One hundred companies in the Coast of Bays region will be given the opportunity to voice their opinions regarding the local economy as the Coast of Bays Corporation starts its Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) Program.

The Coast of Bays Corporation BR&E Program officially began in April 2005 with the establishment of a Leadership Team and the hiring of a Coordinator. Over the next several months, interviewers will be meeting with businesses located throughout the region. These interviews will identify needs and concerns, request opinions about various levels of government, and determine ways in which the local business climate can be improved. 

“The visits that we are preparing to complete with local firms have four purposes” said Douglas Rose, Leadership Team Chairman of the BR&E program. “First, we want to show our local businesses that we really appreciate the contributions they are making to our local communities. Second, we want local businesses to express their concerns, so that these can be addressed. Third, we will offer information assistance coordinated through the Canada/Newfoundland & Labrador Business Service Network. Finally, we want the businesses to help us set priorities on the future direction of local economic development efforts.”

Deborah Collier, Coordinator with the Coast of Bays Corporation BR&E Program, stresses the importance of business participation in the project: “We are recognizing the contribution that existing businesses make to the economy. If we can work with the business sector to identify the barriers and concerns they face, we will be better able to support them in an effort to promote job growth and economic prosperity.”

“This administration is dedicated to supporting diversification within the economy of every region of this province,” said Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. “The Business Retention and Expansion program is a key component of our commitment to stabilizing and growing small and medium businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador. Congratulations to the Coast of Bays Corporation for utilizing this important and rewarding program.”

The BR&E Program is an initiative lead by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, supported by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

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If you would like more information:

Deborah Collier, BR&E Coordinator at (709) 538-3552
E-Mail:  deborah@coastofbays.nl.ca

Wesley Harris, Coast of Bays Corporation Chair at (709) 883-2308

Douglas Rose, BR&E Leadership Team Chair at (709) 883-2468

Doreen Vallis, BR&E Program Media Coordinator (709) 885-2317