Chamber Announces Human Resource Development
Initiative To Address Skills Shortage
Placentia, Newfoundland & Labrador, June 13, 2008 -
Gerry Hynes, president of the Argentia Area Chamber of Commerce, announced
today a new project under its Hydromet Participation Imitative (HPI). The
project is entitled the Argentia Area Chamber of Commerce Human Resources
Development Initiative (HRDI). The Chamber, in consultation with its members
and other community partners, has developed the Human Resources Development
Initiative (HRDI) to build capacity among regional stakeholders in
responding to this issue. The HRDI has a number of components including the
development of a regional labour market strategic plan, a series of employer
communications focusing on the skills shortage issue, and the development of
a region profiling package for use by local groups to inform the labour
market about the area.
The Chamber would like to
acknowledge its project partners for supporting this endeavor. Our partners
include, Service Canada, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Dept.
of Innovation, Trade & Rural Development (ITRD), and Vale Inco Newfoundland
& Labrador
Chamber Board Meets with VINL President
The Argentia Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors
had an informative meeting with Mr. Bob Cooper, president of Vale Inco
Newfoundland & Labrador (VINL) on April 2, 2008
Of prime interest to the Chamber
board was the timing for the Long Harbour commercial nickel processing plant
construction. Mr. Cooper indicated that the timing would be based on the
Project receiving conditional approval on the revised Environment Impact
Statement (submitted April 14/08). Mr. C
ooper stated that approval could
come in late June and would be an important milestone for the project.
Following that, VINL would be applying to the various levels of government
for permits needed before construction could begin. Mr. Cooper indicated
that the federal permitting process would take about 10 months, and
therefore construction would begin once all the necessary permits are in
hand.
Mr. Cooper stated that one of the
things the company learned from the Labrador construction effort was the
value of a strong ‘owners team’ to follow the development during
construction. To that end, VINL is currently building the construction
support team and the owner’s team at the Project Office at Bally Rou Place
in St. John’s.
Mr. Cooper commented on the
Chamber’s efforts under the HPI program to supply professional advice to
help local companies prepare for opportunities arising from the commercial
plant development. He stated that while the procurement program for the
construction will begin in earnest early in 2009, calls for EOI’s the company’s web site (www.vbnc.com).
These long lead items include a number of Build, Own, Operate (BOO)
opportunities, and Mr. Cooper encouraged businesses to watch the web site
for these contract opportunities.
Chamber president Gerry Hynes
thanked Mr. Cooper for his generosity in supporting the Hydromet
Participation Initiative (HPI), and other programs the Chamber is
developing, and invited him to come and give the keynote address at our
upcoming HPI ‘08 Conference in September.
HPI Bridging Stategy Support Program Update
Mr. Ed O’Keefe, a director on the Chamber board, serves
on the Capacity Development Committee of the Chamber’s Hydromet
Participation Initiative (HPI). This committee is responsible for giving
direction to the Bridging Strategy Support Program (BSSP) under which the
Chamber, along with interested regional businesses, is commissioning a
number of confidential studies looking at opportunities associated with the
VINL commercial plant at Long Harbour.
Mr. O’Keefe is pleased with the
work carried out so far. “Over the past two years we have commissioned
nine significant studies for our members, on the supply of services and
commodities both to the construction phase and the operations phase at Long
Harbour. Based on these studies, we are confident that these members are
going to be playing an important role at Long Harbour when things get
underway.”
The HPI work team of Chris Newhook and industry consultant Bob
Kennedy currently have profiles developed for, and ongoing communications
with, 36 local businesses interested in opportunities at Long Harbour.
Beyond the nine studies already completed, the Chamber has at least four
other companies that have indicated an interest in pursuing business studies
in this coming year. The Chamber currently plans to continue its work under
the BSSP through to 2009. Any businesses that have not already come forward
and are interested in working with the HPI work team are
encouraged to contact Chris at the Chamber offices at 227-0003.
Argentia Area Chamber of Commerce today announced
that it will be hosting a conference & trade show event entitled HPI '07
Conference & Exhibition. The event will take place September 25-27, 2007
in Long Harbour and Placentia. Chamber President Gerry Hynes stated, “We
are currently carrying out an important program entitled the Argentia
Area Chamber of Commerce Hydromet Participation Initiative (HPI) to
provide advice and assistance to businesses interested in participating
in the Voisey’s Bay Development. We are excited today to be announcing
HPI ’07 Conference & Exhibition as it will complement our overall
program, and give business and other stakeholders a venue to come
together and get the most current information available on the
opportunities that will flow from the construction and operations phase
of this new industry”.
