NLIS 6
May 22, 2001
(Industry, Trade and Rural Development)

Business Service Network site for Mount Pearl

Federal, provincial and municipal representatives today announced the opening of a new business service centre in Mount Pearl that will strengthen efforts in economic development. The opening of a network office of the Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Business Service Network was announced jointly by Brian Tobin, federal Minister of Industry; Beaton Tulk, Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development; and Mount Pearl Mayor Dave Denine.

Minister Tobin said this newest network site, which is part of a national network of business service centres supporting small business growth, makes business information more accessible to entrepreneurs. "The presence of this network site in Mount Pearl will provide an invaluable service to potential and established businesses in the region that wish to expand or grow," he added.

Minister Tulk said this brings the total number of network sites in the province to 30, noting that more than 50 public and private sector partners are the key contacts at these sites, providing business services ranging from information to counselling to financial advice. "The provincial government's priority is to place more emphasis on small businesses in the promotion of economic development and this network ensures these services are available to entrepreneurs in all parts of the province."

Mayor Denine said the opening of the network site at the city's economic development office located at the Topsail Road-Blackmarsh Road intersection enables Mount Pearl's residents and entrepreneurs access to the Business Service Network's vast resources which include: information on all provincial and federal government economic and business programs and services, business directories, information research and basic business advice. 

There is also electronic access to an extensive Business Resource Library that contains thousands of business and technical books. These are available through a free Books-by-Mail service. In addition, users will have access to the services of Mount Pearl's economic development office, headed by Bronda Aylward. "The objective is to provide a one-stop shop for business inquiries from Mount Pearl businesses and entrepreneurs," said Mayor Denine. "All are invited to drop by this new network site at their leisure and utilize the wealth of resource information and tools available to help make sound business decisions."

The Business Service Network has been rolled out across the province in the past 15 months. It brings together government and community-based agencies at strategic locations in the province's 20 economic zones to make their combined services more easily accessible to the public and business community. Network partners include Community Business Development Corporations, Regional Economic Development Boards, various federal and provincial government departments and other business service providers such as Chambers of Commerce and Municipal Councils.

This federal-provincial initiative is co-managed by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency on behalf of the Government of Canada and the provincial Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Media contact:

Beulah Bouzane, Manager
Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Business Service Centre
Telephone: (709) 772-5974

Bronda Aylward, Director 
Mount Pearl Economic Development Department
(709) 748-1095

2001 05 22                                        4:55 p.m.