August 5, 1999
(Development and Rural Renewal)

Regional economic development board captures national award

A regional economic development board for the province's south coast has captured a national award for a promotional initiative it developed to attract investors to its area of the province.

The Coast of Bays Corporation, which is headquartered in Bay d'Espoir, entered the package in the 1999 Marketing Canada Awards sponsored by the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC). The promotional initiative, developed in cooperation with the Connaigre Peninsula Industrial Adjustment Services, was one of 323 submissions the EDAC received from across Canada for this year's awards.

Beaton Tulk, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal, today congratulated the corporation for being recognized as a leader on the national stage. "With more than 320 other entries from across the country, this is a remarkable achievement. I particularly commend the individuals who dedicated their time and talent to this initiative."

The formal awards presentation will take place September 14 in Hamilton, Ontario during the EDAC's Professional Development Conference.

The winning promotional initiative, entitled "The Natural Way to do Business," was launched at a news conference in St. John's nine months ago. It focuses on the region's natural advantages and opportunities. The Coast of Bays Corporation is seeking new investors by targeting companies involved in tourism, aquaculture, the fishery, agriculture, cultural industries and information technology. The corporation's region, comprised of 22 communities, covers the Connaigre Peninsula, Bay d'Espoir area and the north shore of Fortune Bay.

The promotion package can be viewed on the corporation's web site at www.coastofbays.nf.ca.

Media contact:

Josephine Cheeseman
Communications
Department of Development and Rural Renewal
(709) 729-4570

Tracey Perry
Executive Director
Coast of Bays Corporation
(709) 538-3552

1999 08 05                                                 10:35 a.m.