A quarterly publication of the Nanaimo Port Authority
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Nanaimo tops growth of Canadian Ports
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Lofty goals steer Port in the right direction
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Moira Jenkins Chair of the Board Nanaimo Port Authority
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Welcome to our Spring Newsletter! Spring is in the air and it is the time of year when we think about new beginnings and new possibilities. The Board of Directors and staff at the Nanaimo Port Authority are excited about the year ahead and are working diligently to fulfill the goals of our 2017 strategic plan. Our key priorities are focused on growing our business, developing our property and working with our community partners for the betterment of Central Vancouver Island. These three priorities are the foundation of our strategic plan, and the Board has identified key action items to support these priorities. These will be the activities for 2017 and beyond.
One of those key action items is working with our community stakeholders. The NPA Board’s Community Liaison Committee and our CEO meet regularly with leaders of Snuneymuxw First Nation and the City of Nanaimo. This tri-partite committee discusses projects that present mutual benefit to all, and explores ways in which we can successfully bridge challenges to move opportunities forward together.
A current key priority at this table is the efforts that are under way to negotiate a terminal lease with Island Ferries to establish a passenger-only ferry service for our community. We are excited by this opportunity and the committee is hopeful we can reach a resolution in the very near future, that we will see a service for our community as soon as possible.
This committee continues to work with our Snuneymuxw partners on the further development of Sayshutsun – Newcastle Island strategic plan. We congratulate SFN on the recently-announced purchase of the Grey Selkie ship that will carry passengers this year. The future is exciting for Sayshutsun, and the tri-partite committee is pleased to work together on this project for our community.
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These are among the various projects that come to the table for discussion. The NPA will continue to work with our tri-partite partners on behalf of our stakeholders and the community in 2017 and will undertake to achieve success on projects that are mutually beneficial and of value for all.
To support our 2017 Strategic Plan, it was important for the Board and staff to explore how satisfied our customers and stakeholders are with the service we provide. In order to do this we undertook a survey in December, 2016. Our goal was to uncover areas of concern that required improvement, and to establish a baseline of results to measure against from future surveys.
Most importantly, I thank our customers and stakeholders who took the time to respond to this survey. This information is extremely valuable to us, and we recognize and very much appreciate the time that it took for you to respond and to provide your frank and valuable advice.
On behalf of the Board, I congratulate and thank the staff for the strong results that came from this survey. It is due to the NPA staff’s hard work and commitment that these results were achieved. The survey reflected a “satisfied to exceptionally satisfied” result on every one of the 15 areas probed. The highest response was an 85 per cent average rating of satisfaction on “customer’s ability to contact and communicate with NPA.” The lowest rated response was a 72 per cent average rating on satisfaction “usability of the Port including its infrastructure and equipment.” High marks were given to NPA for its commitment to safety and environmental responsibility.
We are very pleased with the findings of our first survey, and are reviewing results to uncover ways we can further improve customer service. It is our intent to repeat this survey in the future.
Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter which I know you will find of value. Please do not hesitate to reach out and let us know what is important to you for future issues. And of course please reach out with any concerns or comments.
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NPA Chair Moira Jenkins examines Totem carved by First Nations artist Noel Brown at Newcastle Island for Home Town Hockey presentation.
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Healthy increase in containers and logs expected to continue
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Bernie Dumas President and Chief Executive Officer
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Spring is around the corner and the Port is putting the final touches to our Strategic Direction for 2017. The Port’s performance in 2016 reflected a healthy increase in ocean container movements and log shipments at the NAW which the Port expects will continue into 2017.
The Port anticipates to see a number of project cargo shipments this coming year to address the various energy projects that are happening in the Lower Mainland. The Port has been aggressively promoting our cargo terminals as an ideal location to handle and store breakbulk and project cargoes.
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The Port will tackle a number of infrastructure projects in 2017 to address the need to modernize the Port’s assets.
