4.0 Sector Strategies

4.1 Manufacturing 4.2 Tourism 4.3 Youth 4.4 Information Technology 4.5 Retail

Manufacturing plays an important role in creating a diverse, dynamic economy for the province. It adds value to raw materials, creating jobs and generating new wealth in the process.

Charles J. Furey; Former Minister of Industry, Trade and Technology, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Given the abundance of raw material in Newfoundland, the development of manufacturing has been an inevitable and natural occurrence. Turning these raw materials into useful commodities dates back to our early ancestral history as the first migrants used the fishery to establish a livelihood.

Although Bishop’s Falls was not established because of its connection to the fishery, available raw material and a strategic location made it attractive for industrial development. In the early 1900's, Bishop’s Falls’ natural advantages led to the establishment of a groundwood pulp mill, a hydro station and the central terminus for the Trans-Island rail service.

Over the years the railway developed as a source of employment for the town of Bishop’s Falls and the backbone of the local economy. The demise of the railway in 1988 devastated the community and left the future of Bishop’s Falls in question. One year later the Bishop’s Falls Development Corporation was formed and since this time the industrial developments of Bishop’s Falls have focused on small-scale manufacturing which has provided the economy with more strength and stability through diversification.

Still using its strategic location as a strength, Bishop’s Falls has attracted various manufacturing companies who find the access to a variety of transportation modes very advantageous. Today Bishop’s Falls has a strong base of small-scale manufacturers and has traded its reputation for being the “Hub of the Railway” to become known as the “Hub of Manufacturing.”

The Bishop’s Fall Development Corporation strongly believes manufacturing has become an acquired strength in Bishop’s Falls and should be the main focus for “creating a diverse, dynamic economy...creating jobs and generating new wealth.”

Although manufacturing has been a success in this town there is still opportunity for growth. The purpose of the following strategy is to build on our developed strength so this sector can stimulate further economic growth and prosperity in Bishop’s Falls.

GOAL: To increase and expand the manufacturing base in Bishop’s Falls.

Objective 1.0 Continue to promote Bishop’s Falls as a location for manufacturing.

Initiative 1.1 Update promotional materials which outline manufacturing strengths of Bishop’s Falls.

1.1.1 Update the brochure outlining successful manufacturing operations and advantages of manufacturing in Bishop’s Falls.

1.1.2 Update the detailed profile of Bishop’s Falls reflecting current workforce skills, tax structure, population demographics, services available, transportation modes, infrastructure and consulting services.

Target Date: Ongoing
Potential Partners: BFDC, Town Council and ACOA

Initiative 1.2 Attract new manufacturing businesses to Bishop’s Falls.

1.2.1 Continue prospecting manufacturing businesses searching for expansion areas.

1.2.2 Use trade shows and other promotional mediums to draw manufacturing operations to Bishop’s Falls.

Target Date: Ongoing
Potential Partners: BFDC, Town Council and the Manufacturing Committee

Initiative 1.3 Identify manufacturing opportunities in Bishop’s Falls.

1.3.1 Identify goods and services imported by local manufacturing businesses that can be produced in Bishop’s Falls.

Target Date: April 2001
Potential Partners: BFDC, EVEDC and DDRR

Objective 2.0 Assist existing manufacturers in improving current operations.

Initiative 2.1 Develop recommendations to rectify needs identified from the regional manufacturing survey conducted in the winter of 1999.

Target Date: April 1999
Potential Partners: BFDC and DDRR

Initiative 2.2 Initiate talks with government funding agency representatives to discuss recommendations from manufacturing survey.

2.2.1 Lobby the provincial government to decentralize funding decisions to a local level to increase speed and accuracy of decisions.

2.2.2 Lobby the provincial government to make short-term financing available for small manufacturers to assist manufacturing businesses with short-term financial crisis.

2.2.3 Lobby the provincial government to increase opportunities for expansion and modernization of existing manufacturing businesses.

Target Date: September 1999
Potential Partners: BFDC, ACOA, DDRR, HRDC, HRE and DITT

Initiative 2.3 Initiate talks with representatives from regulatory government bodies to encourage the break down of unnecessary government regulations affecting local manufacturers.

