Companies in central Newfoundland wishing to increase procurement opportunities within the public and private sectors will have the opportunity to attend Supplier Development Information Sessions in Grand Falls-Windsor on May 30 and in Gander on May 31.

"These sessions are offered by government and our partners to help local businesses develop new public and private sector markets," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "These sessions allow businesses to meet with purchasing agents and learn about the purchasing requirements of the featured entities. If your business is able to provide goods or services to the public sector at the provincial or federal level, or to the private sector companies that are presenting, you should attend these events."

On Wednesday, May 30, the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, in partnership with the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor, the Exploits Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Exploits Valley Economic Development Corporation, and the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, will hold a session in Grand Falls-Windsor at the College of the North Atlantic, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

This session will assist local firms to identify supply opportunities within the public sector, and within the aquaculture industry. Presentations by purchasing representatives within the public sector and within Cooke Aquaculture and the Barry Group (Natures Sea Farms Inc.) will be followed by a networking lunch. To register or enquire about the Grand Falls-Windsor session, call: Shirley Morrow, 709-489-8700, or Sean Cooper at 709-489-7512. There is no fee for the session.

On Thursday, May 31, the department, in partnership with the Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce, the Kittiwake Economic Development Corporation, and the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, will hold the second session in Gander, at the Albatross Hotel, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

This session will assist local firms to identify supply opportunities within the public sector. Presentations by provincial and federal purchasing representatives will be followed by a networking lunch. To register or enquire about the Gander session, call Ruth Clarke, 709-256-7110, or Sharon Loder at 709-256-2996. There is no fee for the session.

"This is a great opportunity for the local business community to learn about the purchasing processes of the public sector and featured companies and to interact with purchasing representatives," said Bill Stirling, vice-president, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, Newfoundland and Labrador Division. "The Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, Newfoundland and Labrador Division, has a number of programs and services that can provide assistance to businesses that are interested in exploring new markets."

To help businesses to start or expand, including seizing opportunities related to the supply of goods and services, the department offers a number of financial and non-financial supports to businesses throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. In Budget 2007, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador allocated more than $70 million to stimulate business growth, to create jobs and to strengthen local economies. In addition to holding Supplier Development Sessions, the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development provides support to companies through the Business Retention and Expansion Program, the Commercialization Program, the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Fund, the Business Networks Program, and the Business and Market Development Program.

Media contact:
Lynn Evans
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
lynnevans@gov.nl.ca