The following is being distributed at the request of the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC):

NLHC board members hold 185th meeting and
celebrate the corporations 20th Annual Tenant Conference

Joan Burke, Minister, Human Resources, Labour and Emploment, Responsible for Housing announced today, that on September 23-24, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation's (NLHC) Board of Directors will join corporate representatives and tenants from NLHC's non-profit housing community throughout the province in celebrating its 20th annual tenant conference. The next day, September 25, the board will gather for the 185th sitting of NLHC's Board of Directors.

"NLHC's board members are very interested in learning as much as they can about the accomplishments, issues and concerns of the various tenant associations throughout the province," said Minister Burke. "It is equally important that tenants get to know the corporation's board members, and the annual tenant conference provides that unique opportunity. By understanding each others goal's and keeping an open line of communication, we are all more likely to make decisions better suited to everyone's needs."

The tenant conference will be held at Hotel Gander, and the theme for this year's conference is, Community starts with you! Approximately 60 tenants representing 30 tenant associations across the province will be in attendance. On Friday evening, Dave Denine, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister Responsible for Housing, will give opening remarks and bring greetings on behalf of Minister Joan Burke.

On Saturday morning, the Community Centre Executive Directors will facilitate two sessions for participants: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Volunteering and Putting the Fun in Fundraising. Keynote speaker for this year's conference is Ann Hagan who will facilitate an information session entitled "Life is what YOU choose to make it." Tenant representatives, NLHC staff and board members will participate in the sessions.

On Saturday evening, six tenant associations will celebrate anniversaries and receive awards from Len Simms, NLHC's chief executive officer, to mark the occasion. The Dunfield Park Tenant Association will celebrate 30 years; West Heights Tenant Association is celebrating its 20th anniversary; Virginia Park Tenant Association is celebrating its 20th anniversary; Farmdale-Greengarden-Hendon Drive Tenant Association also celebrates 20 years, and the Burin Blackduck Cove Tenant Association will receive a 15-year anniversary award. The conference, which is organized each year by NLHC's tenant relations officers, will wrap up with a banquet and closing remarks from Mr. Simms.

Media contact: Jenny Bowring, NLHC, (709) 724-3055

2005 09 22                                       10:55 a.m.