The Chamber plans to host main elements of HPI ’07 Conference &
Exhibition at the PARC Arena in Placentia, including, opening
ceremonies, conference and reverse trade show sessions, and the business
exhibition. A special luncheon and other activities are also scheduled
at at Long Harbour, and at Argentia, site tours of the Argentia Hydromet
Demonstration Plant will be offered. Other activities may be
incorporated into HPI ’07 Conference & Exhibition based on the interests
of project partners.
The Chamber would like to acknowledge its project partners for
supporting this endeavor. Our partners include, Atlantic Canada
Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Dept. of Innovation, Trade & Rural
Development (ITRD), Voisey’s Bay Nickel Company Limited (VBNC), Long
Harbour Development Corporation (LHDC), Argentia Management Authority
(AMA), and the Town of Placentia.
HPI' 08 Conference & Exhibition Set for September
On April 7, 2008 president Gerry
Hynes stated, “We are excited today to be announcing that the Argentia
Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting HPI
’08 Conference & Exhibition. This event will build on the very
successful conference we held last year, and give business and other
stakeholders in the Voisey’s Bay Development the opportunity to come
together and get the most current information available on the opportunities
that will flow from the construction and operations phases of this new
industry.”
HPI ’08 Conference & Exhibition will take
place at Long Harbour on September 23rd with the opening ceremonies, a
special luncheon and conference activities. It
will continue at the PARC Arena in Placentia with conference sessions,
the main business exhibition, and exhibitors podium segments. A number of
special evening social events are also being planned as well as a golf
tournament at The Wilds at Salmonier on September 25th.
The Chamber would like to acknowledge its project partners for supporting this endeavour. Partners
include: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Dept. of Innovation,
Trade & Rural Development (ITRD), Vale Inco Newfoundland and Labrador (VINL),
Long Harbour Development Corporation (LHDC), Argentia Management Authority
(AMA), and the Town of Placentia.
The Chamber would like to acknowledge its project partners for
supporting this endeavor. Our partners include, Atlantic Canada
Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Dept. of Innovation, Trade & Rural
Development (ITRD), Voisey’s Bay Nickel Company Limited (VBNC), Long
Harbour Development Corporation (LHDC), Argentia Management Authority
(AMA), and the Town of Placentia.
Lunch & Learn Series
November 2, 2006 – The Chamber kicked off its Lunch & Learn Seminar
Series for businesses and other organizations in the region today. These
sessions are being offered as part of the Chamber’s Hydromet
Participation Initiative. Special guest speaker at this first session
was Mr. Tom Boyd of the Canadian Intellectual Properties Office,
Halifax, a branch of Industry Canada. Mr. Boyd spoke on the topic of
Canadian Intellectual Property - matters related to patents, copyright,
trademarks or industrial design. Chamber members and people involved
with producing intellectual material enjoyed a very informative session.
The Lunch & Learn Seminar Series will be continuing through the fall and
into the winter and will focus on strengthening knowledge of our
business community on topics such as HST and income tax for the
self-employed, dealing with municipal regulation, business partnering,
succession planning, commercial lending from banks, and financing
alternatives from government agencies.
Stay tuned for times and dates of future sessions.
New Chamber Board Elected
October 26, 2006 - At the Annual General Meeting of the Chamber last
evening, members elected a new board of directors for the Argentia Area
Chamber of Commerce to carrry our organization through to next year. The
ten person board is as follows:
Gerry Hynes of Hynes Construction was elected as president, Frank
Collins of Classic Security, vice-president, Helen Quility of Placentia
Mall, secretary and Darrell Clarke of the College of the North Atlantic,
treasurer. Elected as directors were Floyd Edison of Edison Electronics,
Gary Keating of Long Harbour Development Corporation, Todd Hickey of M.
J. Hickey Construction, Ed O’Keefe of the Town of Placentia and Kevin
Power of NAPA. Lorelei Roberts Loder retains a seat on the board as
past-president.
Placentia St. Mary’s MHA Felix Collins addressed the members at the AGM.
