Welcome

Industry is Growing

According to the CPIA, the plastics industry is enjoying substantial growth, and that this trend is expected to continue into the forseeable future.

The immediate outlook for Canadian plastics is favourable . An in depth analysis of the industry completed by Industry Canada in 2000 indicated that the industry, overall, was in a very competitive state, which bodes particularly well for the industry's export capacity.

Even though the Atlantic plastics sector is small in comparison to both Canada and the U.S., it is dynamic, thriving and experiencing growth and expansion.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, we do produce a variety of plastic goods ranging from PVC windows, insulation, beverage containers, packaging materials and plastic bags among other products.

In recent years, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has put forward some initiatives that will help the plastics industry tremendously. These include the establishment of industrial diversification as one of the pillars of its economic diversification strategies and, in 2001, the release of its new economic development strategy. Essentially, the strategy emphasizes maximizing opportunities wherever they exist, with small scale manufacturing and export development as major objectives.

School Education Program

John Parsons of the Crown of the Valley Development Corporation is planning to bring plastics education into the classroom. He wants to help students understand what plastics are and how they fit into our daily lives. Any school interested in learning more about this program, or to have John come in to visit them can contact him at 709-686-2078 for further information.

For a comprehensive listing of resources available to schools and teachers please visit: www.cpia.ca/StaticContent/StaticPages/teachers/Newsite/cool_resources.html

Forums & Symposiums

The Crown of the Valley Development Corporation in conjunction with the Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development and CPIA will be holding a " Molding the Economy" Symposium in Corner Brook at the Glynmill Inn on Friday, March 28^th,2003. A networking session will be held at the Venture Centre in Pasadena, on Thursday evening March 27th.

The keynote speaker will be Mr. Michael LeGault, Editor of Canadian Plastics. He is a renowned writer who has tackled a variety of issues including NAFTA and the Kyoto Accord.

CPIA Study

CPIA - Atlantic Division, on behalf of the plastics industry from the four atlantic provinces, will host a major incoming mission from the Eastern Seaboard of the United States in Moncton in late October 2003. Concurrent with this event, CPIA is planning a series of training workshops and seminars on trade issues that will advance the knowledge and awareness of export opportunities for Atlantic plastics and composites businesses.

CPIA is also developing an industry trade show- The Atlantic Canada Plastics & Composites Showcase that will run in concert with this mission. The trade show will showcase the diversity and capabilities of the Atlantic region's plastics and composites companies. The critical mass of these combined events will be the largest plastics event ever held on the east coast and will create widespread interest throughout the region and in Eastern Canada. The international component will be increased by the addition of a United States mission.

The Industry, through CPIA and with support from the International Business Development Agreement , completed a strategic plan for export trade development in January and this reverse NEBS and trade shows marks the beginning of the implementation of this plan. The workshops and seminars during the mission would be targeted at new exporters but would include information for mature exporters as well.

Topics will include: financing, customs and security issues, provincial and federal partners and programs, transportation and market development. Further Information is available at the Venture Centre from John Parsons.

Plastics Recycling - Did You Know ?

1. the first use of plastic was in billiard balls in the 1870's.
2. the first bicycle helmet was introduced in 1975.
3. protective polystyrene & fibreglass helmets decreased bicycle death by 60% for children under the age of 14 in the past 18 years.
4. it takes 53 2L pop bottles to make one sleeping bag.
5. it takes 9 2L pop bottles to make the fill for one ski jacket.

No Stranger to Newfoundland and Labrador

Mr. Pierre G. Dubois, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Plastics Industry Association is retiring after a long and dedicated career.

Mr. Dubois was involved in a variety of government initiatives. He worked tirelessly to ensure the well being of the plastics industry across the nation and was a dedicated member of many associations, organizations and trade missions.

His knowledge and expertise was an invaluable asset to the association.Mr. Dubois was also the keynote speaker at the first Plastics Symposium. Best Wishes Pierre !

Congratulations are extended to Mr. Serge Lavoie on becoming the new President & CEO of the CPIA . Mr. Lavoie brings with him 23 years of experience in managing non profit organizations. He has worked with the Canadian Community Newspaper Association and has served as director or manager of five other national organizations.

Next Issue

The next issue will be published in June. Comments welcomed. Please Contact the Venture Centre. tel. (709) 686-2078 fax:686-2081 email: venture.centre@nf.sympatico.ca web: www.crownofthevalley.com