Category: News Release

For Immediate Release
September 16, 2016

ST. JOHN’S, NL – Members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) had the opportunity this past week to meet one-on-one with in-market officials to explore business opportunities in the Caribbean.

On September 14 & 15, NEIA welcomed a delegation which included Trade Commissioners from Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados, as well as officials from the Caribbean Development Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. “Our guests provided guidance and information on pursuing business in the region, with a focus on international financial institution (IFI) opportunities,” said Abbie Lacey, NEIA’s Manager of Business Development.

The delegation presented to an audience about IFI funding mechanisms and processes in the region, as well as providing information on the region’s business needs, aims, and interests. “IFIs are powerful partners in business development,” said Lacey. “Through these organizations, there are significant opportunities for firms in Newfoundland and Labrador to reach international markets.”

“Our members had the unique opportunity to meet one-on-one with the delegates,” said Lacey. “This provided them with direct access to regional authorities to explore specific product and service markets, identify partnerships, share contacts, and decide on next steps for their business.”

The incoming delegation’s visit to St. John’s was one piece of an ongoing programme of activities for NEIA relating to the Caribbean. “We are continuing work to grow our international business relationships in this region because of the successes we have seen in our previous engagements,” said Lacey. Lacey explained that NEIA has 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 led three missions to the region.”

NEIA’s Interim Executive Director, Kieran Hanley, said 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.” 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.”

NEIA’s international business initiatives in the region are a product of continued collaboration with the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture, and Rural Development, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. “The provincial government and ACOA have been vital partners in the pursuit of international business growth opportunities for our sector,” said Hanley.

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 Immediate Release
August 25, 2016

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is launching a campaign to engage the sector on its ideas and priorities for a new provincial climate change strategy.

In June the provincial government began asking for input on a new strategy. It indicates that progress must be made in many aspects of the economy to meet a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 10 percent below 1990 levels by the year 2020.

“It is important for industry to have the opportunity to consider the specifics of a new climate change strategy and be able to provide their input to decision-makers,” said Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Interim Executive Director. Hanley noted that local firms have the products, processes, and expertise to help contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and help communities adapt to climate change.

“The challenges presented by pursuing emissions reductions and addressing adaptation represent business opportunities,” said Hanley. “This campaign is about identifying those opportunities and providing government with guidance on how their strategy can maximize the benefit to the local green economy.”

Hanley said that the green economy represents a promising avenue of diversification for the province. “The federal government is now investing heavily in clean technologies and environmental protection. In recent months our province has introduced legislation addressing large emitters, and has begun the development of a new climate change strategy.” Hanley said it is important for both levels of government and industry to work together in order to capitalize on arising opportunities. “We look forward to working closely with our partners in growing Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy.”

NEIA’s campaign centres around its website at www.neia.org/climatechange. “In addition to promoting our website and soliciting feedback, we will be engaging our members and industry partners individually and directly,” said Hanley. NEIA will provide the Department of Environment and Climate Change with a written submission of recommendations on September 16th.

NEIA is specifically soliciting industry perspectives on: carbon pricing mechanisms; ideas for emissions reductions relating to transportation, building fuels, waste, and industry; adaptive measures; government leadership on climate change; and how businesses and individuals can be empowered to contribute to environmental sustainability and economic growth.

“We are encouraging all who have an interest in the relationship between business and the environment to participate in the campaign,” said Hanley. “Visit www.neia.org/climatechange, or contact us directly.”

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 www.neia.org.

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org
709.237.8190

For Immediate Release
August 22, 2016

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is announcing the departure of its Executive Director, Ted Lomond.

“Over the past four years, Mr. Lomond has been a driving force in the growth of our association, its activities, and the sector” said Lyndsay Haynes, Chair of NEIA’s Board of Directors.

Lomond began as NEIA’s Executive Director in 2012. During his service, he was instrumental in developing the organization’s strategic plan, implementing a robust international business and export program for the sector, establishing an innovation and productivity support framework for members, and introducing a suite of training activities for environmental professionals.