Mr. Collins outlined to the membership that the Provincial Government
has concluded its review of VBNC’s decision to select Long Harbour as
the site of its future commercial nickel processing plant. He advised
members that Government is now willing to accept Long Harbour as the
site, provided that it clears the environmental assessment process,
which is currently underway. Felix also noted that the Provincial
Government is now focusing its attention on ensuring that the Town of
Placentia and AMA are compensated for investments made in preparation
for the commercial development. He went on to congratulate Mayor Gary
Keating on his good fortune in having the development occurring at Long
Harbour, and indicated that Government now wants to work with all
stakeholders to ensure maximum benefits are felt throughout the entire
region. See picture of MHA Felix Collins addressing the membership.
Career Fair 2006
October 12, 2006 - Argentia Chamber of Commerce held it’s fourth annual
Career Fair today at College of the North Atlantic Placentia campus.
This year’s Fair has been a great success with over 200 students from
high schools in the region participating, including Laval, St.
Catherine's and Fatima Academy.
Presentations were offered on Pharmacy, Industrial Trades, Mineral
processing (Control Room), Offshore Oil & Gas, Med/Lab Chemical Analyst,
Business, Engineering Technology, Nursing, and nine other careers.
The feedback received from teachers and students via the feedback forms
was very complimentary. Thanks go to all the those who supported this
year’s event including, presenters, teacher/chaperones, moderators,
registration desk volunteers, clean up detail, and others for making
this year's event our best yet. See images to the left of sessions on
Early Childhood Education, and Careers with the RCMP.
New Board of Directors
October 26, 2005 - Congratulations are extended to the following members
on their election this evening to the Board of Directors of Argentia
Area Chamber of Commerce for the year 2005-06:
President, Harvey Brenton - Argentia Management Authority
Vice President, Lorraine Taylor - Taylor's Transport
Secretary, Helen Quilty - Placentia Mall Inc.
Treasurer, Darrell Clarke - College of the North Atlantic
Directors, Frank Collins - Classic Security
Floyd Edison - Edison Electronics
Gerry Hynes - Hynes Construction
Gary Keating - Long Harbour Development Corp.
Edward O'Keefe - Town of Placentia
Past President, Lorelei Roberts Loder - Genesis Employment Corp.
2005 Conference and Exhibition A Success
October 3, 2005 - Opportunity Argentia 2005 Conference & Exhibition
wrapped up on Friday,
September 30th. Over 200 delegates, presenters, exhibitors, etc. were on the
receiving end of the best hospitality the Placentia area has to offer while
networking and getting the latest on exciting opportunities relating to
Argentia.
Conference Chair John Maher would like to gratefully acknowledge
the significant support of our project partners ACOA, Voisey's Bay Nickel
Company Limited, Dept. of Innovation, Trade & Rural Development, Town of
Placentia, Argentia Management Authority, and Long Harbour Development
Corporation.
Early feedback is showing the Chamber and our many partners have
delivered a rewarding and enjoyable event for all in attendance. See pictures
above of Placentia St. Mary's MHA Fabian Manning addressing the crowd at the
opening ceremony, and John Maher making a special presentation to VBNC Demo
Plant operations manager, Don Stevens, at the gala evening.
Opportunity Argentia 2005 Business Fair Well Received
June 7, 2005 - Evaluation forms are trickling in and according to
early feedback the Opportunity Argentia 2005 Business Fair
was well received by the area business community. Approximately 50 people
participated in the event including the afternoon and evening cycles.
Attached are a few snapshots from the day, including one of Professor Tom
Clift addressing a session on strategic marketing, and Chamber president
Lorelei Roberts Loder welcoming participants during the networking
session.
Lorelei and Supplier Development Committee Chair Gerry Hynes
wish to thank all participants, and extend a special thank you to the
following presenters:
* Glenn Russell - Scotia Bank
* Karen Candow - WHSCC - PRIME
* Colin Janes - PWGSC
* Tom Clift - School of Business - MUN
* Dan Mosher - P.J. Gardiner Institute
* Shari Costello - P. J. Gardiner Institute
* Pat O'Keefe - Dept of Innovation, Trade & Rural Development
* Don Horlick - AWCBDC
* Patrick Martin - Dray Media
* Kevin Compton - Canada Revenue Agency
* Stan Clinton and Robert Cotter - Dept of Municipal Affairs.