2.3.1 Consult manufacturers to determine unnecessary regulations that are hindering the success of their business.

Target Date: April 2000
Potential Partners: BFDC and Local Manufacturers

Initiative 2.4 Encourage training institutes to provide training programs that complement the human resource needs of local manufacturers.

2.4.1 Identify training gaps experienced with local manufacturers.

2.4.2 Conduct a feasibility study of programs geared toward training gaps.

Target Date: December 2000
Potential Partners: BFDC, EVEDC and Local Colleges

Initiative 2.5 Organize a seminar for manufacturers within the Exploits region to provide insight on the benefits of quality control and the ISO 9000 program.

Target Date: June 1999
Potential Partners: BFDC, BDC and EVEDC

Objective 3.0 Increase networking between manufacturers in the Exploits Region.

Initiative 3.1 Develop an up to date directory of manufacturers in the Exploits Region.

Target Date: May 1999
Potential Partners: BFDC

Initiative 3.2 Develop a quarterly business newsletter outlining new happenings and important issues concerning the manufacturing, retail, tourism and IT sector, as well as youth business development.

Target Date: October 1999
Potential Partners: BFDC, Town Council and EVEDC

Tourism is the world’s fastest growing industry and has the potential to become one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most important generators of wealth, jobs and investment in the next five years. Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation

In 1997 the travel industry contributed over $500 million in revenues to the Newfoundland economy (The Economic Review, 1998, pg 5) leaving little doubt as to why tourism has become a new priority for growth, prosperity and economic development in our province.

Newfoundland’s abundance of natural and cultural resources appeal to a large market of travel enthusiasts and is considered a “new and exciting” destination by the National Association of Conventions.

The Exploits Valley is no exception to this, exemplified by the $3.0 million spent in the region from June to September of 1997 (Newfoundland and Labrador 1997 Auto Exit Survey). The Newfoundland and Labrador Product Market Match Study identified the “Unique Selling Propositions” of the province as being its dramatic natural setting, abundant wildlife and unique culture and heritage. Considering Bishop’s Falls has all three of these “Unique Selling Propositions”, in addition to the accessibility of the town, tourism is, without doubt, a sector that has significant potential.

The Bishop’s Falls Development Corporation and the Town Council recognize the potential in this “fastest growing industry” and is why tourism is identified as one of the four sectors in this strategic economic plan.

The following strategy has been formulated through consultations with tourism operators, municipal officials and the general public.

Goal: To develop tourism potential in the Town of Bishops Falls.

Objective 1.0 Promote the Town of Bishop’s Falls as a great tourist destination within Newfoundland and specifically, the Exploits Valley.

Initiative 1.1 Establishment of a Tourism Development Committee for the Town of Bishop’s Falls to implement the Tourism Strategy.

Target Date: June 1999
Potential Partners: BFDC, EVTA, Town Council, Local Operators, HNL and local residents

Initiative 1.2 Initiate discussions with the Department of Works, Services and Transportation and Government Lands and Services to change the current regulation concerning signage corridors from 5 km to 2 km.

Target Date: June 1999
Potential Partners: EVTA, BFDC, Town Council and local operators

Initiative 1.3 Develop and erect professional signage at the intersections to Bishop’s Falls, outlining activities and attractions.

Target Date: June 1999
Potential Partners: Tourism Development Committee, EVTA, Town Council, HRDC, ACOA, Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, and Department of Works, Services and Transportation

Initiative 1.4 Develop promotional materials such as brochures, town map, place mats and ads identifying attractions, activities and accommodations for the Town of Bishop’s Falls.

1.4.1 Initiate discussions with local outfitters to promote the recreational salmon fishing potential on the Exploits River.

Target Date: February 2000
Potential Partners: Tourism Development Committee, Town Council, Local Operators, EVTA, Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, ACOA, HRDC and DDRR

Initiative 1.5 Develop a web site for the tourism attractions and activities in Bishop’s Falls linking into the BFDC’s site, as well as the EVTA and Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation sites.

Target Date: May 1999
Potential Partners: BFDC, EVTA, IT Development Officer, and Town Council

Initiative 1.6 Appoint a member of the Tourism Development Committee to the EVTA and develop joint marketing programs.

