Small business – big service By Melanie Veilleux of Hearst Air Service Ltd. and Desneiges Larose of the Hearst and Area Economic Development Corporation. Located on the northern tip of Highway 11 in Ontario, Hearst is a small town typically known for its forestry industry. With a long history of independent sawmills and a collaborative and innovative business culture that led to the first forest management shareholder coop model in 1986, the Hearst forestry sector has survived every boom-and-bust cycle the industry has faced. It is that very entrepreneurial spirit and history of collaboration that has contributed to making Hearst and its business community a valuable supply hub for the mining industry in Ontario’s far north. Mining exploration in the area has brought on transformative change to the regional economy and Hearst businesses have been paying close attention. With increased business for serving mining exploration camps in the far north in the past 10 years, Hearst Air Service Ltd., a charter company, observed opportunities for improving the way camps were supplied and serviced. Many of the supplies being used in the camps were products being shipped into Hearst from other regions, even other provinces. Labourers, drillers and stakers were being flown in from all parts of the country and equipment servicing and parts were considered a burden as camp managers assumed they were isolated, being so far from larger city centres. Even the logistics in getting fresh groceries and food products into camps was proving to be a challenge, as some camps were still purchasing from larger cities, trucking to the nearest airbase, and receiving partly filled orders after food had been stored along the way. It was apparent that Hearst businesses could fill those needs, and needed to demonstrate their capacity and step up to be a part of this industry’s success. Through the Hearst Chamber of Commerce and the local economic development corporation, Hearst Air gathered local suppliers, workers, and municipal officials to introduce them to the opportunities and needs related to these exploration camps. The aim was to work together to establish a resourceful entrepreneurial team to serve the mining industry in a way no other community could. A gathering of experts in hydraulics, fabrication, heavy machinery and diesel engine repairs was the starting point of new business relationships and growth. Businesses quickly collaborated and adapted to a new industry, making changes to their infrastructure, providing additional training for employees or adding new stock and inventory. It became very apparent to Hearst Air’s clients that these collaborations were contributing factors to the success of their projects. Mining companies saw immediate benefits and increased productivity that was directly related to the utilisation of Hearst Air and the team of suppliers in
the Hearst business region. The camps now seemed less “remote” and isolated due to the expediting of daily commodities from hardware stores, department stores, work clothes stores, safety equipment suppliers, and more. Personalized service, flexibility in scheduling, and availability are truly priceless characteristics when it comes to drill programs, remote accommodations, and long-distance shipping; this team of Hearst businesses have demonstrated their dependability, adaptability, and capacity to accommodate any situation or need. Change is inevitable but adaptation to that change is a choice. Hearst businesses, educational institutions, and the community at large are embracing changes brought on by mining exploration in the Ontario’s far north and demonstrating that although Hearst may be a small town, its resilience and larger-than-life ambition, paired with an eagerness to perform, is surpassed by none.
Air Charter and Logistics with Hearst Air Service Ltd. • 4 season air charter • inventory management • logistical support • bulk drum hauls • expediting services
call now toll free 1-866-844-5700 charter@hearstair.com www.hearstair.com
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Hearst Ontario HWY 11N ~ ideally located for Far North Programs Fall 2013
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