Thanks also go out to Darrell Clarke and his staff at College of the North Atlantic for their
support throughout the day. A special note of thanks is extended to Ms.
Bonnie Simmons, Director of the PJ Gardiner Institute and her staff for their
support in developing our agenda and in providing expert staff to address
many of the core business topics of the day. Finally congratulations are
extended to Ann Power of Power's Placentia Esso, winner of the executive work
station valued at approximately $800! The Chamber plans to assess all aspects
of the Business Fair with a view to improving upon it for next year, so
please get your evaluation forms in if you have not already done so.
Opportunity Argentia Golf Day Enjoyed by All
May 26, 2005 - All participants enjoyed a beautiful day of golf and
networking at The Wilds at Salmonier today.
Today's golf day is a make up
event from our tournament that was postponed last year due to weather.
Golfers enjoyed a complimentary breakfast, followed by a best ball
tournament and then finished off the day with a great steak at the
banquet hall. Thanks go out to all our hole sponsors, and others who donated prizes.
Thanks also to Mary Lewis, and all the staff at the Wilds for their
tremendous hospitality. Congrats to longest drivers, Richard Bursey and Pam
Walter, our closest to the pin winner, Doug Trask, and our lowest scoring
team of Ken O'Brien, Mike O'Brien, Joe Guiney, and Pam Walter. A special
thanks to our Charity Putting Contest winner, Bill Alcock, for agreeing to
donate his winnings to the St. Anne's Academy Technology Drive. Finally,
congratulations are extended to the winner of our draw for a Wilds Stay and
Play package, Keith Woodman with College of the North Atlantic. Attached are
a few snapshots from the day, including one of Max Mercer with Newlab
Engineering being assisted by club pro Lee Fanning at the putting contest,
and another of the participants at the banquet. Please mark your calendars
for our next golf day on Friday, September 30th, the last day of Opportunity
Argentia 2005 Conference & Exhibition.
2005 Opportunity Argentia Program Launched
April 7, 2005 - The Chamber launched its 2005 Opportunity Argentia
program today
at Freshwater Community Centre. President Lorelei Roberts Loder was joined by
funding partners including ACOA, Voisey's Bay Nickel Company Limited, Dept.
of Innovation, Trade, & Rural Development, Town of Placentia, AMA, and
Long Harbour Development Corporation.
Lorelei stated, "As the (Voisey's
Bay)Project marches forward, we believe it is vitally important that the
business community stay fully informed of the opportunities and have a venue
to discuss ideas and partnership that will see our province, and particular
our region, maximize on the benefits from this great project". The program
this year with include a communications campaign, conference &
exhibition, Ambassador program, modular business planning program, career
fair, seminar series on occupations and training, and many other activities.
More information is contained in the April OA Update - Newsletter of
Opportunity Argentia, available on this web site. The Chamber wishes to thank
its partners for their continuing support of this important initiative.
MetalWorld Addresses Chamber Luncheon
March 16, 2005 - Mr. Ivan Butler, President of MetalWorld, addressed a Chamber
luncheon meeting today
at the Freshwater Community Centre. Mr. Butler gave an outline of the most
recent contract which MetalWorld's Argentia operation has been awarded to
construct 3 modules for the VBNC demo facility at Argentia. He estimated that
50 to 60 trade people will be required for this contract at its peak, and that
in comparison to last year's large metal fabrication contract, it will
involve less metal handling work and more electrical mechanical trades.
Mr. Butler took the opportunity to acknowledge the exceptional quality of work
completed by the local trade people involved in last year's contract. He also
pointed out that the company continues to pursue other opportunities relating
to Voisey's Bay and projects involving wind energy. Mr. Butler indicated that
his company has invested over $1 Million in the Argentia operation to date
and views Argentia as a central part of the company's long term growth
strategy.
Above is a picture of Chamber vice president Gary
Keating presenting a gift to Ivan on behalf of the Chamber.
ooper stated that approval could
come in late June and would be an important milestone for the project.
Following that, VINL would be applying to the various levels of government
for permits needed before construction could begin. Mr. Cooper indicated
that the federal permitting process would take about 10 months, and
therefore construction would begin once all the necessary permits are in
hand. 