- Phase I of the redevelopment of the Port’s downtown marina will begin this spring. The goal is to completely replace the docks over a five-year period.
- The Port will construct a warehouse, office and marine works for Western Canada Marine Response Corp., at the Assembly Wharf property in 2017.
- The Port will present a funding application to the government for the expansion of our Duke Point Terminal to enhance container and breakbulk handling for the future needs of Vancouver Island.
- The Port will continue to develop our Marine Domain Awareness System in 2017.
- The Port is in discussions with Island Ferry Services Ltd., to create a daily passenger ferry service between Nanaimo and downtown Vancouver.
The Port will start our cruise season with the arrival of the largest cruise ship serving the Alaskan trade “Explorer of the Seas” on May 17. The Port will see six large cruise ships and two pocket vessels calling during 2017.
The Port will actively participate in our community’s various marine festivals this summer and celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday.
So enjoy the spring and summer and if you intend to be on the water remember the safety rules. Our Patrol Boats will be out there watching to make our Harbour safe for everyone.
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Diversity brings growth to Nanaimo Port Authority
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NPA is looking to attract new customers as a cost effective alternative for ships waiting to off load or experiencing capacity constraints at Vancouver’s port.
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Jason Michell says NPA and DP World Nanaimo have diverse service offerings that provide solutions for moving cargo efficiently.
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By Beth Hendry-Yim
The Business Examiner
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At only 33 nautical miles from Metro Vancouver and the Fraser River, the Nanaimo Port Authority (NPA) offers cost-effective alternatives for storage, ship and barge service, lay-by and quick turn-around.
“Time is money in the shipping industry,” says Jason Michell, terminal facilities manager. “We have the capacity and infrastructure to offer cost-effective alternatives, potentially saving clients both time and money.”
Since 2014, NPA has seen, on average, a 31-per-cent increase in the use of its container barge service. With the initiation of Phase 2, the Duke Point Terminal Expansion is seeking government infrastructure funding to double the size of the terminal by lengthening the deep sea dock and providing a second deep sea berth by 2020 or earlier. The growth will allow NPA and DP World Nanaimo to offer additional opportunities to clients and to enhance their ability to act as a stop gap for mainland and island-bound cargo.
“The trend shows steady growth, we’re planning for the future,” Michell emphasizes. “We understand the costs of sitting at anchor and how alternative options can help maintain a steady flow of goods.”
Michell, with extensive training and experience in terminal operations, pointed out that the NPA’s diversity is the key to its success and growth. It boasts rail/barge access to the Fraser River, facility versatility for short sea and international shipping, a pilotage boarding station, a 100-metric tonne mobile harbour crane, available berth capacity, weekly LO-LO container barge service to Centerm, 100-metric-tonne Roll on/Roll off barge ramp, 30 acres of paved storage space including a 60,000 square foot bonded warehouse.
“We have considerable storage on the property and, for Island bound cargo, the Duke Point location makes it easy to truck north and south with its close link to the Inland Island Highway. For instance, Duke Point was chosen recently for offloading and the storage of Vestas Windmills for a wind farm project on the North Island.”
Paying close attention to what the terminal clients are asking for allows NPA to find solutions that work and are both comparative and cost effective, says Michell.
“We have good relationships with many cargo vessel carriers. We are constantly looking at how we can enhance our service. And with our existing property and facilities we can keep costs reasonable.”
As it continues to attract new and existing ventures, NPA is on target for creating exceptional value for bulk, break-bulk and container movement. The DP World Vancouver-Nanaimo agreement provided Vancouver Island’s first load-on/load-off container service to the DP World Centerm terminal in Vancouver.
NPA’s growth hasn’t gone unnoticed. Westwood Shipping saw the opportunity and now provides flexible solutions with breakbulk and container service to Japan and Korea for the wood and manufacturing industries.
“Our clients are becoming more aware of the benefits of Nanaimo’s close proximity to Vancouver. This, coupled with an ability to provide cost effective handling solutions for a broad range of cargoes, is key for the Port’s and Island communities’ future progress and development.” says Michell.
