Local businesses represented at MINExpo 2016

NEWS RELEASE

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

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To attract investment and generate opportunities for local businesses, the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation (SSMEDC) represented the community last month at MINExpo International.

Held every four years, the forum is the world’s largest and most comprehensive mining exhibition that attracts well over 1,000 companies and organizations from around the globe.

There are 142 active mines in Northern Ontario, with Sault Ste. Marie suppliers providing products and services to many of them.

The SSMEDC attended MINExpo 2016 to promote area mining opportunities and support local businesses in generating leads. NorPro Security & Investigations, a Sault-based firm employing more than 50 people, was one of several local companies that took part in the event.

“Attending MINExpo International opened up new opportunities for us in the mining sector as it relates to security,” said Brad Gregorini, President of NorPro Security & Investigations. “The support we received from the SSMEDC cannot be underestimated. They assisted us in every business-to-business meeting, and we are currently examining two major opportunities.”

The SSMEDC also attended MINExpo 2016 with fellow members of Ontario’s North Economic Development Corporation, a partnership that includes representatives from the region’s five major centres.

During the event, the group administered a Northern Ontario Pavilion featuring 16 area firms and facilitated two seminars on the region’s advantages in the mining sector as they relate to investment, research and development.

The Honourable Michael Gravelle, Ontario’s Minister of Northern Development and Mines, served as host and emcee for the seminars, which attracted dozens of mining business leaders from across the globe.

“Mining remains a key sector for Northern Ontario, and we’re working to ensure local businesses are able to capitalize on this growing global industry,” said John Febbraro, Director of Industrial & Business Development for the SSMEDC. “There are a number of local companies that are providing products and services to the mining sector, and there are many more that could be involved. We’re working to help build connections between local businesses and global mining companies. That’s a key component of economic development.”

On that note, the SSMEDC and Ontario’s North Economic Development Corporation are now working closely with the City of Temiskaming Shores on planning a Northern Ontario Showcase for the 2017 Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) mining conference in Toronto from March 5 to 8. More than 60 companies from across the region have registered so far.

For any Sault Ste. Marie firms that wish to be part of the Northern Ontario Showcase at the spring event, contact the SSMEDC’s John Febbraro at 705-759-2546 or [email protected], or visit www.northernontariomining.com. Space is limited.

Ontario’s North Economic Development Corporation is funded by senior levels of government. Attending MINExpo 2016 was made possible with support from the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.

Meanwhile, the Northern Ontario Showcase at the upcoming PDAC mining conference in March is being made possible with support from FedNor - Industry Canada.

About MINExpo International

MINExpo International is recognized as the premier exposition of mining equipment and services in the world. Sponsored by the National Mining Association, the tradeshow is held every four years at the Las Vegas Convention Centre.

This year’s forum attracted more than 1,900 delegates from businesses and organizations around the globe. For more information, visit www.minexpo.com.

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