Month: November 2015

For Immediate Release
November 25, 2015

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) has published a document outlining provincial policy recommendations in support for growing Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy.

“Over the course of the past five months, NEIA has engaged its members, industry associations, interest groups, and environmental professionals on what they saw as obstacles to and opportunities for the growth of our province’s green economy,” says Ted Lomond, NEIA’s Executive Director. “The result is a series of policy recommendations, ranging from economy-wide interventions to firm-level supports, which we will discuss with our government partners.”

The policy document, which addresses opportunities in areas ranging from innovation, to public transportation, to carbon pricing, to environmental enforcement, can be downloaded at https://neia.org/recommendations/. Lomond notes that the priorities which emerged from consultations were organized in the document in to four distinct areas: recommendations which support (1) the growth of the provincial green economy at large; (2) environmental sector business operations; (3) firm-level growth; and (4) specific environmental / economic issues.

“This is intended to be a living document,” explains Lomond. “We welcome further commentary and input from all stakeholders on the recommendations we have made, with an eye to fostering green economy growth in Newfoundland and Labrador in the best way that we can.” To facilitate broad discussion, NEIA has created online tools at www.neia.org/policy, where comments can be made directly on each recommendation.

“Our members, who were extensively consulted in the development of this document, are hopeful that discussion around these recommendations leads to a sustained dialogue between government, industry, academia, and the public on the future of green business in Newfoundland and Labrador,” says Lomond.

Lomond indicates that NEIA and its members stand by to work with government on environmental sector priorities. “NEIA is an able and willing partner, and is prepared to aid in any way that it can in the exploration and implementation of our recommendations.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 190 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.

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Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org

For Immediate Release
November 16, 2015

ST. JOHN’S, NL – From November 16 -25, the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA), is leading a network of firms from Newfoundland and Labrador to the Caribbean on a return mission to drive business opportunities and build international partnerships.

The mission is being lead with strong support from the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development (BTCRD) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA),

“This is the third visit by environmental sector firms from this province to the Caribbean region this year,” explains Ted Lomond, NEIA’s Executive Director. “We are continuing work to grow our international business relationships in this region because of the successes we have seen in our previous engagements.” Lomond explains that through the project, 20 Newfoundland and Labrador firms have already developed market-entry strategies for the Caribbean and interest continues to grow. “Taking the time and effort to complete a strategy is a clear commitment to the market. Many of these firms have also made multiple visits to the market to secure business.”

The 10 day mission will include a series of carefully selected business meetings in Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad & Tobago. “This is a region that is feeling the impacts of climate change, and that is very concerned about environmental protection,” says Lomond. “The energy sector in the region is developing quickly, and decision-makers want to ensure it is developing in an environmentally responsible fashion.”

Facilitating the international growth of local firms is important, says Lomond. “Newfoundland and Labrador is a small market for many of the environmental products and services that are developed by local business,” he explains. “It is important for the growth of these firms – and the diversification of our provincial economy – that they explore international markets.”

Lomond says that the Caribbean is a natural partner in economic development. “The products and services developed in Newfoundland and Labrador can work well in other island environments.” Lomond notes the region faces similar challenges such as the impacts of climate change, coastal zone erosion, distance from markets, and economies that are resource dependent. “Our province has a long history of trade with the Caribbean, and we are working to continue and deepen that tradition.”

The third mission to the Caribbean follows almost two years of work by NEIA in the region. “Our continued success in the region stems from significant planning, strategy development, and collective effort.” says Lomond. Since 2014, NEIA has arranged incoming delegations, training for participating firms, firm-level market entry strategies, and the prequalification of market contacts. “This project has resulted in new business and partnerships for Newfoundland and Labrador firms. We aim to continue that momentum.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 190 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.

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Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org
709.237.8190