“Being able to assist small, medium and large businesses with transportation and handling solutions are what we are good at – it’s really our passion.”
Contact Jason at 250-753-4146 – Ext 229 http://deepsea.npa.ca
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Port Authority talking lease with passenger-only ferry
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The Nanaimo Port Authority (NPA) is beginning discussions regarding the development of a lease agreement for port infrastructure to support a passenger-only ferry service between Nanaimo and downtown Vancouver.
The parties to the original Letter of Expression, the Nanaimo Port Authority, the Snuneymuxw First Nation and the City of Nanaimo appointed a Technical Advisor Group (TAG) who reviewed the service applications and identified Island Ferry Services Ltd. (IFSL) as the Preliminary Preferred Proponent to discuss operating a service out of Nanaimo.
The NPA will reach out to IFSL immediately to discuss their proposed service and operational needs.
“IFSL is pleased to be moving forward to establish this highly-desired service. We have been, and remain committed, to providing a dependable, affordable transportation alternative to the Nanaimo and mid-Vancouver Island community,” says Stewart Vinnels, President, Island Ferry Services Ltd.,
“The NPA has been working toward securing an operator for a passenger-only ferry service and is extremely excited that we are now in a position to finalize a long-term agreement with a potential carrier,” says Bernie Dumas, President & CEO Nanaimo Port Authority
“All projects proposed on Snuneymuxw waters must be considered in light of our ongoing work to enhance and protect our fisheries. Snuneymuxw stands with our partners in the region to promote development that is beneficial to the quality of life of all people that live in our territory, is of mutual benefit, and respects the environment and our treaty-protected fisheries.” Doug White, Snuneymuxw Chief Negotiator.
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Nanaimo’s Canada 150 Celebration Committee is accepting sponsorship money to ensure our community’s celebration in our national event. Nanaimo’s celebration will include July 1 ceremonies and activities at Maffeo-Sutton Park, the Military Museum and Fireworks on the Harbour plus a Professional written and Performed Play about Nanaimo at the Port Theatre, July 2, 6,7 8 & 9 – Black Stones & Bathtubs.
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Turgut Cevik knows all about tea - loose leaf premium tea at his Tea Port at Pioneer Waterfront Plaza in Nanaimo.
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Passion for tea brings
aficionado to Nanaimo
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Tea is much more than tea leaves, a cup and boiling water.
Turgut Cevik knows all about tea. His Tea Port at # 5 at Pioneer Waterfront Plaza in the Boat Basin offers 80 varieties of premium tea and more than 400 mugs, cups and specialty tea pots.
Turgut is building his business with much more than an exchange of products for payment. This well-travelled entrepreneur is using traditional methods to build relationships through tea and specific connections with his patrons.
Originating in Istanbul, Turgut travelled to Canada 26 years ago with stops in Vancouver and Victoria, followed by six years in Shikoku Island, Japan to study of the art of tea making. Shikoku Island is famous for its’ green tea estates. Then he found Nanaimo.
Turgut came by the tea trade honestly; his uncle owned a tea shop in Istanbul where he employed Turgut at the “Adacay Tea Shop” – the name means “Island”.
A carpenter by trade, passed on from his grandfather and father, Turgut learned through a family tradition how to make furniture and custom shelves, evident in his waterfront showroom – a perfect complement for quality presentations of premium loose leaf tea and a story with its’ own character.
When the location became available Turgut found a home with signature teas – one being the Nanaimo Bar Blend – a popular tea providing a taste for Nanaimo’s local history.
”I really feel at home here and enjoy my customers”, says Turgut. “Everyone has a story and I can remember people from their sharing and their travels. It is easy to strike up a conversation over tea.”
On average, tea lovers have eight various teas in their cupboards so the Tea Port can easily appeal to clients with 80 varieties of premium tea and a broad range of prices and blends. Turgut calls his tea mugs “functional art” a compliment to his line of tea which includes green and black tea, herbal and rooibos from South Africa. “Health benefits are excellent for regular tea drinkers with the high concentration of anti-oxidants.”
