The Eastern Suppliers Development Alliance, a
partnership of economic development organizations, is undertaking an
analysis of business opportunities associated with the Hebron oil
project.
Enabled by an investment of more than $61,000 from the
Provincial Government, the analysis will identify opportunities for a
wide-range of sectors including fabrication, manufacturing, retail, and
service. The alliance will also be initiating an awareness campaign
focused on highlighting available skills and expertise in the eastern
region to procurers of products and services.
"Working collectively to identify opportunities on
large-scale industrial projects bodes well for the success of local
businesses," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation,
Trade and Rural Development. "There are considerable opportunities for
local businesses on industrial projects such as the Hebron oil
development. As a government, we strongly support initiatives that
explore possible opportunities and work to maximize their potential for
the benefit of local businesses."
Established in 2009, the alliance consists of the
Discovery Regional Development Board,
Schooner Regional Development Corporation,
Avalon Gateway Regional Economic Development Board, and chambers of
commerce representing the Clarenville and Arnold's Cove areas, as well
as the Burin Peninsula. The region represented by the alliance includes
infrastructure that lends itself to the oil and gas, manufacturing and
fabrication, and supply and service sectors, including the Marystown and
Clarenville shipyards and Bull Arm Fabrication facility.
The alliance's awareness campaign will focus on
highlighting the strengths of doing business with companies and
organizations in the eastern region. It will use a variety of tactics
including trade show participation and development of marketing
materials such as a website, two-page regional profile, banners, and a
logo.