May 1, 2012
The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development:
Minister Announces Winners of Provincial Competition
With almost $200 million allocated for business and economic development in Budget 2012: People and Prosperity, this administration has articulated its unwavering commitment to the growth and expansion of small and medium-sized businesses.
A key element of our business and economic development agenda is engaging youth. We view the value of increasing the volume of youth participation in the province’s business community as being vital to the long-term success of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Getting the Message Out program, which is one of several initiatives underway to achieve that objective creates awareness of successful entrepreneurs and career opportunities. Through the program, university work term students deliver presentations to high school students. This peer-to-peer model has proven effective as it links students with presenters they can relate to, making information-sharing interactive and memorable.
Additionally, the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, as part of the program, recently concluded its fourth case study competition. Through this competition, students were invited to submit profiles of entrepreneurs whose achievements inspire them.
The winner of this year’s competition is Anika Eddison of Bayview Regional Collegiate in St. Lunaire-Griquet.
Ms. Eddison profiled Marie MacDonald who is an accomplished entrepreneur and co-owner of Northern Delight in Gunner’s Cove, a restaurant that has also been featured in Maclean’s magazine. For earning this year’s top prize, Ms. Eddison will receive an iPad, her classroom will receive a laptop and her school will receive a computer.
I would also like to acknowledge the runners-up – Emily Bland of Exploits Valley High School in Grand Falls-Windsor and Jessica Ryan of Menihek High School in Labrador City – as well as all those who made submissions.
Mr. Speaker, the future of youth is filled with optimism. They envision a future of exciting and progressive careers. Initiatives such as the case study competition allow us to engage youth and connect them to vibrant businesses. By preparing them for a future here in Newfoundland and Labrador we are securing our future success as a province.
2012 05 01 1:55 p.m.