“On behalf of NEIA’s staff, members, and board of directors, I thank Mr. Lomond for his hard work and wish him the best of luck and success in his future endeavours,” said Haynes.

NEIA has appointed Kieran Hanley as its Interim Executive Director. Mr. Hanley has worked with the organization in a Policy and Communications role for over 4 years.

“Mr. Lomond leaves behind a driven organization focused on sector development activities,” says Hanley. “Our capable staff will continue its work and forward-progress as planned until such time that a permanent successor has been selected.”

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.

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org
709.237.8190

For Immediate Release
July 18, 2016

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) has published the first edition of the NL Green Economy magazine which explores the relationship between business and environment within the province and its key economic sectors.

“The aim of this initiative is to help broaden our collective understanding of what the green economy is, and how it is active in our province,” says Ted Lomond, NEIA’s Executive Director. “Having a better understanding of what clean technology is – and what it can be – will be critical for the diversification of our province’s economy.”

Lomond says that the recent increased focus on the green economy at both the federal and provincial levels of government means a growth in the market for clean technologies, and new funding opportunities for firms seeking to innovate clean technologies or improve competitive and environmental performance. “These opportunities will arrive quickly, and unless stakeholders in Newfoundland and Labrador are ready for them, they will pass us by.”

NEIA views the green economy as the culmination of activities that protect, mitigate effects to, restore, or enhance the natural environment. The publication explores the prevalence of these activities in Newfoundland and Labrador. “From oil and gas, to fisheries, to aquaculture, to forestry, to mining, this focus on the green economy presents opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador’s traditional industries,” says Lomond.

Lomond says that new funding mechanisms will provide considerable opportunity for local firms who supply green products and services. It will also benefit businesses who have environmental or resource efficiency challenges that can be addressed with new technologies. “The degree to which Newfoundland and Labrador can take advantage of these conditions will depend in no small part to awareness of what the green economy is, as well as an understanding of how to position local business activities within it.”

“This publication is a starting point,” says Lomond. The magazine was initially developed as a promotional tool for local firms participating in international trade activities. “Through its production, NEIA saw great value in the engagement it had with industry stakeholders to develop content.” Lomond says that NEIA will publish annually to develop a better understanding of the sector and its associated opportunities and to help benchmark Newfoundland and Labrador’s performance. The magazine can be viewed and downloaded at www.greenNL.ca.

Lomond says feedback on the publication is welcome, and that those interested in the business / environment relationship should consider participating in the province’s green economy conference, Newleef, which taking place on October 12-13. More information on Newleef can be found at www.newleef.ca. A call for abstracts for the conference is currently open.

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 Immediate Release
June 7, 2016

Industry expects robust engagement in development of regulations

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is applauding the efforts of the province in addressing the greenhouse gas emissions from large emitters.

“Deterring greenhouse gas emissions is important not just for the environment, but also from a business perspective,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA. “As international markets and industries move rapidly towards cleaner and more efficient technologies and services, Newfoundland and Labrador must strive to keep pace in order for its private sector to remain competitive on the world stage.”

Lomond says that by pricing carbon, incentives emerge for local businesses to provide solutions for industry. “Our large emitters are going to need help to reduce their environmental impact. Firms in this province can help industry deliver on their responsibilities, while boosting Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy, driving innovation, and developing tools that can be exported in the process.”

NEIA anticipates that the regulations and programs stemming from the legislation will be developed in close consultation with industry. “Decisions about how carbon credits are spent and how revenue is disbursed will have a significant impact on the Provincial economy,” says Lomond. “There is a lot at stake here for local firms who have products and services that can help reduce the province’s greenhouse gas emissions. The importance of the structure of this carbon pricing program to the growth of the local green economy cannot be underestimated.”

“NEIA expects that industry will be extensively engaged as this initiative progresses,” says Lomond.

“While the province is facing significant economic challenges, the green economy represents an area of great immediate opportunity,” says Lomond. “The federal government is investing heavily in clean technologies and environmental protection, and now the province is providing incentives for the local business community to become part of the solution. Industry in Newfoundland and Labrador looks forward to working closely with all of its public partners to capitalize on these opportunities.”

