NLIS 4
May 15, 2002
(Industry, Trade and Rural Development)

 

Pilot study receives award from Business Retention and Expansion International

A pilot study sponsored by the provincial and federal governments has won an international award. Business Retention and Expansion International (BREI) presented its Special Programs Award at its recent annual conference in Memphis, Tennessee.

Derek Staubitzer, regional economic development planning analyst with the Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development, accepted the award in Tennessee on behalf of the department and its partners for its Newfoundland and Labrador Business Retention and Expansion Pilot Study. Tom Hawco, industrial adjustment services consultant with Human Resources Development Canada, represented project partner Human Resources Development Canada at the event.

"This prestigious award speaks highly of the pilot study and its sponsors," said Industry, Trade and Rural Development Minister Kelvin Parsons. "It also speaks highly of the commitment that we have for economic development in this province, particularly in rural areas."

The Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development, Human Resources Development Canada and Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency sponsored the pilot study. The Exploits Valley Economic Development Corporation and Nati (Newfoundland Association of Technology Industries) participated as the study partners.

The Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) initiative is a community-based economic development tool that promotes job growth. It does this by helping community leaders identify the barriers to survival and growth that face local businesses. Strategic plans are then developed based on those barriers. Formalized in-person interviews with local businesses are the cornerstone of the BRE approach.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Business Retention and Expansion Pilot Study was recognized because of its unique design of comparing an industry versus geographic approach. The geographic component studied the Exploits Valley region. Volunteers interviewed 91 businesses. From those visits, nine key findings were identified, each of which warranted an action plan. The information technology study interviewed 67 businesses which identified 17 key findings. From those key findings, seven action strategies were developed. Both of the study partners are now in the process of implementing their action plans.

"Our pilot study showed that regardless of industry, sector or geographic location, BRE is a practical and useful tool to support and expand small businesses throughout the province," said Minister Parsons.

"The BRE process works because it offers feasible alternatives for solving the problems encountered by businesses in our communities," said Mr. Hawco.

According to Jeff Tulk, president of Nati: "BRE provided a structured approach to identify issues facing our existing businesses. Nati's BRE project, involving local partners, has proven to be an extremely valuable experience. In addition to reinforcing the significance of a number of issues, it has assisted Nati with the development of an action plan."

David Curran, executive director, Exploits Valley Economic Development Corporation, said: "The BRE process requires a lot of work from volunteers but it is worth it. We now know the needs of the local business community and can focus our efforts on what's important to them."

Harold Flaming, lead for rural program development with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs nominated the study for the award. He introduced the Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development and its partners to the BRE initiative several years ago when he was studying the province�s Regional Economic Development Boards. He kept in contact with officials throughout the pilot study.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Business Retention and Expansion Pilot Study competed against several programs all across North America. The pilot study received one of only two awards handed out at the Business Retention and Expansion International conference.

Business Retention and Expansion International (BREI) is a nonprofit professional association of economic development professionals who are working for the advancement of business retention and expansion as an economic development strategy for communities.

Media contact: Josephine Cheeseman, Communications, (709) 729-4570.

2002 05 15                          12:15 p.m.


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