If you love tea, want to be introduced to a tea tradition spread across multiple cultures spanning thousands of years and you want to feel valued as a customer, the Tea Port is for you. Drop by and connect with Turgut; you will probably discover a whole new world and share a few traditions.
Pioneer Waterfront Plaza Unit 5 - 90 Front Street, Nanaimo.
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Project Cargo allows shippers to deliver by truck, off-loaded at Duke Point and laid down in NPA yard waiting for transport to Tofino.
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Port Authority wins high marks from customers
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2016 results show higher
volumes and 65 new jobs
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Nanaimo Port Authority (NPA) contracted a private firm on Vancouver Island to conduct a customer and stakeholder survey in December, 2016. The results are stating “satisfied to exceptionally satisfied” with NPA on every one of the 15 areas probed. The highest rated response was an 85-per -cent average rating of satisfaction on customer’s ability to contact and communicate with NPA.
The lowest rated response was a 72-per-cent average rating of satisfaction on “usability” of the Port, including its infrastructure and equipment.
“We are very pleased by these findings,” says CEO Bernie Dumas. “We are reviewing these results and looking for ways in which we can improve customer service to help grow our business and add to the local economy. We will likely repeat this survey in the future and will look for even higher scores from our customers.”
Dumas says the Port has invested nearly $4 million of port capital in infrastructure over the past two years, creating new dock infrastructure and purchasing a mobile crane to meet the increased volume of ocean containers now being handled. Further “Short-Sea Shipping” investments are planned at our Duke Point Terminal in the coming years to address the international cargo needs for Vancouver Island.
Customers also gave high marks to NPA for its commitments to safety and environmental responsibility.
Meantime, 2016 year-end statistics show a 61-per-cent increase in tonnage volumes over 2015, to 1.6 million metric tons. The increase is mainly due to a doubling of log ships handling at our Assembly Wharf terminal over the previous year and a 21-per-cent increase in containers handled, up to 43,400 TEUs. This marks the fifth straight year of growth in ocean container volumes.
“The really good news is the creation of a labour opportunity as a result of the increase in log ships to Nanaimo contributed to the hiring of 65 new positions on the Island for members of the ILWU,” says Dumas. These are higher than average salary positions and a great value to our community.
The year also saw a healthy increase in the number of pleasure boats using NPA facilities and services. More than 3,200, mostly USA boaters, visited Nanaimo’s Boat Basin last summer.
A 2014 economic impact study produced by InterVistas for the NPA shows that the Port supports 2,900 person-years of employment and creates more than $665 million in annual economic output, making it one of the Island’s biggest economic engines.
Looking ahead to this year and next the NPA is considering small terminal and tariff increases to help fund Port improvements while remaining competitive in the marine industry.
Other Port priorities will be to review our land-use plan, and the construction of a 15,000-square-foot warehouse/office building for the use of West Coast Marine Response Corporation which will be supporting the federal government’s “Ocean Protection Plan”. The NPA is excited to negotiate a terminal lease for a foot passenger only ferry operator.
“We are working hard to secure more cruise ship stops in Nanaimo,” says Dumas. “Each one of these visits pumps more than $150,000 into the local economy, most going to local merchants and service providers.”
The NPA is continuing its long tradition of supporting community enhancements and over the last 30 years has spent over $20 million on public access projects such as the Swy-a-lana Lagoon, Fishing/Walking pier, Pioneer Waterfront Plaza, Visiting Vessel Pier and the Harbourfront Walkway.
Moira Jenkins, NPA Chair, adds, on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Port, congratulations Mr. Dumas and his staff for the strong survey results and their continued efforts to address the needs of our community and Vancouver Island.
