Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
June 10, 2016
Creating Economic Growth and Opportunity
Participation in SEUS-CP Meetings Produces Positive Outcomes
The Provincial Government’s strategic partnership with the Southern United States – Canadian Provinces Alliance (SEUS-CP) continues to enhance and develop economic opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, participated in the 9th Annual SEUS-CP Conference, May 26-28, in Nashville, Tennessee.
“As a government, we are a committed to improving Newfoundland and Labrador’s trade and export development opportunities. We want build a solid, more diverse economy through new industries and new markets and our partnership with SEUS-CP is a perfect example of this commitment. This year’s conference was another exciting opportunity for the province’s business community, specifically those in the film and television and transportation sectors, to grow their businesses with our trading partners to the south. The response has been very positive and we are confident this partnership will continue to provide many possibilities for positive growth and future business endeavours.”
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development.
This year’s delegation included representatives that encompass the rich, diverse nature of Newfoundland and Labrador’s business community in the film/television and transportation sectors.
Through the Business Development Support Program, eight companies from Newfoundland and Labrador representing the film/television and transportation industries also participated in the conference:
- Mark O’Neill, Producer
- Ray Greene and Wayne Power, Argentia Port Authority
- Dan Rubin, Second Stage
- Erin Best, The Kitchen Party
- Michelle Robertson, Kilbride Music
- Roger Lockyear, Foleymore Entertainment
- Fabian James, F. James Consulting
- Chris Batstone, Imaging By Guido
This year’s conference theme was “Gaining Competitive Advantage to Sustain Economic Growth.” The meetings included a B2B matchmaking program and meetings with procurement officials from SEUS-CP anchor companies, with a focus on healthcare, entertainment and transportation sectors. Newfoundland and Labrador companies were pleased with the outcomes of the conference. See testimonials in backgrounder below.
SEUS-CP was established in November 2007 and works to promote trade and investment opportunities between and among its member states and provinces. Member states include Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Member provinces include Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Quebec.
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government strategic partnership with the Southern United States – Canadian Provinces Alliance (SEUS-CP) continues to enhance and develop economic opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Through the support of the Business Development Support Program, eight companies from Newfoundland and Labrador representing the film/television and transportation industries, also participated in the conference.
- SEUS-CP was established in November 2007 and works to promote trade and investment opportunities between and among its member states and provinces.
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Media contact:
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Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca |
BACKGROUNDER
Testimonials from Companies Participating in SEUS-CP Conference
The Provincial Government participated in the 9th Annual SEUS-CP Conference, May 26-28, in Nashville, Tennessee. The following testimonials are from Newfoundland and Labrador businesses that participated in this year’s meeting:
Dan Rubin, Second Stage
“SEUS-CP 2016 was a wonderful event. Along with multiple opportunities to meet with regional music buyers, employers and agents, it gave three music managers, a filmmaker, a television producer and a publicist from the province an opportunity to meet and identify our shared needs. The tangible support of the minister also meant a lot to us. He not only mentioned us individually in his address to the conference, he also met with us informally to explore ways to enhance and develop our industry. I look forward to developing the connections that this conference opened for us.”
Chris Batstone, Imaging by Guido
“Great SEUS CP conference in Nashville. Real opportunities for the arts community in the province to establish a business structure abroad by establishing new markets to work within, not to mention collaborating with fellow industry builders in the province. It’s great to see the minister and the province committed to new business in our arts industry.”
Ray Greene and Wayne Power, Port of Argentia
“The Port of Argentia fully supports the province’s participation in the SEUS-CP Alliance and we are grateful for the department’s involvement. Our attendance at this conference allows us to strengthen relationships and gain valuable connections as we continue our marketing initiatives and business development plans surrounding site selection. We look forward to ongoing discussions and relationship building with BTCRD and we offer our participation to further advance the province’s consideration of a Certified Site Selection Program.”
Fabian James, F. James Consulting
“As producer of Club One New Releases and Chef Roary’s Restaurant Showcase currently airing on TV 1 in Atlantic Canada and Flow TV, Caribbean, I had the great fortune to be a participant in The SEUS-CP 2016 Conference in Nashville. Both locally produced series now have ongoing discussions, with respect to expansion into the US Southern market, with state and industry representatives in South Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi and Georgia. Hats off to the Provincial Government for providing this excellent opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador based companies seeking international market expansion and foreign investment.”
Erin Best, The Kitchen Party
“SEUS-CP was a success. I made key contacts and learned a great deal. Newfoundland and Labrador was extremely well represented and gained visibility as a result. As a group we accomplished a lot.”
2016 06 10 9:55 a.m.