Photo from Oil Sands Convention 2007
Alberta 's Oil Sands development can benefit local businesses
March 5, 2007
Niagara , ON - Over the next 15 years, Niagara manufacturing and logistics firms will have an immense opportunity to tap into more than $85 billion of investment in the oil sands development. There is no question that Alberta will continue to profit from its oil reserves, however, the shortage of fabricated metal products, industrial machinery and equipment and engineering and construction services may threaten its success.
In its continuing role of enhancing Niagara 's business climate, the Niagara Development Corridor partnership has been hosting a series of information sessions regarding the opportunities that exist for cross-provincial business. The seminars have served as a precursor encouraging area manufacturers to register for the upcoming National Buyer/Seller Forum March 13-15 in Edmonton. “The economic boom in Alberta is forcing manufacturers to look for production from like-minded companies in Niagara,” states David Oakes, Director of Economic Development and Tourism Services for the City of St. Catharines. “ Niagara manufacturers are hungry for new opportunities and ways of working together that will boost their bottom line.” The Niagara Development Corridor partnership has been initiating meetings and encouraging companies to look to the west for new business opportunities. Area manufacturers have shown their support with 56 companies attending the first session back in December and another 38 in attendance at our February meeting.
The National Buyer/Seller Forum is a joint industry/government supply chain development initiative showcasing oil sands procurement opportunities and solutions. “The Edmonton forum will provide Niagara manufacturers' the venue to develop partnerships with Alberta companies that have experience and close ties to the energy firms versus trying to obtain work from energy firms directly,” states Dan Degazio , Economic Development Manager for the City of Welland. A number of Niagara manufacturers are established suppliers to the oil sand marketplace including PC Forge, Lakeside Steel and TIW Steel Platework.
The Niagara Development Corridor team of St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Welland, Fort Erie and the Niagara Economic Development Corporation along with 25 Niagara manufacturers will be attending the National Buyer/Seller Forum. With over 600 delegates pre-registered, this dynamic, fast-paced event will showcase oil sands development procurement opportunities and solutions. Attendees can expect keynote addresses, panel discussions, presentations and one-on-one meetings with ‘Tier One' buyers from Alberta 's suppliers to the oil sands. “This is a tremendous opportunity for Niagara firms to build the relationships needed to become a preferred seller to Alberta “Tier One” companies,” adds Serge Felicetti, Director of Business Development for the City of Niagara Falls.
To learn more about the National Buyer Seller Forum visit www.nationalbuyersellerforum.ca
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For more information:
Mr. David Oakes
Director, Economic Development & Tourism
City of St. Catharines
906.688.5600 x 1700
Mr. James Thibert
General Manager
Fort Erie Economic Development & Tourism
1.888.270.9151
Mr. Dan Degazio
Manager, Economic Development
City of Welland
1.800.735.3371
Mr. Renato Romanin
Senior Economic Development Officer, Niagara Economic Development Corporation
905.685.1308
Mr. Serge Felicetti
Director, Business Development
City of Niagara Falls
905.356.7521 x 5000
