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VANCOUVER – Premier Gordon Campbell and Forests Minister Michael de Jong joined industry and community leaders and international officials today to launch a $3-million global marketing network to promote B.C.’s world-class forest practices and products.
The funding is part of government’s $20-million commitment to international marketing and product development, which was announced last fall.
“As part of a strategy to revitalize the forest industry that sustains our heartlands communities, we’re keeping our commitment to aggressively promote B.C.’s forestry leadership in international markets,” Campbell said. “The B.C. Market Outreach Network brings together the voices of our forest communities, companies and workers to let global customers know B.C. has the best forests and best sustainable forest management practices in the world.”
The network’s activities include:
· A Web site, www.bcforestinformation.com, that brings together information about B.C. forests and forest practices, complete with interactive maps and breaking news. · Fact sheets and DVDs that highlight B.C.’s sustainable forest management practices. · An exhibit for international trade shows and conferences that lets visitors experience a B.C. forest. · Advertising and promotion in key markets, such as the United States, Europe and Japan. · Meetings with customers, and tours that let them ask detailed questions and inspect B.C. forest operations themselves.
All products and services will be available in English, French, German and Japanese and will be translated into other languages as appropriate.
“The market outreach network will use solid market research and strategic promotions to get the right message to the right customers,” said de Jong. “Strengthening existing markets and building new ones is key to British Columbia’s revitalized forest economy. It will help us secure the highest value and best use for every tree harvested from our public lands.”
The outreach network will work actively with large and small forest companies, communities, international trade associations and Canadian embassies to ensure B.C. forestry is properly represented in the global marketplace. The network is currently working with industry to develop a cost-sharing formula for the new fiscal year.
“There was a time when having superior wood products was enough,” said Ric Slaco, vice-president and chief forester of International Forest Products Ltd. “Today, our business is a lot more competitive, so we need to work co-operatively and strategically to deliver a common message about B.C. forest management and reach out to emerging markets.”
“The government and forest industry in British Columbia have long been outstanding stewards of the land, and the B.C. Market Outreach Network will make a valuable contribution in communicating the sustainable management of B.C. forests,” said Gary Donnelly, president of the U.S. National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association. “Our 7,000 members welcome this initiative and appreciate any effort that can help us make better-informed business decisions in sourcing quality lumber from B.C.”
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Photos from the event will be available online at www.bcforestinformation.com at 2 p.m. PST.
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