Month: November 2017

For Immediate Release
November 24, 2017

The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).

“NEIA is excited to have the opportunity to establish a meaningful connection between the private sectors of Newfoundland and Labrador and Guyana,” said Alex Templeton, the Chair of NEIA’s Board of Directors. “We believe that there is great opportunity in partnership for both our economies and peoples, and this is another step in growing that relationship.”

Established in 1890 and now representing over 180 Members, the GCCI is the oldest private sector representative organization in Guyana. A delegation of firms from the GCCI were in St. John’s last week on a fact finding mission to learn about the province’s industries – including its clean technology and environmental sectors.

This was the second engagement this Fall between NEIA and the GCCI. “NEIA and its partners led a delegation of Newfoundland and Labrador firms to Guyana earlier this Fall,” noted Abbie Lacey, NEIA’s Manager of International Business Development. “The GCCI provided us with a warm welcome in September, and so we were pleased to be able to reciprocate that hospitality.” Lacey said the delegates had a full agenda of activities that included participation in local seminars, business to business meetings, and tours of local facilities and resources.

The MOU signed between NEIA and the GCCI represents a mutual commitment for both organizations to explore international business development opportunities that benefit both jurisdictions.

Related Links: NEIA in the news in Guyana

• GCCI inks pact with Canadian association to promote trade, investment
• GCCI signs MoU with Canada’s NEIA

Despite the distance between Newfoundland and Labrador and Guyana geographically, Templeton says there is much that ties the two places together. “In the time we have spent with our Guyanese friends, it is evident there are many similarities between our people beyond the economic possibilities. We look forward to returning to Guyana soon and continuing to build on what we have achieved together this Fall.”

NEIA’s international business initiatives in the region are a product of continued collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation (TCII) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org

For Immediate Release
November 10, 2017

The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is welcoming the Provincial Government’s introduction of its business innovation agenda.

“NEIA has been an active participant throughout the government’s engagement with the private sector in the development of its new approach to supporting business innovation,” says Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Executive Director. “We are pleased to see that the challenges and opportunities as identified by industry were considered and incorporated within the framework.”

Hanley says there is a lot that NEIA members like about the agenda. “We have been talking to our government partners about the importance for public bodies to be open to working with the private sector to demonstrate products or services,” says Hanley. “This is critical for environmental firms whose offerings are typically new and innovative, and so we are very pleased to see a commitment to this effect.” Hanley says that having the government or its agencies as clients strengthens the ability for these firms to engage in business internationally.

NEIA is pleased with the agenda’s four-pronged approach on product development and commercialization, productivity, growth and internationalization, and workforce skills and talent. “The dedication to a client-centric, collaborative approach will help ensure the responsive and agile programming delivery industry requires” says Hanley, noting commitments to develop programming for high-growth potential firms and seed financing for start-ups are initiatives that will support growth in Newfoundland and Labrador’s clean technology sector.

NEIA is encouraging its networking to view the Business Innovation Agenda at http://www.nlinnovationagenda.ca.

Hanley says NEIA is eager to see how the new innovation agenda manifests itself in to supports, programming, and initiatives. “Our members are excited to engage with government as a partner in innovative projects. Clean technology innovation means economic development and diversification for Newfoundland and Labrador.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.