Premier Accepts Award for Leadership

The New England Canada Business Council presented Nova Scotia Premier John Hamm with a leadership award today, Sept. 6. The award recognizes those who stimulate the growth of business between New England and Nova Scotia.

The premier accepted the 2000 Leadership Award this morning on behalf of many Nova Scotians who work hard to promote Nova Scotia in New England.

"This recognition extends to the many people in Nova Scotia who have made, and continue to make links between our province and New England," said Premier Hamm. "This is exemplified this week as a number of Nova Scotia companies on this trade mission increase their presence in New England with exciting announcements of their own."

Enerplan Consultants Ltd. of Dartmouth announced the formation of Enerplan Inc. and the opening of its first New England office in Newburyport, Mass. They have also established a business relationship with New Energy Inc. of Boston, the area's largest energy service provider. Enerplan is an energy management firm and a recognized leader in energy efficiency services.

BP Trading Ltd. of Brookfield announced the establishment of dealership agreements with three Maine companies, including: Sunrise Materials of Orono; the Maine Potato Growers of Presque Isle; and RJ Grondin & Sons of Gorham. BP Trading is the exclusive distributor for Tembek Dust Suppressant for use on unpaved roads and parking areas.

Jacques Whitford also announced today it has established two new offices, one in Boston and the second in Philadelphia. Boston is the leading business centre in New England. The office there will complement the company's existing offices in Portsmouth, N.H., Portland, Me., and White Plains, N.Y. Jacques Whitford is one of the largest and fastest growing firms of consulting engineers, environmental scientists and risk consultants in Canada. The firm has a total of 26 offices and over 750 full-time professional staff. Its corporate headquarters is in Dartmouth.

Premier Hamm congratulated these companies on their success and their contribution to Nova Scotia's presence in New England. The premier also recognized the role of provincial staff in assisting many Nova Scotia companies with the contacts they need to facilitate expansion in the New England area.

"The expertise in environmental industries and technology, and the investment and trade group, is an important resource for many companies at various levels of readiness in export development," said the premier. "I think it is important to recognize all of these contributors, and the tenacity of our Nova Scotia business people in the announcements of this week, and in accepting the 2000 Leadership Award."

The New England Canada Business Council was established in 1981 to bring together businesses and individuals with an interest in the business and cultural relationship between the two areas. The council's membership is composed of business leaders from a wide range of sectors, as well as government and academic officials and individuals with links to Canada.