Information sessions on Small Scale Manufacturing scheduled

Information sessions in support of development of the province's small-scale manufacturing industry begin next week with sessions in Grand Falls-Windsor and Plum Point. They will be followed throughout October and November with sessions in Happy-Valley/Goose Bay, St. John's, Clarenville, Marystown, and Corner Brook.

The sessions are an outcome of MANUFACTURING DEVELOPMENT: A STRATEGY FOR SMALL SCALE MANUFACTURING IN NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR, released in May 1999 by Beaton Tulk, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal. The sessions are being organized by the Manufacturing Development Forum, an initiative of the Alliance of Manufacturers and Exporters Newfoundland funded through the Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement.

The sessions are directed at introducing manufacturers and development groups; such as the Regional Economic Development Boards, Chambers of Commerce, and government agencies, to practices that best support the development of manufacturing. The sessions will also outline supports available from the Alliance of Exporters and Manufacturers Newfoundland, educational institutions, and government, to help firms adopt these best practices.

"These sessions are the first step in helping firms implement the global best practices in manufacturing. By implementing these strategic actions in a sustained and coordinated manner, small scale manufacturers in Newfoundland and Labrador will be able to thrive in an environment which enhances their efforts individually and collectively," stated Minister Tulk. "The end result will be a stronger and more diversified economy in all areas of the province and the creation of sustainable new employment for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."

Lorne Janes, chairperson of the Alliance of Manufacturers and Exporters, Newfoundland stated: "These sessions are the first opportunity for all stakeholders to be introduced to the best practices outlined in the report and how these practices can help manufacturers become more profitable."

The Manufacturing Development Forum, which is organizing the sessions, represents a partnership between the Alliance of Manufacturers and Exporters; the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency; College of the North Atlantic; the Departments of Development and Rural Renewal and Industry, Trade, and Technology; Human Resources Development Canada; Industry Canada; and Memorial University of Newfoundland. The forum was created by the Alliance of Manufacturers and Exporters Newfoundland to help coordinate the adoption of the strategy and further develop small scale manufacturing in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Place

Grand Falls/Windsor

Plum Point

Happy Valley/Goose Bay

St. John's

Clarenville

Marystown

Corner Brook

Date

Oct. 14

Oct. 15

Oct. 21

Oct. 28

Nov. 18

Nov. 19

Nov 24

Location

Royal Canadian Legion

Plum Point Motel

Aurora Hotel

Delta Hotel

St. Jude Hotel

Motel Mortier

Glenmill Inn

Time

9:30 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.

8:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

8:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

People interested in more information on the strategy titled: MANUFACTURING DEVELOPMENT. A STRATEGY FOR SMALL SCALE MANUFACTURING IN NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR can contact Sean McCarthy at the Department of Development and Rural Renewal by e-mail at skmccart@mail.gov.nf.ca, by telephone at 729-7253, or by facsimile at 729-6853, or contact their regional office of the Department of Development and Rural Renewal.