 submissions from Canadian and international universities with the final rounds represented by 18 different universities. Highlights of this year’s competition included the introduction of the Human Resources event, presented by Minerva Safety Management Education and the 10^th anniversary of the Sheldon Chumir Foundation Ethics event which has been commended for its personal interaction and presentation.

Students valued the interaction with other competitors in addition to the Queen’s Commerce student hosts.  “I chose to participate in ICBC because it gave me real exposure to one of the most prestigious schools in Canada,” said Valerie Larochella from Concordia University. “I got to add value to my diploma, and gained many new experiences.”

The Final Debate was a heated one, with the University of British Columbia and Calgary University going head-to-head debating the topic “It’s All Good” within the realms of government and education.  In the end, UBC’s strong topical points and quick responses gave their team a competitive edge and first place in the competition.

The three universities who came out on top with two first place finishes out of the eight disciplines were: University of Calgary in Accounting and Business Policy; University of British Columbia in Debating and Marketing; and McGill in Ethics & Finance. Wilfred Laurier was the winner of the first ever Human Resources event. Queen’s School of Business was tops in the category of Management Information Systems, presented by Caro Systems and came second in the Finance category, presented by BMO Capital Markets.

For competition details and photos please visit the ICBC website.

Major gift moves QSB closer to fundraising goal for expansion of Goodes Hall

Kingston, ON – Queen’s School of Business received a $2 million gift from BMO Financial Group in support of the expansion of Goodes Hall, the home of the business school.

The donation was presented today at a ceremony on campus with Eric Tripp, President of BMO Capital Markets and Queen’s BA (Hons) ’81, Queen’s University Principal Daniel Woolf and Queen’s School of Business Dean David Saunders.

“We are extremely proud of our longstanding relationship with Queen’s and also our deep commitment to education,” said Mr. Tripp. “Of the nearly $50 million in sponsorships and donations that BMO Financial Group delivers each year in Canada, close to one-third goes toward education. This includes support for highly regarded institutions like Queen’s, but also support for students in the form of scholarships.”

In recognition of BMO’s support, the Goodes Hall Atrium has been named the BMO Financial Group Atrium. A group of Commerce student leaders helped unveil the signage at today’s ceremony.

“As a Queen’s alumnus, I know the new BMO Financial Group Atrium will serve as a leading centre for dialogue and interaction amongst students, academics and business leaders, reinforcing this university’s outstanding reputation for excellence in business education,” added Mr. Tripp.

The 75,000 square-foot expansion will feature three new high-tech classrooms, breakout rooms, a student common area and multi-purpose room for conferences, guest speakers and recruiting events, as well as a support centre and office space for students.

“With more great teaching, research and learning opportunities, we can expand QSB’s global footprint and alumni network, and advance our goal to be one of the most innovative and influential business schools in Canada and the world,” said Dean Saunders. “We are very thankful for BMO’s continued support of QSB and our mission to develop outstanding leaders.”

Queen’s University and BMO Financial Group have been working together since 1867, one of the longest running business relationships in Canada. In addition to BMO’s support of the new wing at QSB, the bank has also established a professorship recognizing teaching excellence in Finance, as well as the Bank of Montreal National Award, a student award recognizing academic excellence, leadership and community involvement.

Since 1817, BMO Financial Group, Canada’s first bank, has supported the principles of community reinvestment and corporate and social responsibility in the communities it serves. BMO is one of Canada’s largest corporate benefactors. In 2009, BMO contributed nearly $50 million in Canada, supporting charitable donations, sponsorships and other events.

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To request a photo or arrange an interview, please contact:
Amber Wallace, Queen’s School of Business
613.533.3151 / awallace@business.queensu.ca

Kim Hanson, BMO Financial Group
416.867.3996 / kim.hanson@bmo.com

QFAC Stock Trading Simulation winners open the market at the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Queen’s School of Business Finance Association Conference (QFAC) Stock Trading Simulation winners joined Robert Fotheringham, Senior Vice President, Trading, TMX Group to open the market for the first day of trading of the new year in Toronto on Tuesday. QFAC is a student run conference focusing on finance and capital markets. Student delegates network with professionals and explore a variety of finance-related careers. The stock trading simulation, one of the most memorable events of the conference, takes place on the trading floor of the original Toronto Stock Exchange building on Bay Street. Delegates, assisted by an investment professional, compete by trading stocks and options in a real-time stock market challenge.

Matei Olaru, student conference coordinator, and Misha Plotkine, one of the trading simulation winners, were featured on Business News Network. Check out their interview.