Category: News Release

For Immediate Release
February 15, 2017

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is announcing a clean technology research matching event as part of Innovation Week – May 8 – 12, 2017. The Innovation Connector will match clean technology research across multiple sectors of the province’s economy with market opportunities and business needs.

“From an economic growth and diversification perspective, the notion of ‘innovation’ is critical,” says Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Executive Director. “Innovation, whether it be in the development of a new product or the implementation of a new internal process, plays an important role in improving the productivity and competitiveness of a business.”

The Innovation Connector will feature the latest in clean technology research from the province’s university and colleges, and explore the environmental and efficiency challenges private sector businesses are facing. “The objective is to match the expertise of our researchers with the needs of industry,” says Hanley. “These interactions, which do not happen naturally, can lead to innovative outcomes which can in turn create job growth and economic opportunities for our province.”

Hanley notes that the province has not historically been strong in the area of innovation. “Internationally, Canada regularly scores low on established measures of innovation, and Newfoundland and Labrador’s indicators are at the bottom of the pack when compared to its provincial counterparts.” Hanley says research matching events like the Innovation Connector help create the networks, relationships, and business cultures that are necessary to drive innovation.

“A primary focus of NEIA is to help build the capacity of its membership to engage in innovative activities,” Hanley says. He notes that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is currently developing a new ‘business innovation agenda’ to support industry in this regard. “NEIA will continue to work closely with its partners to help enable and support innovation for its members, and is looking forward to a new provincial framework.”

NEIA is welcoming expressions of interest from both academia and business to participate as presenters at the Innovation Connector.

NEIA’s Innovation Connector is taking place May 8, 2017 at the Holiday Inn in St. John’s. More information on the event can be found on its website at www.InnovationConnector.ca. The event is part of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Innovation Week, a province-wide celebration focusing on furthering growth and developing new opportunities in sectors that include information technology, ocean technology, oil and gas and the green economy. More information on Innovation Week can be found on its website at http://www.innovationweek.ca/.

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 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.

— 30 —

Contact:
Kieran Hanley
Executive Director
kieran@neia.org

For Immediate Release
January 26, 2017

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) has made a submission to the provincial government’s Business Innovation Agenda engagement process.

“Innovation in Newfoundland and Labrador is essential from both an economic and an environmental perspective,” says Kieran Hanley, Executive Director of NEIA. “It is key to the long-term international competitiveness of our firms but it is also necessary if we are to develop solutions for some of the unique environmental challenges we face.”

NEIA’s submission is in response to the government’s engagement with stakeholders aimed at developing a new business innovation agenda for the province.

“Innovation does not necessarily mean invention,” explains Hanley. “Innovation is the application of creativity in business. It can be anything from the creation of a new technology, to the use of an existing product for a new purpose, to something as simple as changing the layout of a warehouse to increase efficiency.”

Hanley says that approaching environmental problem-solving through an innovative lens in the province provides economic opportunities. “Because of our small, relatively isolated, and often remote population, we face challenges providing sustainable services in areas like waste management, transportation, wastewater, etc. But the innovative solutions we develop here to tackle those issues are products and services that can be exported to regions world-wide which face similar challenges.”

International business opportunities can also stem from local innovation in the province’s major resource industries, says Hanley. “From oil and gas, to mining, to the fishery, to aquaculture, to forestry, environments across the world can benefit from the products, services, and processes we develop here at home.

NEIA’s submission can be found online at here or can be viewed interactively below.

“NEIA is pleased to have had the opportunity to contribute its ideas and perspectives as the province develops its innovation agenda,” says Hanley. “We look forward to a continuing dialogue on driving innovation in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

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 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.

— 30 —

For Immediate Release
January 5, 2017

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is pleased that both Newfoundland Power and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro have submitted net metering policy applications to the Public Utilities Board (PUB).

Net metering is an energy policy which permits customers to use small-scale renewable energy sources to feed power into the distribution system during periods when they generate excess power – and draw power from the grid when their generation does not fully meet their needs. Net metering, paired with investments in renewable energy systems, can reduce energy costs for customers and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Net metering will be an important energy policy not just for our members, but also for energy consumers and the economy at large,” said Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Executive Director. “It will allow businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador to provide their green energy solutions locally; remove barriers to competitiveness for companies in comparison to those in other jurisdictions; and support local firms in testing and marketing their products and services internationally where small scale green energy compatibility is expected of them.”

