A city-run online directory aims to make it easier to look up information on mining companies.
The Mining sector Goods and Services Directory has been in development for the past few months and launched officially on Wednesday. The online database provides information on more than 400 companies in the Thunder Bay area.
Dave Bradley, regional manager for Outland Camps, just heard about the directory and said the initiative will make it easier for investors to look up companies.
“Getting our name out there as a local provider is critical to our business,” he said. “There are a lot of potential clients across the country that are snooping around the Thunder Bay area these days so it’s really good to be in a central spot where we can be discovered. Hopefully there’s some great prospects to building business from this product.”
Brad McBain, vice-president of sales and marketing for Accurassay Laboratories, also praised the new directory and said he appreciated having a more dynamic search tool available.
“It’s nice to have another plus from other service providers,” he said.
John Mason, project manager of Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission, said the directory will be used like a phonebook where anyone can look up what they need.
The online directory was based on the physical version compiled by the city.
Mason said the website will be a benefit for companies new to the area who may not know who to work with.
“This isn’t a static document,” Mason said.
“Besides it being interactive, we’re going to populate this with more and more businesses weekly. It’s really to help those coming to the Northwest and get them engaged and help them with their business. It’s free and fully accessible to anyone.”
Mason made the announcement of the website at the Northwestern Mines and Minerals Symposium at the Valhalla Inn. He said it was a good chance for new companies to be introduced to the directory and learn how to use it.
Companies can register online to be on the directory.
