New Shoes TV takes a new look at young business

The Newfoundland and Labrador division of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) today announced the official launch of New Shoes TV, an innovative television series about young entrepreneurs.

The program, which features the stories of 11 companies pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams, is told in two episodes through Newfoundland and Labrador's newest look at young business. It will premiere on NTV this Sunday, November 18, 2001 at 4:30 p.m.. The second part will air at the same time on November 25, 2001.

The companies/individuals featured are: Stan Cook Sea Kayaking, Cape Broyle; Sideways Boardshop, Corner Brook; artist Grant Boland, Riverhead/St. John's; State of the Art �New Artist Gallery, Corner Brook; Exploits Oilskins Originals, St. John's; Timber, St. John's; Storm Brewing, St. John's; adventure outfitter Bill Bryden, Steady Brook; Forteau Pottery, Forteau; fisher Sabrina Whyatt, St. Carol's; and Digital D'go, St. John's.

"New Shoes TV acknowledges the achievements of our province's future innovators, business leaders and creators of wealth by featuring young people involved in manufacturing, the arts, tourism and information technology who followed their dreams and succeeded," said David Gill, chairman of the Newfoundland and Labrador division of the CME. "We wanted to illustrate that self-employment is a viable option by having dynamic entrepreneurs tell their stories and provide advice and encouragement. The intent is to let our audience know that these entrepreneurs are not much different than themselves." 

The CME, a private sector industry association representing the province's manufacturers and exporters, undertook the production with its public and private sector partners to foster more positive attitudes amongst the province's youth, about entrepreneurship and the opportunities that may be available to them in their communities. 

The initiative received $50,000 in funding support from the Canada/Newfoundland Comprehensive Economic Development Agreement and $50,000 under the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy Information and Awareness component, which is administered by Human Resources Development Canada. Private sector support of $10,000 from NewTel, an Aliant company, and $10,000 in-kind from Air Canada/Air Canada Regional helped make these programs possible.

"The New Shoes TV initiative takes an innovative approach to profiling some of the exciting youth businesses operating in our province today," said Brian Tobin, federal Minister of Industry. "By showing the successful and creative ideas that have been put in motion by these 11 young entrepreneurs, this program will help encourage people of all ages to pursue their business ideas." 

Robert Thibault, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), added: "ACOA is pleased to be a partner in this initiative, which supports and encourages youth entrepreneurship. Through this project, and other initiatives, young people are learning that entrepreneurship opens up very real opportunities and viable career options."

"Government's Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth notes that the development of our youth is a key ingredient for the long term economic success of our province," said Beaton Tulk, Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development. "This initiative not only showcases the achievements of local young entrepreneurs, it also provides role models and graphic proof that our young people are making it right here, right now, in Newfoundland and Labrador."

New Shoes TV is a follow-up to an initiative that began in 1994 with a New Shoes magazine featuring the success stories of young entrepreneurs. The magazine was distributed to high schools in the province, as well as through other venues. A second edition of the magazine was published in 1999.

The Canada/Newfoundland Comprehensive Economic Development Agreement is a six-year, $95.4 million initiative designed to complement existing federal and provincial programs and agreements. It is administered federally by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and provincially by the Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development.

The Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy is designed to help youth make the transition from school to work and get their first job, in partnership with businesses, non-governmental organizations, communities and other levels of government. For more information on programs available under the Youth Employment Strategy, call the Youth Info Line at 1-800-935-5555, or visit the website at //www.youth.gc.ca.

Media contact:

Sean McCarthy
Vice-president
Newfoundland and Labrador Division
Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters
(709) 772-3682 

Heidi Bonnell
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Industry
(613) 995-9001 

Jennifer Savoy
Press Secretary 
Office of the Minister of State for ACOA
(613) 941-7291 

Doug Burgess
Communications
ACOA
(709) 772-2935

Josephine Cheeseman
Director of Communications
Industry, Trade and Rural Development
(709) 729-4570 

Bonnie Pope
Regional Communications Manager
Human Resources Development Canada
(709) 772-5346


2001 11 15                            5:25 p.m.