Hanley says NEIA is encouraged that the submissions were made before the end of 2016, as planned. “We are pleased that the timelines as communicated to our membership in 2016 were met. The willingness of the Department of Natural Resources to engage and inform industry on its expectations and progress is helping firms in Newfoundland and Labrador properly plan in to the future.”

“The PUB is in control of the next steps in the process,” says Hanley. The PUB is an independent, quasi-judicial regulatory body which will evaluate the utilities’ proposals to ensure the policies outlined will not negatively impact ratepayers in the province. “We are looking forward to the PUB starting its analysis on the net metering applications, and are hopeful for a timely review.”

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 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.

— 30 —

Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org

For Immediate Release
December 29, 2016

Kieran Hanley has been appointed the Executive Director of NEIA by the association’s Board of Directors.

Kieran joined NEIA in January of 2012 in a Marketing and Communications role, which expanded in 2013 to include Policy Development. Kieran acquired a Certificate in Economic Development from the University of Waterloo in 2016, and is currently pursuing an MBA in Community Economic Development at Cape Breton University. In 2007 Kieran completed a Bachelor of Commerce from Dalhousie University with a Major in International Business. As part of this program, Kieran studied at the Jönköping International Business School in Sweden. Kieran gained extensive policy and communications experience as the Legislative Assistant to a Member of Parliament in Ottawa, and mastered practical marketing skills while owning and operating a small marketing and online publishing business.

Kieran had served as NEIA’s Executive Director in an interim capacity since August, 2016.

For Immediate Release
December 9, 2016

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is moving forward with its next phase of business development in the Caribbean thanks, in part, to investments of just over $163,000 from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and close to $41,500 from the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development (BTCRD).

“This investment, through ACOA, supports several of the Government of Canada’s priorities including international business development and clean technology, while also supporting the Atlantic Growth Strategy,” says Nick Whalen, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister Responsible for ACOA. “With a small local market, it’s imperative our companies actively compete in the international marketplace in order to grow and expand.”

“In conjunction with our federal partners at ACOA, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is working closely with NEIA’s international initiatives in the Caribbean. We have a traditional trade history with this region, and have partnered with NEIA on similar activities in the recent past. The Caribbean Market Development Initiative will only strengthen and grow these relations. As part of The Way Forward, our government is committed to economic diversification and business growth, and this initiative is an excellent example of how industry collaboration with both levels of government is helping to enhance trade and further support the development of the environment sector.”
-The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Trade, Culture and Rural Development

“We are continuing our work to grow the province’s international business relationships in the Caribbean because of the successes we have seen in our previous initiatives,” says Abbie Lacey, NEIA’s Manager of Business Development. Lacey notes that previous phases of the project have helped to foster a strong two-way relationship with the Caribbean island nations. “NEIA and its partners have been involved in the region for nearly three years. Since 2014, NEIA has arranged incoming delegations, helped develop over 20 market-entry strategies for firms, and has led three missions to the region.”

NEIA’s Executive Director, Kieran Hanley, said that the Caribbean is a natural partner in economic development. “Newfoundland and Labrador is a small market for many of the environmental products and services that are developed by local business,” explains Hanley. “It is important for the growth of these businesses – and the diversification of our provincial economy – that these firms explore international markets.”

“The products and services developed in this province can work well in other island environments, such as those in the Caribbean.” Hanley 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 next phase of NEIA’s Caribbean Market Development Initiative includes the facilitation of five new firm-specific market entry strategies for the region, and trade missions to the market in the Spring and Fall of 2017. “Our firms will work closely with expert consultants to identify and pre-qualify relevant opportunities specific to their business, develop a targeted business development strategy, and organize and facilitate meetings in support of that strategy on the ground in-market,” says Lacey.

