Industry Conference Helps Foster New Opportunities and Economic Development
News release
Federal and provincial investments of $35,000 to support Placentia Bay Industry Showcase
September 19, 2018 – Placentia, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of the economy and play a key role in making our communities strong and vibrant. Investing in initiatives that help businesses capitalize on new opportunities creates economic activity and builds a thriving middle class.
The governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are providing $35,000 in funding for the Placentia Area Chamber of Commerce to host the Placentia Bay Industry Showcase 2018 – a premier industry conference that highlights new opportunities for business growth and economic development in the area. The conference is taking place September 18-20.
Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon, on behalf of the Honorable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today announced a non-repayable contribution of $25,000 from ACOA’s Business Development Program for this initiative. The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation (TCII), also announced $10,000 from the provincial government.
The Placentia Bay Industry Showcase is an annual conference that brings together small and medium-sized businesses and other industry stakeholders from around the province to discuss, explore and pursue new economic opportunities being created by increased industrial activity in the Placentia Bay region. More than 300 people are expected to attend the event, which includes a trade show, conference sessions, speed networking sessions, a business exhibition and business excellence awards.
These investments build on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which involves targeted actions to create opportunities for all Atlantic Canadians. This includes supporting economic development in rural communities through investments in growth, expansion and diversification.
Quotes
“Through ACOA, our government is making strategic investments that build on the region’s competitive advantages and help strengthen and diversify communities. We are pleased to support the great work being done by the Placentia Area Chamber of Commerce to advance economic opportunities in the Placentia Bay region and develop a diversified and sustainable economy for many years to come.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Our government believes that public investments in initiatives like this one with the Placentia Area Chamber of Commerce are the best way to spur economic growth, job creation and broad-based prosperity. We are committed to partnering with industry and non-profit organizations to help local businesses seize emerging opportunities, drive economic growth and create strong, sustainable communities.”
- Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon
“Through The Way Forward, our government continues to make wise investments that strengthen our province’s economic foundation. Today’s announcement will play a role in developing and sustaining a diversified economy in the Placentia Bay region, while energizing local businesses, so they can attract and build on potential opportunities.”
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“By investing in the industry showcase, we are helping to support the business potential of the region. I look forward to continuing to work with the Placentia Area Chamber of Commerce and industry stakeholders to continue to grow and diversify the Placentia Bay economy.”
- The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Service NL and MHA for Placentia–St. Mary's
“We are extremely grateful to have this partnership with both levels of government for the Placentia Bay Industry Showcase 2018 – ‘Seize the Opportunity’. The Placentia area is at a turning point in development with two major industrial projects currently in operation, an increased level of activity in the Argentia port, a growing unique tourism industry and a positive outlook for economic growth with limitless potential. This partnership will contribute greatly to a successful event, which is important to the region and the organization, allowing us to highlight, promote and share the opportunities on our doorstep.”
- Karen Maher, President, Placentia Area Chamber of Commerce
Contacts
Paul McGrath
Director of Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
Paul.McGrath@canada.ca
Eric Humber
Media Relations Manager
Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 709-725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Jeremy Reynolds
Government Members Office
709-729-3394
JeremyReynolds@gov.nl.ca
Eugene Collins
Executive Director
Placentia Area Chamber of Commerce
709-227-0003