Message from Chair, Denis Mahoney

I became Chair of the Business Coalition five years ago with the sense that to move this province to the forefront of business excellence, as a place to build our own and to attract new business,  it would take commitment by Coalition members. Behind our drive to maximize opportunities and to minimize the barriers for growth, there is the hard work of our board members, who give tirelessly to our initiatives and to the committees in the Strategic Partnership. Their efforts exemplify the commitment of their organizations - the thirteen business associations that comprise our board.

As I prepare to complete my term as Chair of the Coalition, I reflect on the challenges. We needed a powerful collaborative voice and a solid position to push for improvements in our business environment. We demanded better marine and air access to our province so that we can build our resource and knowledge based industries; and contribute to the social and well being of our province. We are seeking better policies, regulations and environments for labour markets and employer relations. We continue to advocate for business on a multitude of issues, reinforcing the independent work of our members with a collective and collaborative voice.

There were times when progress seemed slow, sometimes it stalled. But our old economies are being replaced with new opportunities, an energetic and vibrant youth and the unflinching commitment of our business community to work here. We've been here for more than 500 years, and we intend to stay.

Denis Mahoney, Chair

Managing the Human Side of Business

The Business Coalition was a driving force in the development of an Employers Tool Kit, the core component of the recently launched new website www.nlhrmanager.ca. In partnership with Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) Memorial and the Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, 150 employers were engaged to determine the challenges faced by organizations and the most effective ways to address them. Employers identified an easy-to-use online HR toolkit as their greatest need, especially small to medium firms that may not have HR professionals on staff.

The Business Coalition will be promoting the toolkit by attending conferences, events and exhibitions scheduled by member organizations throughout the province. Close to 300 have already completed the webinars.   "As chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador Business Coalition, I am very pleased to see such a powerful and accessible management resource developed in partnership with the Provincial Government and the business leaders of tomorrow," said Denis Mahoney. "This toolkit is so comprehensive and easy to use that all employers should take the time to become familiar with it and discover how it can enhance their operations. This initiative demonstrates the high level of collaboration that employers currently enjoy with the Provincial Government

Business Making the Difference in the Strategic Partnership

The Strategic Partnership is a unique, dynamic partnership of business, labour and government dedicated to improving the quality of life of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador through sustainable, balanced economic and social development. It s mandate includes identifying barriers, challenges and opportunities to stimulate social and economic development in Newfoundland and Labrador, initiating quality research,  presenting recommendations based upon consensus to influence the policies and actions of Government and other relevant stakeholders.

The Partnership Council is the governing body, and comprises four members selected and appointed by each of the three partners, as well as an independent chair.  Business is represented by Denis Mahoney, Chair, Newfoundland and Labrador Business Coalition; Nancy Healey, Chief Executive Officer, St. John's Board of Trade; Robert Cadigan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Newfoundland and Labrador Oil and Gas Industries Association; and Ron Taylor, Chief Executive Officer, Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Technology Industries.

Working for Healthy Labour Market

The Labour Market Committee promotes the development of healthy labour markets in which all citizens have full opportunity to develop and use their knowledge, skills and abilities in rewarding and productive work environments within a diversified, globally competitive provincial economy. Business is represented by Richard Alexander, Executive Director, Newfoundland and Labrador Employers' Council; Cathy Bennett, Bennett Restaurants; and Bill Stirling, Vice-President, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, Newfoundland and Labrador Division.

Creating a Better Perception of our Labour Relation's Climate

The Employment Relations Committee promotes a healthy employment and labour relations environment in Newfoundland and Labrador by working to address issues impacting employment relations and improving the perception of the province's labour relations climate. Business is represented by Denis Mahoney, Chair, Newfoundland and Labrador Business Coalition; Wayne Scott, Manager of Human Resources, Vale Inco Newfoundland and Labrador 'Lisa Hollett, Consultant; and Lorne Bennett, Pennecon Limited.

Three New Directions: Population Growth, Innovation, and Transportations & Communications

The Population Committee allows for business interest in a sustained population to provide for customers, and workers. Business is represented by Cathy Bennett, Bennett Restaurants; Derek Butler, Executive Director, Association of Seafood Producers; and Bradley George, Director of Provincial Affairs, Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

The Innovation Committee allows for business interests on niche opportunities shaped by our resources and geography, our dynamic people and our world class research and educational institutions. Business wants to drive commercialization and growth. Business is represented by Barry Dawe, President, Northern Radar (Co-Chair); Ron Taylor, Chief Executive Officer, Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Technology Industries; and Robert Cadigan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Newfoundland and Labrador Oil and Gas Industries Association

The Transportation and Communications Infrastructure Committee will allow for business interest in accessing global markets.  Business is represented by Nancy Healey, Chief Executive Officer, St. John's Board of Trade (Chair); Carol-Ann Gilliard, Chief Executive Officer, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador; and Bill Stirling, Vice-President, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, Newfoundland and Labrador Division.

New Members Welcomed on Board

The Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association along with the Canadian Food and Restaurant Association came on board on February 26, when NLCA President and Chief Operating Office Rhonda Neary and CFRA National President Brenda O'Reilly attended the Coalition's monthly meeting. The Coalition now works with thirteen business organizations.

Youth - Our Future

Business fully supports the Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy, recently launched by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Developed by youth, for youth, in close collaboration with business, labour, and community leaders, the strategy is to counter the impacts of out-migration, strengthen the labour market and support the economic development of the province

The Business Coalition is impressed that young people identified the need for better school-to-work transitions, more work experience and easier access to quality entry level jobs. And Business is pleased with the initiatives that have been announced since, including the expansion of the existing Graduate Employment Program and expanding access to existing internship opportunities and summer jobs.

"The Graduate Employment Program is significant for employers and business operators - youth bring skills and learning, as well as new approaches shaped by our university and colleges," said Denis Mahoney, Chair of the Business Coalition. "Youth experience first-hand how workers and employers apply initiative, innovation and hard work to drive successful industries and organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador. It is a smart investment, and I encourage employers and recent graduates throughout the province to find out about the benefits of participating in this program."

And that includes the many international students graduating from Memorial University, Marine Institute, College of the North Atlantic and other institutions who are connected to the province. They are attached to our labour market and they want to stay to work here. Employers are encouraged to consider these students as employees, and can contact the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism in the Department  of Human Resources, Labour and Employment http://www.nlimmigration.ca/www.nlpnp.ca