Government Home Search Sitemap Contact Us

September 12, 1997
(Executive Council)

Premier announces Irish business partnership:
Group pursuing new development opportunities

Brian Tobin, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced that a high-level, multi-faceted committee representing information technology, culture, tourism and environmental industries has been launched to pursue new business development opportunities between Ireland and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Under the chairmanship of Vince Withers, President and CEO of the NewTel Group of companies, the Irish Business Partnership - Newfoundland and Labrador, brings together local industry leaders to direct the activities of three working groups: in information technology, environmental industries, and culture and tourism. he Irish Business Partnership operates under a formal Memorandum of Understanding between the gvernments of Ireland and Newfoundland, signed in August.

Members of the Executive Committee are, along with Mr. Withers: Dr. Jim Barnes, Bristol Communications; Paul Antle, SCC Environmental Ltd; Dr. Ron Rompkey, Memorial University; Max Ruelokke, Industry Trade and Technology; Barbara Knight, Intergovernmental Affairs Secretariat; Dr. Bill Blake, Memorial University; and Dean MacDonald, Cable Atlantic.

Premier Tobin said that this partnership with Ireland is a vital step in developing this province's economy. "Ireland is generating thousands of new jobs, particularly in the IT sector, and they have really built on a strong, well-focused industrial development policy. This group is going to be aggressive in opening the door to new opportunities."

Jan Dicks has been named full-time Executive Director of the Irish Business Partnership. A graduate of Memorial University with a Masters' Degree in Business Administration, Ms. Dicks brings to the partnership extensive experience in developing business strategies, marketing initiatives, human resources training, and tourism.

In addition to planning the next trade mission, Premier Tobin said that the committee has established three working groups "to provide leadership to several areas which look particularly promising."

Dr. Jim Barnes chairs the IT Working Group, along with Bob Newell, NewTel Communications; Dr. Jack Botsford, Operation ONLINE; Terry Johnstone, Newfoundland and Labrador Alliance of Technical Industries; Dave King, Seabright Corporation; Terry Lomax, Seaborne Technologies; and Edie Hayward, Specialist Solutions.

Paul Antle chairs the Environmental Working Group, along with Leslie Grattan of the Department of Environment and Labour.

Dr. Ron Rompkey chairs the Culture and Tourism Working Group, along with Robert Thompson, Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation.

Premier Tobin said: "Through this focused approach, the Irish Business Partnership will be able to develop the full range of opportunities in each of these growth sectors."

Partnership Chair Vince Withers said: "We're going to be giving attention to areas such as promotion of this province to Irish business, cooperative ventures between business and industry, technology transfer, research and development, cooperative training opportunities, academic exchanges, cultural events and activities, tourism marketing initiatives, and development of environmental industries. It is very evident to all of us working on this partnership that the opportunities are virtually unlimited.

"One of the most important needs is to facilitate exchanges between industry associations and firms in the two regions. Through that process, we expect to identify new business sectors with solid growth potential that will prove real benefits to both partners."

Mr. Withers noted that he expects to see several announcements in the area of education and training in the very near future, and that the committee will provide the local business community an opportunity to become better acquainted with the Irish Business Partnership.

Contact: Heidi Bonnell, (709) 729-3564.