Aquaculture luncheon packed
Courier-Islander November 30, 2011
In its continuing promotion of the positive economic impacts of the region's key resource sectors, the Campbell River and District Chamber of Commerce hosted a very well attended Aquaculture Industry Luncheon at the Coast Discovery Inn Nov. 17.
Guest speakers included: Vincent Erenst, Managing Director, Marine Harvest Canada; Grant Warkentin, Communications Officer, Mainstream Canada; and Dave Mergle, Director of Marketing, Grieg Seafood.
Erenst provided an overview of the industry's opportunities and challenges in BC. Opportunities include our proximity to US markets and the quality of the environment. Challenges faced by the industry are regulatory constraints that inhibit expansion and hostile environmental misinformation campaigns.
Warkentin talked about ongoing communications challenges and the sector's efforts to counter emotionally charged environmental rhetoric with unemotional, factual, science-based information.
Mergle, who is new to the industry, spoke with pride about the principles underpinning Grieg's branding initiatives such as the recent launch of the Skuna Bay brand.
The promotion of Skuna Bay salmon highlights the craftsmanship of salmon farmers and the high quality of the product. Mergle also emphasized the need for ongoing support from the community.
