NLIS 5
September 29, 2003
(Industry, Trade and Rural Development)

 

RuralEXPO 2003 hits the mark in Gander

Approximately 4,000 people attended the rural business exhibition, 360 people attended the conference program, and the third annual Community Economic Development Awards struck a chord with nominees, winners and attendees alike, attracting a total of 650 people. The weekend was filled with confidence and excitement about what is happening in rural Newfoundland and Labrador today and what the future holds. This was the scene at RuralEXPO 2003, a rural exhibition and economic development conference, that took place September 25-27, 2003, in Gander.

"RuralEXPO 2003 accomplished what it set out to do -- profile and enhance the role that entrepreneurs, communities, organizations and individuals play in taking advantage of the economic opportunities that exist in rural Newfoundland and Labrador," said Industry, Trade and Rural Development Minister Judy Foote. "One of government�s priorities, as identified in its Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth, is to help build stronger communities and stronger regions. RuralEXPO 2003 was an example of how we are all working together to do just that."

Focus on Youth
A total of 100 youth delegates from all regions of the province participated in the RuralEXPO 2003 youth forum. Activities included roundtable discussions with 11 cabinet ministers on topics ranging from health care, education, economic development, environmental issues, along with opportunities for youth entrepreneurship. The roundtable discussion was a hit with youth who said it provided them with an unique opportunity to pose questions to government leaders and offer input into some of the most important issues facing the province.

Conference Program
The conference program included seminars, workshops and presentations that focused on innovative approaches, best practices and success stories in community economic development and small business development in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. A total of 26 speakers addressed the conference over two days.

Rural Business Exhibition
Over 150 companies and economic development organizations were represented at the rural business exhibition. An estimated 4,000 people visited the exhibition site where entrepreneurs from around the province showcased their products and services - everything from wines to kayaks, artwork, superior quality crafts and clothing, to name a few. It was also an opportunity for organizations and community agencies to profile the role they play in promoting economic opportunity and successful business enterprises in rural Newfoundland and Labrador.

Community Economic Development Awards
The highlight of RuralEXPO 2003 was the presentation of the third annual Community Economic Development Awards. A total of 90 nominations were received for the awards. Seamus O�Regan, co-host of CTV�s Canada AM, was master of ceremonies for the event.

Awards were handed out in six categories. Winners of the awards include:

Douglas Sheppard of Gander - Lifetime Achievement Award
The Youth Ventures Corporation
- Excellence in Fostering Entrepreneurship Award
The Labrador Straits Development Corporation
- Excellence in Partnership Award
Adam Harnett
of Clarenville - Excellence in Youth Leadership Award
Sheila Downer
of Forteau - Individual Achievement Award.
The Community Capacity Building Initiative
- Innovation in Education Award

The Music Industry Association of Newfoundland and Labrador also profiled its industry at RuralEXPO 2003 through a Songwriter�s Circle at the Gander Arts and Culture Centre, which featured local artists Chris Ledrew, Jackie Sullivan, Kevin Collins, Shawn Wiseman, and Randel Arsenault.

Keynote speakers included Minister Foote and Seamus O�Regan. Minister Foote touched on several topics during Friday�s address including: Newfoundland and Labrador�s economic performance, government�s Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth, regional economic development, small business development, and the role of youth in rebuilding our economy.

Seamus O�Regan also gave a powerful speech that brought the audience to its feet. He talked about the changing perception of Newfoundland and Labrador around the world, the strengths of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, the economic opportunities available in the province, and how all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can become more directly involved in taking full advantage of the opportunities before us.

"RuralEXPO 2003 was an overwhelming success," said Minister Foote. "The event demonstrated yet again the success of communities, organizations and individuals working together and how this partnership results in a brighter future for Newfoundland and Labrador. As the theme of RuralEXPO 2003 stated, We�re doing it...in rural Newfoundland and Labrador."

Further details on RuralEXPO 2003 are available at www.gov.nl.ca/ruralexpo

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-4570

2003 09 29                                     1:35 p.m.


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