South Coast Community Development Corporation Hosts Newfoundland and Labrador Association of BDCs Provincial Conference '99 L-R: Philippe Dupuis - ACOA Head Office, Moncton, John Morris - ACOA, Newfoundland and Labrador, Rembert Jeddore - Deputy Chief, Conne River First Nations, Max Taylor - Chairman, South Coast CDC and Brian Briffitt - ACOA, Newfoundland and Labrador. Max Taylor welcoming delegates Philippe Dupuis participating in the Sweet Grass ceremony The CBDC delegates From June 2 - 5, the South Coast Community Development Corporation hosted the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of BDCs Provincial Conference '99. The opening session, held at the Great Hall of the Conne River First Nations, began with a welcome to the delegates by Max Taylor, Chairman of the South Coast Community Development Corporation, followed by a Sweet Grass ceremony performed by Deputy Chief of the Conne River First Nations, Rembert Jeddore. A question and answer period was then held with representatives of the Conne River Band Council who outlined their past and present economic development initiatives and spoke about their experiences. The afternoon sessions included an ACOA update by John Morris, Philippe Dupuis and Brian Briffitt. They spoke about the partnerships between ACOA and the CBDCs and how the CBDCs are seen as the "long arm" of ACOA at the local level. They also talked about the Year 2000 Problem and the need to update the computer systems at the CBDCs to allow for future internetworking. There was some discussion as well about future investment funding for the Community Business Development Corporations.

Russ Oehmen of Fraser & Hoyt gave an overview of the Association of CBDCs insurance policy and their Creditor Life and Disability Insurance Programs. The day concluded with a presentation by Pat Ryall about the role of the Canada Newfoundland and Labrador Business Service Centres (CNLBSC) in the economic development process.

Day three began with the Annual General Meeting and Election of Officers. The results of the elections are as follows: John Gillam - Past President, Nick Hurley - President, Henry Moore - Vice-President, Jack Budgell - Treasurer, Winston Snow - Secretary and Chris Hart - Member at Large. Jim Kirby gave a presentation on the bankruptcy process and how it affects the clients of the CBDCs. He also spoke about how the CBDCs can protect their interests in a business venture. Clyde Bonnell, Regional Manager of Human Resources Development Canada (Central) addressed the conference and talked about their partnerships with the CBDCs in the central region and showed a video about the Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA). Gwen Mahaney gave an update of the Youth Ventures Program and Paul Pittman gave an update of the Provincial Association of BDCs and his role as Coordinator for the Association.

The AGM concluded with a banquet and a keynote address by Minister Sandra Kelly, Department of Industry, Trade and Technology, who spoke about the good work of the Community Business Development Corporations and a general overview of the economy of the province. Minister Oliver Langdon, Department of Environment and Labour, and MHA brought greetings on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The next Annual General Meeting will be held at Happy Valley - Goose Bay, Labrador.