PRINCE GEORGE, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Manufacturers in northern British Columbia can now participate in a newly formed northern-based Manufacturers Executive Council. This unique program, which is delivered by Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, uses proven techniques to increase profitability and competitiveness by drawing on the strengths of experienced and like-minded executives in a non-competitive and confidential environment. The proven success of the Manufacturers Executive Council model allows business owners to align themselves with a group of industry leaders who learn from each other and help to sharpen their leadership and management skills.
“The northern Manufacturers Executive Council launch is made possible through a partnership with Northern Development Initiative Trust,” stated Peter Jeffrey, Vice President of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (British Columbia). “Manufacturers participating in the Executive Council can access Northern Development’s Competitiveness Consulting Rebate program, allowing the program to be offered at the same cost as if they were located in the Lower Mainland.”
“It is important to us that northern BC-based businesses have access to the same level and quality of business support that is readily available to businesses in large urban centres,” said Janine North, CEO, Northern Development Initiative Trust. “As a catalyst for business growth in central and northern BC, we are pleased that our business programs can be used help northern manufacturers establish the region’s first-ever Manufacturers Executive Council.”
Currently, there are ten active Manufacturers Executive Councils in communities across southern British Columbia. Feedback from companies participating in these Councils has been extremely positive. Ed Beange, CEO of Hansen Industries in Richmond BC, has benefitted greatly from his participation. “Once a month I get advice from manufacturing CEOs who have made the mistakes I am trying to avoid. The Manufacturer’s Executive Council has reduced my consulting bills, increased my business acumen, and given me a group of friends who I can call on in my darkest hour.”
The launch of the Northern Manufacturers Executive Council is March 15, 2012. Manufacturing companies interested in participating are encouraged to contact Renata King, Director, Business Development with Northern Development Initiative Trust at 250-561-2525 or renata@northerndevelopment.bc.ca.
About Northern Development
Northern Development Initiative Trust is an independent regional economic development corporation focused on stimulating economic growth and job creation in central and northern British Columbia. Northern Development’s region spans over 70% of the province, from Lytton to Fort Nelson and from Valemount to Haida Gwaii, including thirty-nine incorporated communities, nine regional districts, one regional municipality and eighty-eight First Nations communities.
The Northern Development Initiative Trust is uniquely structured with regional community and business leadership to make great investments ‘in the north, for the north’. The corporation was established as an initiative of the Province of British Columbia and is independently governed by a board of thirteen regionally-based directors. Northern Development’s Board has approved over $102.8 million in committed funding to more than 800 projects since its inception in 2005.
About Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) is Canada’s leading trade and industry association and the voice of manufacturing and global business in Canada. The association directly represents more than 10,000 leading companies nationwide. More than 85% of CME’s members are small and medium-sized enterprises. As Canada’s leading business network, CME, through various initiatives including the establishment of the Canadian Manufacturing Coalition, touches more than 100,000 companies from coast to coast, engaged in manufacturing, global business and service-related industries.
CME’s membership network accounts for an estimated 82% of total manufacturing production and 90% of Canada’s exports.
Media Contacts
Renata King
Director, Business Development
Northern Development Initiative Trust
Telephone: 250.561-2525
Email: renata@northerndevelopment.bc.ca
Peter Jeffrey
Vice President, BC
Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
Telephone: 604-713-7804
Email: peter.jeffrey@cme-mec.ca