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Nanaimo Search and Rescue received a contribution toward the purchase of a defibrilator for the squad. From left, NPA CEO Bernie Dumas, Dave Schwenning, First Aid Director; Carly Trobridge, President; and Eugene Touchette, Team Leader with Port Authority Director Richard Ringma.
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Collins heads B.C. Ferries
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Mark F. Collins has been named President and CEO of B.C. Ferries, effective April 1.
A senior marine executive for the past 20 years, Mr. Collins’ experience includes roles as the President of Rolls Royce Marine Brazil and Italy, and Vice President of Global Technical Services, CSL Group. Mr. Collins is Vice President of Strategic Planning & Community Engagement at BC Ferries, and Vice President, Engineering between 2004 and 2012.
In making the announcement, Board Chair Donald Hayes said, “Mark Collins has demonstrated his ability to lead teams and work collaboratively with diverse groups, skills we believe to be vital for the CEO position.” Hayes added, “Mr. Collins cares deeply for the company, its employees and the people in coastal communities who regularly use our services. The Board looks forward to working with him in his new role of incoming President and CEO.”
BC Ferries’ engaged an executive search firm to conduct a thorough national search following the announcement of current President and CEO Mike Corrigan’s decision to step down effective March 31.
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BC Ferries Coastal Renaissance recently tested suitability of Cruise Dock in case of emergency to ensure connections for Vancouver Island to mainland.
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Bernie Dumas, CEO and president of Nanaimo Port Authority, MLA and Social Development and Social Innovation Minister Michelle Stilwell and ICE-T president Phil Kent at the announcement.
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Province delivers grant money
for Island economic projects
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Nanaimo businesses will have access to $10 million in potential grant money from Island Coastal Economic Trust.
The trust is a non-governmental body, formed in 2006 to aid economic development on north and central Vancouver Island. The B.C. government recently announced it was contributing an additional $10 million to the fund.
Line Robert, ICE-T CEO, says its economic infrastructure program is one area for the money.
Robert said the program is about infrastructure that is incremental to the economy. It has gone into some key tourism amenities in the region and also non-tourism related ventures servicing Nanaimo.
“There have been supports for tech with the Square One Tech Incubator, supports for the film industry with InFilm (film commission) and developing a database, so it’s a really a wide range of things,” said Robert. “Our focus is to be supporting growth sectors in the economy and emerging sectors of the economy.
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“This additional $10 million is going to give us the opportunity to have a runway to plan forward and to be able to gauge now, in this next phase, where do we concentrate our energy in the region, what is it that the region needs in the next phase?”Robert foresees investment in technology, agrifoods and sectors that align with the Province of B.C. jobs plan.
The trust granted money to Nanaimo Port Authority for its cruise ship terminal welcome centre. Bernie Dumas, Port President and CEO, said it will examine whether to again bid for money. The process for applying includes presenting a business case, he said.
“We went through the exercise with the cruise terminal here in 2010 and we’ll follow the same practice … we’ll more than likely put something in for maybe our marina or something of that nature,” said Dumas.
The port is also looking at upgrading its infrastructure at Duke Point, a bigger project that may be more than the trust can handle, but it will talk to the trust to see what opportunities there are, said Dumas.
For more information, including how to apply, please go to www.islandcoastaltrust.ca.
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Nanaimo Port Authority’s investment in a Domain Awareness System has resulted in the expansion of the system to St. John New Brunswick Port Authority. Kris English, of Xantos Marine, installs antenna for AIS - Automatic Information System in February.
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Nanaimo tops growth of Canadian Ports
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Considering the turmoil in global marine shipping and a drop in Canadian imports and exports last year, there are some bright spots in the 2016 tonnage statistics for the 18 Canadian Port Authorities. The port of Montreal handled 35.2 million tonnes compared to 32 million tonnes in 2015, which was a record performance for Canada’s second busiest port. Quebec City, Halifax, Nanaimo, Toronto, Belledune and Port Alberni also reported traffic gains over 2015. St. John’s, Saint John, Sept Iles, Hamilton, Windsor, Thunder Bay and Oshawa came within 100,000 tonnes or less of their 2015 results.