NEIA’s international business initiatives in the region are a product of continued collaboration with BTCRD and ACOA. “The provincial government and ACOA have been vital partners in the pursuit of international business growth opportunities for our sector,” says Hanley. “This project has resulted in new business and partnerships for Newfoundland and Labrador firms. Together, 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 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org. For information on how ACOA invests in international business initiatives, visit www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca.

— 30 —

Contact:

Kieran Hanley
Executive Director
Newfoundland & Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA)
709-237-8190
kieran@neia.org

Paul McGrath
Director, Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
Paul.McGrath@canada.ca

Eric Humber
Media Relations Manager
Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
O: 709-729-4819
C: 709-725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca

---

Backgrounder

With the support of ACOA and BTCRD, NEIA’s Caribbean Market Development Initiative has actively assisted its members since 2014 in the investigation of, preparation for, and entry in to the Caribbean region:

• April 2014 – NEIA holds “Spotlight on the Caribbean” – a three-day event including an incoming delegation from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Government of Barbados, and Canadian trade commissioner/OLIFI officer, as well as a networking event and International Financial Institution (IFI) workshop.
• June 2014 – NEIA receives commissioned report to provide: an assessment of the capabilities and capacity of local firms to export their products or services to the Caribbean; the identification of priority markets within the Caribbean; the identification and qualification of opportunities and leads that align to the capabilities and capacities of local firms; and the development of individualized market intelligence and strategy reports.
• June 2014 – NEIA facilitates development of a ‘custom-tailored’ version of the Procurement Opportunity and Delivery System (PODS) to target International Financial Institution (IFI) work in the Caribbean region.
• September 2014 – Personalized market entry strategies for the Caribbean completed for eleven firms and organizations.
• November 2014 – NEIA holds private luncheon with the High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago for project participants.
• February 2015 – NEIA leads its first business development mission to the region.
• April 2015 – NEIA holds “Doing Business in the Caribbean” information session – hosted by market experts.
• May 2015 – Personalized market entry strategies for the Caribbean completed for four additional firms and organizations.
• May 2015 – NEIA holds “Banking in the Caribbean” information session – hosted by senior officials from Scotiabank.
• June 2015 – NEIA leads its second business development mission to the region.
• October 2015 – Personalized market entry strategies for the Caribbean completed for five additional firms and organizations.
• November 2015 – NEIA leads its third business development mission to the region.
• September 2016 – NEIA hosts incoming Caribbean delegation including Trade Commissioners from Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago as well as representatives from the Caribbean Development Bank and Inter-American Development Bank.
• December 2016 – NEIA launches next phase of Caribbean Market Development Initiative which will include the facilitation of five additional market entry strategies and two in-market business development missions

For Immediate Release
November 22, 2016

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is pleased with the province’s introduction of new public procurement legislation. The tabling of legislation on Monday represented the first steps towards reforming how the province, municipalities, and other public agencies purchase products and services.

“Outdated procurement policies and procedures are acting as barriers for local businesses in providing their products and services to our own governments and agencies,” says Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Interim Executive Director. “Our members have been asking for the reform of public procurement for some time. We applaud the government for listening, and for taking these necessary steps.”

“Governments purchase many products and services, from pencils to vehicles,” says Hanley. “Ensuring that we afford the maximum opportunity for local firms to sell to government will enable local economic opportunities.”

Hanley notes that a primary issue with the current legislation relates to the directive to select lowest cost options. “This is particularly problematic for the environmental sector,” says Hanley. “Often, products or services are more efficient, less wasteful, or more sustainable have greater up-front costs.” Hanley says such products or services would be excluded under current rules – despite the possibility that they also may offer significant savings for the taxpayer over the medium or long-term.

Another issue for environmental firms within the current framework is the prescriptive nature of procurement requests. “A tender for the installation of a drainage culvert will attract only proposals for culvert installations. But an RFP which asks instead for effective stormwater retention could potentially attract more resilient and economical products or solutions.” Hanley says that in this respect a modern procurement framework can facilitate innovation and development within an economy.

Hanley says NEIA is encouraged by what it has seen from government on its proposed public procurement act reform. “We have had the opportunity to discuss our issues with the current framework, and to propose solutions – many of which are being included in the new framework,” says Hanley. “NEIA looks forward to continuing those discussions as the procurement reform moves from legislation to practice.”

