11^th Annual Provincial Wholesale Craft Show a success

The Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development hosted the 11^th Annual Provincial Wholesale Craft Show in St. John�s from April 6-8, 2003. Fifty provincial craft producers exhibited their products, and 100 retailers attended the show to purchase locally-made craft products for their retail stores. Industry, Trade and Rural Development Minister Judy Foote toured the show on Sunday, April 6, 2003.

"I was impressed by the variety and uniqueness of the crafts available across our province," said Minster Foote. "Our producers have put their skills and knowledge into creating business opportunities and, in so doing, created employment opportunities for others. I commend them on their entrpreneurial spirit."

A number of producers exhibited at the show for the first time. They included Joanne and Keith Roberts of Gander who manufacture traditional snow shoes from non-traditional materials, including aluminum wire frames woven with brightly coloured monofilament, sold under the name of Miracle Snowshoes; archeologist Tim Rast, and his St. John�s company Elfshot, who makes arrows, knives, earrings, harpoons and necklaces in stone and glass using aboriginal techniques; and Tracy Keats of Forteau whose company Forteau Bay Pottery produces porcelain and stoneware including mugs, jugs, bowls and pendants.

Minister Foote said she was impressed by the number of young entrepreneurs at this year�s show. "Hilary Oram, a 17-year-old student at Glovertown Academy, was exhibiting at the show for the first time. In addition to being a student, Hilary finds time to run her own business, Newfoundland Essentials," said Minister Foote. Hilary manufactures soap and bath products which she sells to 23 retailers, "which really is commendable, given her busy schedule," said the Minister.

Other young entrepreneurs exhibiting at this year�s show included Kathleen Buckley of St. John�s, a creative glass blower who makes jewellery and perfume bottles under her company name Firefae Glassworks, and Darlene Mercer of Whitbourne who makes woolen knitted clothing in earth colours under the name of Inland Knitware.

"The Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development is committed to growing the craft industry of Newfoundland and Labrador, which currently employs 2,000 people and generates sales of $38 million annually. It is important that we hold events such as this and help craft producers attend national trade shows and sell into export markets," says Minister Foote.

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-4570.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Photographs to accompany this release are available below:

Photo #1: Keith Roberts of Miracle Snowshoes of Gander
Photo #2: Tim Rast of Elfshot, St. John�s
Photo #3: Tracy Keats of Forteau Bay Pottery, Labrador Straits
Photo #4: Hilary Oram of Glovertown, Newfoundland Essentials
Photo #5: Kathleen Buckley of St. John�s, Firefae Glassworks
Photo #6: Darlene Mercer of Whitbourne, Inland Knitware

2003 04 11                                      4:25 p.m.