Target Date: July 1999
Potential Partners: BFDC, Tourism Development Committee, EVTA and Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation

Initiative 1.7 Establish a Town Beautification Program in Bishop’s Falls.

Target Date: May 2000
Potential Partners: BFDC and the Town Council

Objective 2.0 Develop new and existing attractions and activities within the Town of Bishop’s Falls.

Initiative 2.1 Establish a Heritage Center to preserve the Town’s history regarding the railway, sporting activities, logging and natural disasters.

2.1.1 Identify a venue for the center within Town’s boundaries.

2.1.2 Collection and cataloguing of artifacts and other items from local residents to be displayed within the center.

2.1.3 Development of story boards for different historical events.

2.1.4 Collection and recording of stories, tales and antidotes from local people to be placed in the center.

Target Date: September 2000
Potential Partners: BFDC, EVTA, Town Council, Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, Museums Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, HRDC, ACOA and Tourism Development Committee

Initiative 2.2 Improve the existing festivals and events in Bishop’s Falls

2.2.1 Identify new activities for the Bishop’s Falls Days, Winter Carnival and Log Jamming Festival through local input.

2.2.2 Investigate the opportunities for an Exploits Valley regatta to be held in Bishop’s Falls as a part of the Salmon Festival.

2.2.3 Implement a campaign to recruit local residents to volunteer for committees responsible for different festivals and events.

Target Date: Ongoing
Potential Partners: BFDC, Town Council, local operators, local committees and Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation

Initiative 2.3 Initiate discussions with the Town of Bishop’s Falls, Department of Municipal Affairs and Department of Environment for the clean up of the Exploits River within the Town Boundaries.

Target Date: October 1999
Potential Partners: Tourism Development Committee, BFDC, Town Council, Department of Municipal Affairs and Department of Environment

Initiative 2.4 Implement improvements to the municipal park.

2.4.1 Improve the exit and entry points for the park.

2.4.2 Develop the lower level of the park for RV parking with serviced lots.

2.4.3 Investigate the viability of building a new boat launch or floating docks in the park.

2.4.4 Erect a band stand and concession booths within the park’s boundaries.

2.4.5 Increase directional signage for the municipal park.

Target Date: June 2001
Partners: BFDC, Town Council, Tourism Development Committee, HRDC, ACOA and DDRR

Initiative 2.5 Development of existing walking, ATV and snowmobile trails within the boundaries of the Town of Bishop’s Falls.

2.5.1 Identify and map all trails within the Town’s boundaries

2.5.2 Improve the accessibility of all trails.

2.5.3 Develop the trail around Diamond Pond area.

2.5.4 Investigate the opportunity to link Grenfell Heights Extension to Bishop’s Falls by trails.

Target Date: June 2001
Potential Partners: BFDC, Tourism Development Committee, Town Council, EVTA, Snowmobile Association, Newfoundland Trailways Association, Department Tourism, Culture and Recreation, ACOA, HRDC, and DDRR

Objective 3.0 Identify potential business opportunities for local entrepreneurs in the tourism sector.

Initiative 3.1 Conduct seminars and workshops on opportunities stemming from new developments such trails and municipal park improvements.

Target Date: January 2001
Partners: ACOA, HRDC, Community Development Corporation, BFDC and DDRR

Initiative 3.2 Investigate the opportunities for an additional RV Park near the Bay D’Espoir Highway.

Target Date: March 2002
Potential Partners: ACOA, Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, DDRR and BFDC

Throughout the world young people are the first casualty of economic restructuring, automation, downsizing of employment opportunities and deteriorating social and economic conditions. Yet, young people from age 13 to 30 have the energy, original ideas and enthusiasm to take the lead in community economic development, small business and entrepreneurship.

David Newing; Senior Advisor, Canadian Youth Business Foundation

Making the transition from adolescence to adulthood, or more specifically, from school to work, has become increasingly difficult for Canadian youth. Today’s job creation has not kept pace with population growth and as a result, the more experienced Canadian adults are competing with youth for the same positions. In fact, the percentage of youth who have never held a job has more than doubled from 9.7% in 1989 to 19.9% in 1996 (Labour Force Update, “Youth and the Labour Market”, 1997).