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

For Immediate Release
June 2, 2016

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is calling for expressions of interest for presenters at its 2016 Newleef conference.

Newleef is Newfoundland & Labrador’s green economy conference, focusing on the products, services, technologies, policies, and innovations in the province that can help build our economy and protect, mitigate effects to, or even enhance the natural environment in the process. This year it is taking place on October 12-13, 2016 in St. John’s, NL.

“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,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA. “This is a particularly exciting year for industry given the priority focus the Federal government is giving the environment and the support of the products and processes which protect it.”

Since its inception in 2012, Newleef has grown from a one day single-room event into a two-day conference attracting hundreds and featuring multiple streams of presentations, panel discussions, professional development segments, and more. It has become the premier event in Newfoundland and Labrador for business-owners, entrepreneurs, environmental professionals, academics, decision-makers, and public servants to converge and discuss green economic growth ideas, opportunities, and issues across many of the province’s sectors – from mining, to forestry, to oil and gas, to the fishery, to energy, and beyond.

Lomond says that the environmental sector is broad and touches on many of Newfoundland and Labrador’s primary industries – and the call for abstracts for the conference reflects that. “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.”

The call for abstracts for Newleef is a competitive process, says Lomond. “Though we would like to accommodate all of the abstracts we receive, we must make determinations based on the relevance of the submission the conference themes which emerge and the significance of the content to the audience.”

The following themes have been identified as areas of interest for Newleef 2016:

• Coastal, Ocean, and Arctic
• Renewable Energy Clean Technology (Products or Services that Increase Efficiency or Decrease Waste)
• New and Emerging Green Opportunities related to Resource Industries:
  • Oil and Gas
  • Forestry
  • Fisheries
  • Aquaculture
  • Mining and Mineral Exploration
• Agriculture and Food
• Waste Management Innovation
• Green Economic Development Strategy and Policy
• Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation, and Risk Management
• Infrastructure, Construction, and Planning

More information on the call for abstracts can be found on the Newleef website 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. More information can be found at https://neia.org.

For Immediate Release
June 1, 2016

ST. JOHN’S, NL – Members and partners of NEIA’s Export and International Business Network met today to collaboratively identify and pursue international business opportunities.

“The Export and International Business Network is a group of firms, industry associations, and support agencies working together to compete internationally,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA.

Lomond says the network continues to grow because of the success of the partnership model. “Together, working cooperatively, these organizations can achieve much more than if they were working alone. The industry-led, bottom-up approach has proven effective by maintaining a strong focus on the needs and capacities of individual firms.” Lomond says that the network also benefits from having the Federal and Provincial governments as full partners, ensuring firms are connected to the resources and expertise that they require.

“Supporting local business in their international activities is critical for the province’s economy,” says Lomond. He notes that the domestic market in the province for many products and services is small, and so firms need to export to reach a competitive scale. “Every dollar earned outside of Newfoundland and Labrador by a local firm is new money circulating within the province. These activities have a substantial impact on a local economy, and can contribute significantly to its diversification.”

The Export and International Business Network works to maximize value for local firms through Atlantic Canadian partnerships; builds connections with support agencies as partners; recognizes the linkages between Innovation and international business; and places considerable emphasis on preparation of firms.

“Networking is about making connections and building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. Manufacturers in Newfoundland & Labrador recognize that there are opportunities in global markets, but often do not have the resources or expertise to pursue those opportunities. The Export and International Business Network can provide great value in facilitating international partnerships and create trade through access to public and private sector resources.”
David Haire, Vice President NL Division, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters

The network meeting today included presentations from two Canadian crown corporations to help broaden local industry understanding of available supports and services. The network was joined via teleconference by Andrea Gardella from Export Development Canada and Chris Porter from the Canadian Commercial Corporation. “Being the most eastern and remote province in Canada, through the network we are able to provide our firms with the face time with various support agencies that they wouldn’t get otherwise,” says Lomond.