In the meantime, Hanley says, firms have the opportunity to meet with public procurement officers at an upcoming ‘Reverse Tradeshow’ being held on November 30th by The St. John’s Board of Trade and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador . “It is important that those who are buying goods and solutions know about the products or services businesses are providing locally,” noted Hanley. More information on the Reverse Tradeshow can be found at http://stjohnbotnf.chambermaster.com/events/details/meet-the-buyers-reverse-trade-show-207.

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 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.

— 30 —

Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org

For Immediate Release
November 8, 2016

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) met on Thursday, November 3rd with the Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Siobhan Coady, to discuss the provincial government’s progress on the implementation of net metering policy in the province.

Net metering is an energy policy which permits customers to use small-scale renewable energy sources to feed power into the distribution system during periods when they generate excess power – and draw power from the grid when their generation does not fully meet their needs. Net metering, paired with investments in renewable energy systems, can reduce energy costs for customers and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Net metering is an important energy policy not just for our members, but also for energy consumers and the economy at large,” said Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Interim Executive Director. “It allows businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador to provide their green energy solutions locally; removes barriers to competitiveness for companies in comparison to those in other jurisdictions; and supports local firms in testing and marketing their products and services internationally where small scale green energy compatibility is expected of them.” Hanley noted that net metering is regularly identified as one of the industry’s most pressing issues, most recently at Newleef – the province’s green economy conference – earlier in October.

“We were pleased with the result of our meeting,” said Hanley. “Minister Coady re-affirmed a strong commitment on behalf of this government for the introduction of net metering. The Minister and her officials provided us with details on where the programming is in the process and what the pathway is for implementation.”

Triggering the implementation process is a submission from the utilities of proposed net metering programming to the Public Utilities Board (PUB). The Department of Natural Resources indicated it has been working closely with the utilities on program specifics, and fully expects submissions to be made to the PUB by the end of 2016. The PUB will review the proposed programming, and a decision is expected within a matter of months.

“At this stage we are satisfied with the Department’s focus on this file,” said Hanley, adding that continued open communication between Government and industry is key in ensuring expectations are managed and that calculated investments can be made by the private sector.

“This is one of several important opportunities for green economic growth within energy and natural resource sectors,” noted Hanley. “Minister Coady indicated her department is eager to speak with the environmental industry on a variety of subjects, and we look forward to having those discussions in the near future.”

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 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.

— 30 —

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org
709.237.8190

For Immediate Release
October 4, 2016

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) has submitted a series of recommendations for the province to consider in its development of a new climate change strategy.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s existing climate change strategy expires at the end of 2016; the Department of Environment and Climate Change has been engaging stakeholders and the general public since June for suggestions and ideas on the framework of a new plan.

“NEIA consulted directly with its membership, its industry partners, and engaged with the general public in the development of its recommendations,” said Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Interim Executive Director. “Our submission focuses on the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with an emphasis on maximizing the economic opportunities associated with those activities.”

NEIA’s submission is comprised of four components: GHG emissions reductions; electricity costs and regulations; empowering the private sector; and government leadership. The document can be viewed interactively below, or downloaded by clicking here.

“In our view, a central focus of a provincial climate change strategy should be in providing support to our businesses to help them innovate, develop, and implement their clean tech products and services,” says Hanley.

Hanley notes that outdated frameworks act as significant barriers to the adoption of greener technologies and processes. “Whether it is restrictive energy policies or outdated procurement processes, in some ways we are actually inhibiting green economic growth. A new climate change strategy should take action to eliminate these barriers and enable our businesses to make positive environmental and economic contributions.”

“We look forward to discussing our recommendations in detail with our government partners,” says Hanley. “The Department of Environment and Conservation extensively engaged the public during this process, and we appreciate the opportunity to make a submission on behalf of industry. We anticipate that this collaborative approach will continue as the development of the strategy enters its next phase.”

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 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.

— 30 —

Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org

For Immediate Release
September 28, 2016

Hamburg, DE – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is leading a trade mission to the WindEnergy conference in Hamburg, Germany this week.