No other province in Canada has a more prevalent youth unemployment problem than Newfoundland as its rate was 29 % in 1996 as compared to the national average of 16.1% (Labour Force Update: “Youth and the Labour Market”, 1997). Despite strong economic growth, youth unemployment has seen little improvement since, slightly decreasing to 28.6% in 1998 (Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey, 1998), while remaining a main contributor to Newfoundland’s out migration dilemma.

Even though out migration has been improving since its record high of 7,022 in 1994 (Issues and Opportunities in the Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market, 1996), it is still a growing concern for Newfoundland, especially the out migration of educated youth. This group represented nearly half (48.2%) of the out migrants from 1991 to 1996 (Statistic Canada, 1996 Census) and baring drastic change, educated youth will continue to be the largest group leaving the province. A trend which threatens the economic development of our province and the sustainability of rural Newfoundland.

The Bishop’s Falls Development Corporation and the Town Council acknowledge the problems facing youth and have developed a strategy to help provide solutions to some of these problems. It is of upmost importance that the initiatives in the following strategy are implemented so the youth of the community are provided with a choice to live and work within the region.

GOAL: To provide the youth of Bishop’s Falls with the opportunity to make choices regarding their future in the town.

Objective 1.0 Increase the variety of youth activities in the town of Bishop’s Falls.

Initiative 1.1 Hire a youth coordinator to organize activities for the youth of Bishop’s Falls.

1.1.1 Develop a proposal for the local HRDC office outlining the job description, qualifications and purpose of this position.

1.1.2 Identify sources of long term financial support to sustain this position.

Target Date: June 1999
Potential Partners: BFDC, HRDC, HRE, Town Council, Local Schools, Regional School Boards and Community Groups

Initiative 1.2 Develop a seasonal program listing for youth activities.

1.2.1 Survey the youth of the community to determine programs they would like offered in the town of Bishop’s Falls.

1.2.2 Identify and research communities that have utilized skills of a youth coordinator and determine activities that have been successful.

1.2.3 Organize a program listing on a month by month basis using the research findings.

Target Date: Ongoing
Potential Partners: Recreation Committee, Town Council and Community Groups.

Initiative 1.3 Utilize the stadium, local schools and the recreation facilities as venues for youth activities.

1.3.1 Initiate discussions with the respective stakeholders to determine when, where and how facilities can be utilized.

Target Date: September 1999
Potential Partners: Local Schools, Recreation Committee and Community Groups.

Objective 2.0 Increase employment opportunities for youth in Bishop’s Falls.

Initiative 2.1 Utilize existing funding programs pertaining to youth.

2.1.1 The youth coordinator will develop an extensive listing of government funding programs pertaining to youth.

2.1.2 Develop proposals to access funding to employ youth.

Target Date: January 2002
Potential Partners: HRDC, DDRR, HRE, ACOA and BFDC

Initiative 2.2 Identify entrepreneurial opportunities for youth in the community.

2.2.1 Host a youth workshop to address the topics of business plan development, general opportunities and funding programs.

2.2.2 Develop a link to the BFDC web-site to provide information to youth business start-ups.

2.2.3 Organize a familiarization tour for the youth of Bishop’s Falls to visit regional businesses to acquire first hand knowledge on how a business is properly run.

2.2.4 Distribute a quarterly newsletter to youth in the area with a focus on entrepreneurial issues produced by the youth council.

Target Date: Ongoing
Potential Partners: BFDC, CDC, ACOA, DDRR, Local Businesses and Youth Council

Initiative 2.3 Encourage funding agencies to develop a program where youth can fill the training gaps experienced by small-scale manufacturers in the region.

2.3.1 Initiate talks with funding agencies to discuss the lack of youth employment opportunities and the need for subsidized training for small-scale manufacturers in the region.

2.3.2 Encourage the development of a Youth Apprenticeship program to address youth unemployment.

Target Date: Ongoing
Potential Partners: HRDC, HRE, Department of Education, EVEDC, BFDC and Local Businesses

Objective 3.0 Provide youth with a means of voicing their issues and concerns pertaining to Bishop’s Falls.

Initiative 3.1 Organize a community youth council under the direction of the youth coordinator.

