Placentia Bay Initiatives Help Foster New Business Opportunities and Economic Development

  • Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

September 19, 2018

The Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada are supporting initiatives that support business growth and economic development in the Placentia Bay area.

The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, today announced $49,000 from the Regional Development Fund to enable the Port of Argentia to develop and implement a new signage program.  A variety of directional and information signs will be installed around the port’s industrial sites, making the area more user friendly, enhancing productivity and improving safety. This initiative will also boost the port’s ongoing marketing activities and help attract new business opportunities.

Minister Mitchelmore also announced $10,000 for the Placentia Area Chamber of Commerce to host Placentia Bay Industry Showcase 2018 – a premier industry conference that highlights new opportunities for business growth and economic development in the area. Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon, on behalf of the Honorable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, announced a non-repayable contribution of $25,000 from ACOA’s Business Development Program for the showcase. 

The Placentia Bay Industry Showcase is an annual conference that brings together small and medium-sized businesses and other industry stakeholders from around the province to discuss, explore and pursue new economic opportunities being created by increased industrial activity in the Placentia Bay region. More than 300 people are expected to attend the event, which will include a trade show, conference sessions, speed networking sessions, a business exhibition and business excellence awards. The conference is taking place September 18-20.

These investments build on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which involves targeted actions to create opportunities for all Atlantic Canadians. This includes supporting economic development in rural communities through investments in growth, expansion and diversification.

Support for the arts, heritage and culture sectors deliver on commitments in The Way Forward to strengthen the province’s economic foundation The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.

Quotes
“Through The Way Forward, our government continues to make wise investments that strengthen our province’s economic foundation. Today’s announcement will play a role in developing and sustaining a diversified economy in the Placentia Bay region, while energizing local businesses, so they can attract and build on potential opportunities.”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

“Through ACOA, our government is making strategic investments that build on the region’s competitive advantages and help strengthen and diversify communities. We are pleased to support the great work being done by the Placentia Area Chamber of Commerce to advance economic opportunities in the Placentia Bay region and develop a diversified and sustainable economy for many years to come.”
Honourable Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Our government believes that public investment in initiatives like this one with the Placentia Area Chamber of Commerce is the best way to spur economic growth, job creation and broad-based prosperity. We are committed to partnering with industry and non-profit organizations to help local businesses seize emerging opportunities, drive economic growth and create strong, sustainable communities.”
Ken McDonald
Member of Parliament for Avalon

“Investments such as improved signage at the Port of Argentia, as well funding for the industry showcase, help support the business potential of the region. I look forward to continuing to work with the Argentia Management Authority and industry stakeholders to continue to grow and diversify the Placentia Bay economy.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister of Service Newfoundland and Labrador and MHA for Placentia – St. Mary’s

“The Port of Argentia is delighted with TCII participation in this valuable initiative as the Port continues to grow its presence as an economic driver for the western Avalon region and all of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Harvey Brenton
Chief Executive Officer, Argentia Management Authority

“We are extremely grateful to have this partnership with both levels of government for the Placentia Bay Industry Showcase 2018 – Seize the Opportunity.’  The Placentia area is at a turning point in development with two major industrial projects currently in operation, an increased level of activity in the Argentia port, a growing unique tourism industry and a positive outlook for economic growth with limitless potential.  This partnership will contribute greatly to a successful event, which is important to the region and the organization, allowing us to highlight, promote and share the opportunities on our doorstep.”
Karen Maher
President, Placentia Area Chamber of Commerce

– 30 –

Learn more
Placentia Chamber of Commerce – www.placentiachamber.ca

The Way Forward – www.gov.nl.ca/thewayforward

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @TCII_GovNL

Media contacts
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca

Paul McGrath
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca

Jeremy Reynolds
Government Members Office
709-729-3394
JeremyReynolds@gov.nl.ca

Harvey Brenton
Port of Argentia
709-227-5502

Eugene Collins
Placentia Area Chamber of Commerce
709-227-0003

2018 09 19 1:55 pm