The port of Vancouver, the country’s busiest port by far, hasn’t released its final statistics for 2016 yet. However, to the end of November it was 800,000 tonnes below its 2015 numbers, which might suggest it finished the year at less than the 138 mil lion tonnes it handled during 2015.
Still, it appears that total CPA tonnage for 2016 will be in the 311 million tonne range, which is an improvement over last year’s 306.8 million tonnes and in line with 2013 and 2014 shipments.
Among the smaller ports, Port Alberni’s two principal commodities are lumber and logs for export to Asian markets. Lumber predominantly goes to Japan and a small volume to China, while logs go to China, Korea and some to Japan. 2016 saw an increase of 8 per cent in lumber exports, while log exports were up 2 per cent over 2015. Asian markets maintained their strength while expectations had been for softer markets.
Nanaimo posted an 11 per cent tonnage gain to 5.4 million tonnes from 4.9 million tonnes in 2015. Spokesman David Mailloux attributed the strong showing, part of a steady increase in traffic since 2009, to a 22 per cent increase in container traffic and 61 per cent rise in log shipments.
Reprinted in part from Canadian
Sailings, February 2017.
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Streamlining export services across the province, country or globe
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The Export Navigator Program helps businesses grow through exporting or expanding their market (throughout B.C. or Canada).
The Export Navigator offers businesses access to community-based export specialists who provide a personalized, step-by-step approach to exporting/ market expansion and help connect businesses to market information, export programs, financial services, and business development experts at every stage of the export process.
It is available to small and medium-sized businesses on Vancouver Island North of the Malahat and Powell River as well as Northern B.C. and Vernon
There are resources for businesses in the Lower Mainland and outside of the service communities. For information email: ExportNavigator@smallbusinessbc.ca
Benefits of Exporting:
• Diversifies a customer base - will expand a target market, may broaden a product offering and offset seasonal fluctuations in sales.
• Increases profitability - increased production generally leads to economies of scale and decreased cost per unit, which increases your profit margins.
• Fosters innovation - expanding to new markets fosters innovation in goods and services, which enhances competitiveness.
Export Navigator supports BC businesses looking to export and expand market.
Businesses get in-person guidance from advisors with advanced knowledge in the export/market expansion processes. By connecting businesses to the right services at the right time, businesses save time and money.
Becoming ready takes time. The goal of the program is to help businesses move from stage to stage, bringing them closer to getting their goods into new markets.
Businesses will be accepted on a case-by-case basis; however, the Export Navigator program is looking to work with growth-oriented, small and medium-sized businesses.
On Vancouver Island North of Malahat/Powell River, Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot contact Darrell Goertzen, 250.954.7477, Darrell@owlbc.com, Office Phone: 250-724-1241 Toll Free: 1-877-724.1241 Email:
info@cfac.ca
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Staff and board members of the Port Authority held their second annual curling night at the Nanaimo Curling Club. Curlers included all skill levels from beginner to “expert”?
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We want to know what’s important to you and what information and topics you would like to see in future issues of our Newsletter. Please e-mail us at
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Box 131 - 100 Port Drive, Nanaimo, BC, Canada V9R 5K4 Tel: 250-753-4146 http://www.npa.ca
Bernie Dumas President and Chief Executive Officer
Ian Marr Vice President - CPA, CGA
Edward S. Dahlgren Director of Operations & Harbour Master
Mike Davidson Director of Property & Environment
David Mailloux Manager, Communications and Public Affairs
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Moira Jenkins Chair
Michelle Corfield Vice Chair
Chris Badger Director
Audrey Cope Director
Donna Hais Director
Jeet Manhas Director
Richard Ringma Director
The Nanaimo Port Authority is one of 18 Port Authorities across Canada, established under the Canada Marine Act, to promote and support the national, regional and local economy and to ensure a safe and secure harbour for cargo operations.
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