APRIL 2015
PRINCE RUPERT/OFF THE COVER
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NORTHWEST GROWTH CONFERENCE PROVED A GROWING SUCCESS Over 200 delegates gather in Prince Rupert to hear about $60 billion in forthcoming projects
PRINCE RUPERT JOHN FARRELL
P
rince Rupert played host to over 200 delegates attend i ng t he Northwest Growth Conference recently to learn more about the $60 billion in major projects heading our way. Fo r m a n y s m a l l b u s i n e s s owners this was the chance to gather first-hand information on the new economic sectors – LNG, pipelines, working camps, as well as the Port of Prince
Rupert’s Fairview expansion – that will dramatically change the economic landscape of communities along Highway 16. The darker side of that growth was also explored by business leaders from sudden growth economies such as Fort St. John, Dawson Creek and Kitimat. “It was the caliber of information provided and the invaluable networking connections that made the conference substantial for both small businesses and stakeholders alike,” says Terrace
Mayor Carol Leclerc, who attended the two-day event along with fellow mayors Lee Brain of Prince Rupert and Dave MacDonald of Port Edward. “This timely event sparked many important conversations amongst delegates and possible partnership opportunities in preparing for growth in our communities.” The hands-on nature of the conference allowed entrepreneurs to listen to expert advice on branding and financing or joint venturing with First Nations, and then follow-up with these same experts in one-on-one coaching sessions. “As a small business owner, it can be a challenge to find mentors and business advice that fits within a small budget,” says Christy Allen of the Pioneer Guesthouse. “But the Northwest Growth Conference for small to medium businesses fostered an environment that helps those businesses to succeed, discover and implement new ideas for growth and success.”
The conference and tradeshow exhibition was organized by a local partnership of Community Futures of the Pacific Northwest, Hecate Strait Employment Development Society and Prince Rupert and Port Edward Economic Development Corporation. The event included a Taste of the Coast reception and “Failure Wake” where entrepreneurs such as Prince Rupert’s Herb Pond and Terrace’s Lucy Praught shared poignant war stories that proved failure is often the best path to long-term success. “The Taste of the Coast was a great opportunity to meet and get to know the new faces that will be arriving to our town, as well as companies that are already currently operating in Rupert, Terrace and Kitimat,” said Kristina Horne of the Fresh Onion Café & Catering, one of seven caterers showing off their products and service. “We were able to talk to the other vendors in town and see how business has changed over
the year, how they are handling the new opportunities and what changes they have made in promoting and keeping up with the services they are providing. It is always nice to get together with the community, to be able to socialize and show our appreciation for their continued support.” Based on the success of the weekend, organizers are looking at holding a second growth conference in the near future. “I am personally very excited about being able to provide future jobs in the local economy as a direct result of the relationships fostered during this event,” said Mike Bourgeois of the BC Commissionaires. “And I look forward to participating in the 2016 Growth Conference.”
containerized exports include agriculture and agri-food products, textiles, pulp and recycled materials. It also anchors import trade of high value goods from Asian ports such as Shanghai, Hong Kong and Busan. The majority of imported goods shipped through Fairview Container Terminal are apparel such as footwear and clothing, furniture and other household goods, electronics and automotive parts,
as well as building materials. “The announcement affirms the value of the forward-looking investment in Prince Rupert’s original Fairview Terminal conversion project,” said Don Krusel. “The strategic vision, partnership and alignment of the original partners—Maher, CN, the Governments of Canada and British Columbia, and the Port of Prince Rupert—seized an opportunity that is still paying dividends today.”
John Farrell is President of the Prince Rupert & DistrIct Chamber of Commerce and General Manager of Community Futures Pacific Northwest. He can be reached at cfprincerupert@gmail.com
Don Krusel, President & CEO of the Prince Rupert Port Authority Credit: Prince Rupert Port Authority
PORT EXPANSION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
increase the capacity to over 1.3m TEUs annually, and is scheduled for completion in mid-2017. Gary Cross, President and Chief Executive Officer of Maher Terminals, said, “The two-berth, eight-crane operation that the expanded Fairview Container Terminal will provide, together with the intense focus on delivering industry-best dwell times, assures ocean carriers and beneficial cargo owners alike that the Prince Rupert gateway will continue to flourish as a premium service provider by remaining comfortably ahead of demand.” Claude Mongeau, president and chief executive officer of CN, said: “Maher Terminals’ terminal expansion to accommodate growth is very good news for our customers and the Prince Rupert gateway.” “It goes to show how supply chain collaboration and innovation can produce a highly successful transportation product that has real market appeal.” In September 2007, the Port of Prince Rupert completed the
Tugs escort a container vessel to Fairview Container Terminal CREDIT: PRINCE RUPERT PORT AUTHORITY
conversion of Fairview Terminal from a break-bulk and general cargo facility to a modern containerized import/export terminal. The $170 million project was funded in partnership by the Government of Canada, Province of British Columbia, Maher Terminals of Canada, CN and the Prince Rupert Port Authority. Fairview Container Terminal benefits from the shortest marine distance to major Asian markets,
and is currently served by the CKYHE Alliance as the first port of call on three weekly marine carrier services. CN’s extensive rail network provides a direct connection to and from North America’s resource, manufacturing and distribution centres. The terminal is a key export point for British Columbia’s forest sector products, pa rticularly forest products from mills across northern BC. Other