Crafts of Character Website is Re-stitched, Revamped and Redesigned

The craft industry in Newfoundland and Labrador is both a reflection of the province’s rich culture and a flourishing business sector that contributes over $32 million annually to the economy. To facilitate the continued growth of the sector and create better linkages between producers and buyers, the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development has re-launched the Crafts of Character website www.craftsofcharacter.com. 

“The new website is a key marketing tool and will help connect craft producers with buyers,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. “The craft industry in Newfoundland and Labrador is a reflection of the province’s rich culture and unique heritage. This website captures and promotes the energy and vibrancy of the province’s craft producers while at the same time creating opportunities for buyers to connect with producers.”

The revamped site includes an improved search engine to find craft producers by product, category or medium, as well as images that cover the wide range of products that are locally produced. Through an expanded biography section, visitors to the site can learn more about producers, their products and where to purchase them. To assist in developing sales opportunities for craft producers new wholesale and corporate gift pages have been added.

“Buyers at all levels are making increasingly high use of web-based marketing tools to help them make purchase decisions,” said Anne Manuel, Executive Director, Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador. “It is essential that industry resources reflect this new reality. We are pleased to see that the Crafts of Character site continues to provide current information on behalf of craft producers in the province.”

Over the years the industry has matured and grown with many of the province’s craft producers creating waves on the national and international stage. At the 2011 NICHE Awards in Philadelphia, John Paul Goodyear of Torbay won three awards while Shawn O’Hagan, of Island Sweet Fibre Arts in Corner Brook, was honoured for Excellence in Product Design at the 2011 Atlantic Canada Craft Awards for Excellence in Halifax.

“The craft industry is a vibrant business and the people involved truly encompass the spirit of entrepreneurialism,” said Minister Sullivan. “It is an economic driver, providing meaningful employment to over 1,600 full and part-time producers, many in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. The Provincial Government supports the continued growth of the sector as we celebrate our culture and heritage.”

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2011 08 25                                    10:35 a.m.