“Newfoundland and Labrador’s mineral sector relies on exports to bring our products to market and drive long term growth. Today’s event affirms the importance of fostering a collaborative approach in exploring emerging opportunities and expanding Newfoundland and Labrador’s business reach to more international markets.”
Ed Moriarity, Executive Director, Mining Industry NL

The Export and International Business Network’s success has attracted new membership, and its scope has expanded beyond strictly the environmental sector. “Newfoundland and Labrador is a small province. When sectors are able to collaborate, it builds efficiencies, new partnerships, and enables innovation,” says Lomond.

“Cross industry collaboration facilitates learning on export issues, cooperation to reduce costs, and most importantly, partnerships to grow export revenue”
Lin Paddock, Executive Director, Aerospace & Defence Industry Association of Newfoundland & Labrador (ADIANL)

“These international business activities would not have been possible without the support of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the province’s Department of Business, Tourism, Culture, and Rural Development,” says Lomond. The government of Newfoundland and Labrador has supported industry associations in the development of such networks by providing them with partnership brokerage training.

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

BACKGROUND

The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) formed the Export and International Business Network in 2013. Since that time the network has been very active, growing to over 40 firms and organizations.

The network membership now includes the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters – Newfoundland and Labrador Division (CME-NL), the Aerospace and Defence Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (ADIANL), Mining Industry NL, the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association (NLCA), NEIA, and firms from a variety of economic sectors.

The network organizes information sessions on markets of interest, coordinates incoming international business delegations, facilitates the development of firm-specific market entry strategies, and leads targeted outgoing trade missions. In 2015 alone, NEIA worked with over 25 businesses to develop market entry strategies, and led three separate business development missions.

More information on the Export and International Business Network can be found at https://neia.org/network.

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
709.237.8190
kieran@neia.org

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For Immediate Release
May 18, 2016

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is concerned by a news story this week indicating that, in a February report to the Public Utilities Board (PUB), Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro is prepared to use the Maritime Link and Labrador-Island Link to import power.

“Industry has been asking for access to the energy grid for years but has been – and continues to be – denied that access,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA. “To discover that we are now considering purchasing power from outside the province is perplexing and upsetting.”

The report notes that continued dry weather conditions means the reservoir at the Bay d’Espoir generating station is low and significantly more oil is being burnt in Holyrood at a high cost. This, in conjunction with the delays associated with the Muskrat Falls project, has required that NL Hydro look for alternatives to meet energy demands.

“Newfoundland and Labrador is rich in renewable energy potential,” notes Lomond. “However, legislation has prohibited any development as there are no programs in place allow new electricity to be fed in to the system”. Lomond says that the province is one of the only jurisdictions in North America to not have a net metering program in place, and that NEIA has been advocating for years for its implementation.

“From small scale projects designed to power individual homes and businesses to large scale offshore wind farm developments, there are made-right-here solutions for our energy needs that would create local jobs, support local companies, and drive local innovation and technology development,” says Lomond. “But our regulatory framework has discouraged the diversification of our economy and now has put us in a position where we may have to consider paying to import something we quite easily could have provided for ourselves.”

Lomond says that these outdated energy regulations are impairing economic development in Newfoundland and Labrador in a number of ways. “Industries are finding themselves at a disadvantage because they cannot use renewable energy technologies in their facilities like their competitors can; entrepreneurs are unable to pursue the development of their ideas and technologies in what is a rapidly growing sector globally; while homeowners and businesses continue to be denied the opportunity to reduce their individual energy costs.” Lomond says that, while the 2016 Federal Budget is providing significant funds and growth opportunities for green and clean initiatives, the current provincial policy framework will act as a barrier to Newfoundland and Labrador receiving its fair share.

Even businesses hoping to secure international contracts are being affected, says Lomond. “Our firms are finding themselves at a disadvantage for not having the opportunity to use, test, or integrate their products and services with renewable technologies that have become standard in most major markets.”

“The province needs to exercise the leadership required to address these issues,” says Lomond.

