Sault representation at international convention

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE. MARIE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

*************************
SAULT STE. MARIE - This week, more than 22,000 mining industry officials and suppliers are gathered in Toronto for the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) 2017 International Convention. To help generate leads and business for local companies, the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation is represented at the expo.

One firm benefiting from the forum is NorPro Security & Investigations. The Sault-based business, which employs 75 full-time staff and up to twice that many when undertaking special projects, is at the PDAC Convention to build partnerships and sell its services to mining companies. On that front, deals have already been made.

“We’re generating a ton of solid leads, and we already inked a few commitments,” said Brad Gregorini, president of NorPro Security & Investigations. “We wouldn’t have been able to do this without the support of the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation. They’re helping us make new contacts and build connections. They’re opening doors for us, and their assistance is greatly appreciated.”

Another prime example is Rector Machine Works, a local company that provides industrial contracting, welding and machining services. President and owner Dave Rector is also at the PDAC Convention, with the goal of building partnerships to sell more products and services to the mining sector.

“We’re here to gain exposure, network and see what projects are coming down the pipe in the future,” he said. “A 15-minute conversation with a mining company or supplier might lead to a site visit, which could then lead to a formal partnership or exporting venture.”

Rector, whose company employs 40 full-time staff, thanked the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation for helping generate leads during the PDAC Convention. “They know our business and were very helpful in brokering meetings for us,” he said. “They worked the trade show floor and sought out potential partnerships for us. It worked out very well.”

More than 60 companies from across Northern Ontario, including a half dozen from Sault Ste. Marie, are participating in the PDAC Convention. The local and regional businesses have a showcase booth set up at the forum. This presence is being made possible with support from FedNor, the Government of Canada’s economic development agency for Northern Ontario.

Meanwhile, the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation is attending the PDAC Convention with fellow members of Ontario’s North Economic Development Corporation, a partnership that includes representatives from the region’s five major centres. The organization is supporting Northern Ontario businesses at the form.

“Mining is a key industry for Northern Ontario, and we’re working to help local businesses capitalize on this growing sector,” said John Febbraro, director of industrial and business development for the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation. “We’re assisting local businesses in building connections with global mining companies and suppliers. Facilitating partnerships is a key component of economic development.”

About PDAC 2017

Held Mar. 5 to 8, the 2017 PDAC International Convention, Trade Show & Investors Exchange is the world’s leading expo for people, companies and organizations in mineral exploration and finance. The event involves more than 900 exhibitors and 22,000 attendees from 125 countries. For more information, visit www.pdac.ca/convention.

*************************