3.1.1 Host a youth forum to select an executive for the youth council.

Target Date: November 1999
Potential Partners: BFDC, EVEDC Youth Council, Community Youth Groups and Town Council

Initiative 3.2 Arrange meetings with council on a bi-monthly basis where the youth coordinator and youth council executive would express issues and concerns of youth in the community.

Target Date: Ongoing
Potential Partners: BFDC, Youth Council and Town Council

Objective 4.0 Increase youth awareness of economic development.

Initiative 4.1 Formulate a list of programs and activities that would increase youth awareness of economic development.

4.1.1 Research other communities on the Island that have youth coordinators serving this function.

Target Date: September 2001
Potential Partners: HRDC, DDRR, HRE, ACOA, Town Council and BFDC

Initiative 4.2 Initiate discussion with the District Five School Board to develop modules for high school students pertaining to the manufacturing sector.

Target Date: May 2000
Potential Partners: School Board, Local High School, Town Council and the BFDC

Initiative 4.3 Hold a youth forum to discuss community economic development.

4.3.1 Develop a list of dynamic speakers to provide insight on youth involvement in economic development.

Target Date: May 2000 Potential Partners: BFDC, Town Council, Local Businesses, FINALY, ACOA, HRDC and DDRR

Objective 5.0 Encourage youth to take ownership of their community.

Initiative 5.1 Develop programs that encourage youth to take pride in their community.

5.1.1 Identify programs other communities have designed for this purpose.

5.1.2 Recognize youth who have made contributions to the community.

Target Date: September 2002
Potential Partners: Youth Council, Town Council, Community Groups and BFDC

For Newfoundland and Labrador, IT represents an opportunity for economic diversification. It is the means to open one of the doors to a new world and new economic possibilities. The prospects for the future grow dramatically with the adoption of IT and by embracing and fostering the IT sector.

Operation Online: Newfoundland and Labrador IT strategy

Information Technology (IT) has been an industry that has experienced phenomenal world-wide growth over the past decade and an industry so dynamic that getting a census on exactly what IT stands for is a near impossible task. In a presentation on Information Industries, the Economic Recovery Commission defined IT as being “...all those elements of our economy that are involved in the collection, processing, management, retrieval and transmission of data and information to the public, private and voluntary sectors of the economy, or those elements that enable this work to be carried out” (p4).

Regardless of how IT is defined there is a certainty that IT is creating a new, global economy where market distance is becoming irrelevant in the trade of goods and services. This globalized trade, facilitated by IT, presents opportunities and threats in the area of commerce and has the potential to close or widen economic development gaps.

In today’s marketplace technology is not an option, it is a requirement which has been exemplified by the continual growth Newfoundland has experienced in this sector. From 1992 to 1997, the IT industry has grown at an average rate of 10.4% and employment has had similar growth with 400 newly created jobs over a twelve month period from the Spring of 1997 to 1998 (The Economic Review, 1998, pg 13). Nevertheless, further growth is necessary for Newfoundland to take advantage of the opportunities presented from this newly emerging economy.

In relation to the rest of the industrialized world, Newfoundland is considered to be in the growing stage of IT development with 70% of IT firms located in the St. John’s Census Metropolitan Area. IT development in Bishop’s Falls, on the other hand, has seen little growth even though we are moving into the new millennium where IT industries are essential for economic development.

The following strategy has been formulated to address IT development in the town of Bishop’s Falls in consultation with individuals involved with the industry in a teaching, learning or professional capacity.

GOAL: To facilitate growth within the IT sector in the Town of Bishop’s Falls.

Objective 1.0 Increase residential and business community awareness of IT services and benefits.

Initiative 1.1 Partner with the IT committee of the Exploits Valley Economic Development Corporation (EVEDC) to address the issue of IT awareness in Bishop’s Falls.

1.1.1 Meet with the IT committee on a continual and periodic basis to discuss ways awareness can be improved.

Target Date: Ongoing
Potential Partners: BFDC, EVEDC IT Committee, Regional IT Development Officer and local colleges

Initiative 1.2 Organize an IT awareness seminar for the local MHA, the Town Council, the general public and local businesses addressing IT services, benefits and importance to the new economy.

