Small Business Week Profile - GNN Marine Services

GNN Marine Services, a First Nations business in Port Hardy servicing the aquaculture industry, is among the thousands of Canadian independent businesses being celebrated during Small Business Week, Oct. 19-25, 2014.  Having been in business for three years and working with salmon aquaculture client Marine Harvest Canada since 2012, GNN Marine Services has also successfully been running a training program for their band members who have their Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP) certification. GNN Marine Services developed the six-week program in-house to give hands-on training and foster practical competencies, with the end goal of building capacity for community members. Everyone who has successfully completed the program has been brought onboard at GNN Marine Services.

The Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations (GNN), from which GNN Marine Services derives its name, and Marine Harvest Canada have had a successful partnership agreement since 2000. “Utilizing our runs with Marine Harvest Canada gives us steady time on the water and we can build our training requirements around that,” said Conrad Browne, CEO Kawatsi Econonmic Development Corporation LP, of which GNN Marine Services is a subsidiary. GNN Marine Services works with Marine Harvest Canada to move crews and freight. The company also works with forestry and tourism clients with an eye to continual, sustainable growth.

Members of the BC Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA) are currently partnering with coastal First Nations on 17 economic and social partnerships and are working toward many more. BCSFA will be holding its 2015 AGM in Tofino B.C. after accepting an invitation from the Hereditary Chiefs of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation.  The AGM will mark the first time B.C.’s salmon farmers have been collectively invited into the traditional territory of a coastal First Nation.

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About the BCSFA
Farm-raised salmon is B.C.’s highest-valued agricultural export with almost $300-million in value exported each year. Salmon farming in B.C. provides 6,000 direct and indirect jobs while contributing over $800-million annually to the provincial economy. The BCSFA represents the province’s vibrant salmon farming industry through its members – salmon farm companies and the businesses that proudly provide services and supplies to B.C.’s salmon farmers.

For more information visit BCSalmonFarmers.ca

For more information:
Jeremy Dunn
BC Salmon Farmers Association
Jeremy@bcsalmonfarmers.ca
604-202-2147