Newfoundland and Labrador participates in Atlantic Craft Trade Show

Judy Foote, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal, today announced that 17 businesses specializing in craft manufacturing will be attending the 20th Spring Atlantic Craft Trade Show, being held on February 1 - 3, 1997 at the World Trade and Convention Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The Atlantic Craft Trade Show is a wholesale craft trade show sponsored by the four Atlantic Provinces. Over 200 exhibitors will be participating in the show which features crafts, giftware and apparel made in Atlantic Canada.

One exhibitor, Judy Parsons of Carded Treasures in Clarenville, has been awarded a contract with Cavendish Figurines of Prince Edward Island. Cavendish Figurines contracted Mrs. Parsons to make cards bearing the silhouette of Anne of Green Gables, to be test marketed in Japan in March. Carded Treasures hand produces silhouette cards depicting well known scenes in Atlantic Canada. Mrs. Parsons produced 10,000 cards last year which she exports throughout Canada, the United States and Britain. Her participation in the craft show will give her product increased profile thereby expanding her potential to access new markets.

"The craft industry has a great deal of potential throughout this province but especially as a growing industry in rural Newfoundland and Labrador," said the minister. "In pursuit of the growth of this industry, government has targeted trade shows such as the Atlantic Craft Trade Show, as being important tools in marketing products crafted in Newfoundland and Labrador to buyers across North America. Development and Rural Renewal's Craft Industry Development Program allows local wholesale craft producers such as Judy Parsons, the opportunity to reach buyers throughout North America."

Development and Rural Renewal's Craft Industry Development Program sponsors local craftspeople to attend various tradeshows throughout Canada every year. Thirteen of the 17 craftspeople participating in this weekend's craft trade show will be displaying their products in the wholesale market for the first time.

The following exhibitors will be attending from this province: Woof Design, Trinity Knitwear Limited, Landmark Pottery, Sky-Hi by Meridien, Delia Pewter, Stitches from Salmonier, OLO (Olivia Lewis Originals), Tutuit Jewellery, Greetings from Newfoundland, Carded Treasures, Southwest Arm Knitters, Just Pretend Playhouse, Fashioncraft, Nortique Fashions, Grenfell Handicrafts (1984) Limited, Bits and Pieces, and Winterhouses.

Contact: Susan Laite, Development and Rural Renewal, (709) 729- 4570.