FPAC Launches Aboriginal Business Award

The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC), Ottawa, Ont., Canada, and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) this week announced that nominations are open for this year's Aboriginal Business Leadership Award. The $5,000 award recognizes and celebrates First Nations entrepreneurs for their success in a forest products business that exemplifies business leadership, exceptional environmental and safety performance, and the delivery of high-quality products and services. The recipient must also demonstrate a strong, long-term commitment to the Aboriginal community, particularly in supporting Aboriginal employment.

"We are delighted to once again offer an award to recognize the leadership excellence of an Aboriginal business in the forest products sector," said FPAC President and CEO David Lindsay. "Under Vision2020, we are aiming to refresh our workforce with an additional 60,000 recruits by the end of the decade, and Aboriginals are a key target. We particularly want to encourage Aboriginal businesses that show a long term commitment to Aboriginal employment."

President and CEO of the CCAB JP Gladu noted that "we are in the business of showcasing the leadership and contributions of outstanding Aboriginal business in Canada each and every day. The forest sector continues to contribute to the health and vitality of our Aboriginal communities in so many ways. The business success of our people in this sector is helping to educate all Canadians about our enormous accomplishments and economic potential. The Aboriginal Business Leadership Award is a celebration of our continued business success and an important link on the bridge to sustainable economic prosperity."

Nominations are due July 30. The award will be handed out in this fall at the CCAB gala in Vancouver, B.C., on September 23. More information is available online.

FPAC provides a voice for Canada's wood, pulp, and paper producers nationally and internationally in government, trade, and environmental affairs. The $57-billion-a-year forest products industry represents 2% of Canada's GDP and is one of Canada's largest employers operating in hundreds of communities and providing 230,000 direct jobs across the country.

TAPPI
http://www.tappi.org/