"A SMART Showcase Community" is the latest description given to the Miramichi. This distinction was announced June 1st   by SMART Technologies, a Calgary based world leader in the development of interactive Smartboards and related technology. Mr. Patric Nagel, the company's Vice President for Sales - North America, spoke to a large gathering of invited guests at the Rodd Miramichi during a series of presentations that illustrated not only how School District 16 makes very extensive classroom use of the student engaging devices but how the wider Miramichi community benefits as well, particularly in the area of tourism. The Miramichi River Tourism Association has adopted Smartboards in several tourist locations to help visitors become informed and plan their activities in the area. This regional involvement is the result of a partnership with School District 16 which has provided leadership from teachers and students. The significance of the event was underscored by the large number of dignitaries in attendance led by New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham. Also attending where MLA's Bill Fraser and John Foran, Miramichi Mayor Gerry Cormier, NB Deputy Minister of Education John Kershaw, D16 Superintendent Laurie Keoughan and many other municipal and provincial government leaders, educators and business representatives. Throughout the evening much was made of the fact that interactive technology has an important place in the classroom environment of the 21st century where learning includes publishing, collaborating and reaching out to engage the community. Earlier in the day a luncheon was held for business leaders who were given a chance to learn how SMART Technologies products are being used in the Miramichi area in business and industry. This was followed by an open house in the afternoon during which the public had an opportunity to see demonstrations of how such products are used in local classrooms. To see photos visit http://www.district16.nbed.nb.ca/gallery/miramichi-smart-showcase-community . To view video of the use of SMART technology in D16 at http://dt16community.nbed.nb.ca/media/content/video/3370 .