A new regional trade association has been formed to promote Greater Sudbury?s fastest growing sector. The Sudbury Area Mining Supply and Service Association (SAMSSA) will assist area mining supply and service companies export goods and services.
A number of private sector executives have been meeting over the past few months to discuss this exciting initiative. The association will market the wide range of skills, services and products emanating from the Sudbury area globally.
Interim co-chairs are Mike Castron of Cast Resources Equipment Ltd. and Todd Herold of Herold Supply.
?This association must be built from within the existing companies in the area if it is to succeed,? said Castron in a published statement.
Herold added, ?We encourage local mining supply and service companies to join the association so we can all work together to establish an international presence for ?made in Sudbury? expertise.?
SAMSSA has four key objectives:
-to increase global sales through direct sales trips and contacts;
-expand international marketing tools;
-provide continual export education;
-and establish a dynamic, interactive web portal and newsletter, highlighting members.
SAMSSA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the mission and objectives of the organization. Professional resources will report to a seven-member board.
Herold and Castron said the timing is right for the launch of the association. ?
We are pleased with the recent announcement of federal funds to support regional trade networks, trade missions and export development issues. We commend Andy Mitchell, Secretary of State (Rural Development) for FedNor?s ongoing commitment.
Marc Couse, one of the founding patrons and honorary consul of South Africa, predicts an increasing number of working relationships will be developed between Sudbury area mining supply and service firms and companies in South Africa.
Further information regarding SAMSSA will be announced during Mining Week events. There are about 350 mining supply and service companies in Sudbury.