Target Date: November 1999
Potential Partners: BFDC, Regional IT Development Officer, Operation Online and local colleges

Initiative 1.3 Provide basic computer knowledge to the general public on an ongoing, periodic basic by utilizing the Community Access Site (CAP) and the local schools and colleges.

1.3.1 Conduct an IT needs assessment of local residents and businesses.

1.3.2 Develop a pool of volunteers from local people involved with IT in a professional or learning capacity.

Target Date: Ongoing
Potential Partners: Public Library, local colleges, BFDC, Regional IT Development Officer

Objective 2.0 Stimulate demand for IT services to foster IT growth within Bishop’s Falls through consultation with the local business community.

Initiative 2.1 Identify local manufacturers that could benefit from IT services by enhancing business operation through increased productivity, efficiency and market penetration.

2.1.1 Educate the local manufacturers identified on how IT can enhance their business operations.

2.1.2 Initiate discussions with local manufacturers to encourage them to take advantage of newly recruited IT students by accepting them for work terms.

Target Date: October 2000
Potential Partners: BFDC, Operation Online, EVEDC IT Committee

Initiative 2.2 Develop a network of businesses that require IT services to create a more aggregate demand that can be relayed to IT service providers.

Target Date: January 2001
Potential Partners: BFDC, Operation Online, EVEDC IT Committee

Objective 3.0 Entice business start-up and expansion in Bishop’s Falls within the IT sector.

Initiative 3.1 Develop a profile of Bishop’s Falls outlining opportunities, infrastructure and available resources pertaining to the IT sector.

3.1.1 Devote a portion of the Bishop’s Falls Development Corporation web site to the IT profile of Bishop’s Falls.

Target Date: March 2000
Potential Partners: BFDC, Regional IT Development Officer, local colleges, Newtel Communications and Cable Atlantic

Initiative 3.2 Initiate joint prospecting with the EVEDC for IT businesses looking to expand to the Central Region.

Target Date: Ongoing
Partners: EVEDC, BFDC and the Town Council

Initiative 3.3 Identify opportunities for IT business start-ups in the region to entice the large regional pool of IT graduates to utilize the IT business potential.

3.3.1 Conduct a IT seminar with the EVEDC IT committee and any other interested stakeholders to discuss specific opportunities for IT in Bishop’s Falls.

3.3.2 Conduct IT seminars at the regional colleges outlining opportunities and funding sources for IT business start-ups.

Target Date: May 2000
Partners: BFDC, EVEDC, Operation Online, DDRR, ACOA and HRDC

Objective 4.0 Utilize the skills of an IT trained individual to help implement the IT strategy.

Initiative 4.1 Devise a work outline for this individual for the duration of the internship.

Initiative 4.1.1 Contact the regional institutes offering IT programs and request an IT graduate for a work term at the BFDC.

Target Date: May 1999
Potential Partners: BFDC and Regional IT colleges

Even though 78% of small businesses employ fewer that five people, small business continues to be the engine of growth for the Canadian economy. Angus Reid Group poll

There are over twenty retail outlets in Bishop’s Falls providing goods and services ranging from grocery to building supplies. These retail outlets not only account for a significant portion of the employment in Bishop’s Falls but also play a role in attracting new businesses, drawing tourist and maintaining the youth population by providing desired amenities. As a result, retail was identified as a sector which warrantied a strategy, not only to increase retail outlet sales, but also to facilitate development of the other identified sectors. Twelve retail industry representatives were interviewed to identify strengths, weaknesses and priorities relating to this sector. However, the priorities identified by these individuals were already addressed in the preceding strategies making a retail strategy unnecessary.

The priorities identified and the preceding sector initiatives addressing them are as follows:

• Increase attractions and events in Bishop’s Falls
  - Tourism;Initiative 2.2
• Promote Bishop’s Falls as a drive thru community through highway signage and improving the appearance of the town.
  - Tourism; Initiative 1.3 and 1.7
• Increase highway signage to draw commuters off the Trans Canada Highway
  - Tourism; Initiative 1.3
• Promote attractions within Bishop’s Falls such as the Exploits River and the Fallsview Park.
  - Tourism; Initiative 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5
• Increase the industrial base in Bishop’s Falls
  - Manufacturing; Initiative 1.2
• Maintain the youth population
  - Youth; Objectives 1, 2 and 3