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

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org
709.237.8190

For Immediate Release
May 13, 2016

ST. JOHN’S, NL – Exports from this province are expected to grow by 18 per cent in 2017 says Export Development Canada’s (EDC) Vice-President and Chief Economist Peter Hall. This week the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) held its annual Let’s Talk Exports event – an annual partnership with EDC which features Hall.

“Let’s Talk Exports provides a chance for local firms to get the most up-to-date information available on what the global economy has in store for their sector,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA.

With over 25 years of experience in economic analysis and forecasting, Peter Hall is responsible for overseeing EDC’s economic analysis, country risk assessment and corporate research groups. He says that Newfoundland and Labrador’s long-term outlook is promising, and that the province will see Canada’s most dramatic turnaround in export performance from this year to next.

“Supporting local business in their international activities is critical for our economy,” says Lomond. “Every dollar earned outside of Newfoundland and Labrador by a local firm is new money circulating within the province. These activities have a substantial impact on a local economy, and can contribute significantly to its diversification.”

Let’s Talk Exports complements NEIA’s extensive work supporting international business development for firms in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“In 2013 NEIA created its Export and International Business Network,” says Lomond. “This network is a group of firms conducting business, or looking to explore opportunities, abroad. Together, working cooperatively, these businesses can achieve much more than if they were working alone.”

While originally consisting exclusively of environmental sector firms, the network’s success has attracted businesses in a variety of sectors. In 2015 NEIA worked with over 25 firms interested in the Caribbean and Turkey to develop entry strategies, and led three separate business development missions to the Caribbean. “This activity would not have been possible without the support of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the province’s Department of Business, Tourism, Culture, and Rural Development,” says Lomond.

NEIA allows members of the network to independently identify markets of mutual interest before pursuing supports. “We take a stage-gated approach in international business development,” Lomond notes. “Once a market is identified by the network, NEIA will work to validate opportunities through information sessions and organizing incoming delegations. If interest remains, market entry strategies will be prepared for each firm. Only after this preparatory work has been completed will we organize a strategic trade mission to the market itself.” Lomond says that NEIA looks forward to continuing to build the close relationships it is developing in key markets.

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. More information can be found at https://neia.org. More information on the Export and International Business Network can be found at https://neia.org/network.

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org
709.237.8190

For Immediate Release
March 24, 2016

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) says that the 2016 Federal Budget delivered on Tuesday offers the province a number of significant economic opportunities.

“The federal government is making considerable investments in green technologies and climate change mitigation,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA. “These investments range from municipal wastewater systems, to reducing emissions in the oil and gas industry, to the development of clean technologies – all of which can be addressed by local firms and educational institutions.”

Lomond says the federal government’s new focus on the environment provides the province with an enormous opportunity to diversify its economy. “Clean technologies can enhance productivity, increase efficiency and reduce waste in many important Newfoundland and Labrador industries. We are witnessing the federal government and its agencies emerge as major partners in the local development and commercialization of products and services that have global potential.”

Click here to view NEIA’s summary of federal budget provisions that provide opportunity for green economic growth in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“This budget also highlights national needs in areas of particular strength for Newfoundland and Labrador businesses,” Lomond notes. “Whether it is the provision of clean, safe drinking water, the effective treatment of wastewater, or the delivery of environmental services in remote areas, firms in this province are providing solutions that can be employed across Canada with the funding programs being made available. Supporting local businesses in pursuing these opportunities will directly benefit this province and position these firms to be leaders in their field.”

Lomond says funding is being made available to provinces, municipalities, firms, and community groups for a wide range of projects on variety of scales. “The collective challenge we face is being sufficiently responsive and creative to make the most of these prospects.” Newfoundland and Labrador has sometimes not been effective in obtaining its per-capita share of federal funding programs.” Lomond says a sense of urgency is required in this context as many of the federal investments are going to be made in the short-term.

“In order to capitalize on these opportunities, firms must be alert to the potential, municipalities must be proactive, and the provincial government must be agile in its response and swift in the alignment of policy framework and supports.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that supports the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members.

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org
709.237.8190