“Hamburg hosts one of the largest wind energy conferences and trade shows in the world,” said Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Interim Executive Director. “This is an opportunity for Atlantic Canadian firms to build business relationships with the most innovative and experienced firms in the industry today.”

Joining NEIA in Hamburg are Beothuk Energy, Maderra Engineering, the Corner Brook Port Corporation, and Sentrex Wind Services.

The mission has already included site tours of an offshore wind manufacturing and supply port in the region and an internationally renowned wind energy research and development facility. “Our site visits to Cuxhaven and Bremerhaven gave our firms the opportunity to network directly with those who have supported the development of offshore wind farms and to build networks within a leading international institution,” said Abbie Lacey, NEIA’s Manager of Business Development.

Lacey noted the firms will also benefit from professional matchmaking services at the WindEnergy conference and exhibition. “The exhibition features over 1,500 international businesses and organizations,” said Lacey. “The matchmaking services will ensure our firms are meeting the right contacts to further their business development objectives.”

During a special session on Canadian wind energy business opportunities at the exhibition, Beothuk Energy CEO Kirby Mercer will speak to an international audience about development potential in Atlantic Canada.

“There is tremendous potential for wind energy development in Atlantic Canada,” said Hanley. “From a Newfoundland and Labrador perspective, the experience here in Hamburg will help our firms build the networks and capacity required for them to continue their pursuit of an installation off the shores of the west coast of the island.”

The trade mission to WindEnergy was facilitated in part by the Canadian German Chamber of Industry and Commerce Inc.

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 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.

— 30 —

Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org

For Immediate Release
September 22, 2016

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is hosting the province’s green economy conference – Newleef – next month in St. John’s. Newleef broadly focuses on the products, services, technologies, policies, and innovations that can help grow the provincial economy, while protecting, mitigating effects to, or even enhancing the natural environment in the process.

“The green economy and the clean technology and services which drive it represent a significant path for economic diversification and growth for Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Interim Executive Director. Hanley noted that the environmental challenges the province faces are business opportunities that can be met locally, and shared with the rest of the world. “Newleef provides programming and supports to help the province seize those opportunities.”

Since its inception in 2012, Newleef has grown from a one day single-room event into a two-day conference attracting hundreds of attendees and featuring multiple streams of presentations, panel discussions, professional development segments, and more.

“We are excited this year to welcome the participation of the Federal Government,” said Hanley. Hon. Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, is the keynote luncheon speaker. “We look forward to hearing from Minister Foote about the federal government’s new focus on the environment, clean tech, and the green economy, and what that may mean for Newfoundland and Labrador.”

The conference is being opened by a keynote address from Hon. Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture, and Rural Development. The conference also features an exclusive Q&A session with Hon. Perry Trimper, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “We are appreciative of the support and interest from the provincial government in Newleef,” said Hanley. “We work closely with these departments and its officials on a continuous basis in the pursuit of the growth of this sector.”

A new element at this year’s conference is the introduction of a CEO’s panel. “Our CEO’S Panel is a moderated discussion with leading C-Suite Executives in Newfoundland and Labrador exploring how firms can manage forward progress in their respective industries in a challenging international economy,” said Hanley. Taking place on the second day of the conference, the panel features Paul Antle (Pluto Investment, West Mountain Environmental), Michael Hanrahan (pretroforma Laboratories), and David Mitchell (Pennecon Ltd).

“There is enormous momentum in Canada and beyond in the green economy and clean tech space,” said Hanley. “Newleef is the only event in Newfoundland and Labrador which brings together business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals, academics, decision-makers, and policy developers across the sector under the same roof.” Hanley notes that the event attracts representatives from the province’s key industries, from mining, to forestry, to oil and gas, to the fishery, to energy, and more. “We are looking forward to another successful Newleef conference.”

Newleef 2016 is taking place at the Holiday Inn on Portugal Cove Road in St. John’s, NL on October 12-13. Newleef explores business opportunities; presents the latest local research; aims to foster sector innovation; navigates environmental issues with a focus on solutions; highlights the products, services, and activities of organizations operating in the province; and builds sector capacity through the delivery of professional development seminars. More information on the conference can be found at www.newleef.ca.

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 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.

— 30 —