Category: News

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Hanley notes that outdated frameworks act as significant barriers to the adoption of greener technologies and processes. “Whether it is restrictive energy policies or outdated procurement processes, in some ways we are actually inhibiting green economic growth.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.

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.

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.

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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