CIFFA-EIA to host “Roads, Rails and Runways” National Cargo Conference

CIFFA/EIA to host “Roads, Rails and Runways” National Cargo Conference

March 19, 2013 (Edmonton, AB) – Edmonton International Airport (EIA), in collaboration with the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFFA) will host the “Roads, Rails and Runways” Conference in Edmonton on September 25 and 26, 2013.  Over 200 representatives from Canada’s $11 billion freight forwarding industry are expected to attend this conference.   It is an important venue for businesses targeting opportunities presented by the rapidly expanding economies of central/northern Alberta and the Canadian North, as well as the growing trade and investment with Asia and the European Union.

The conference itself marks more than one milestone:  The event highlights CIFFA’s 65^th anniversary as a non-profit association.  It is also the first time this important national business conference is being held in Western Canada.

Additional collaborating partners include the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), the Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters (I.E.Canada), Edmonton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) and Port Alberta.

“CIFFA Member firms are all about finding new areas of opportunity in global supply chains. Edmonton, strategically placed and growing rapidly as both a gateway to the north and on the east-west corridor from Prince Rupert to Canada’s central markets, presents just such an opportunity,” said Ms. Ruth Snowden, CIFFA Executive Director.”

“Integrated air, road and rail cargo services are growing rapidly in our region and increased cargo capability will be vital if we are to sustain regional prosperity. Serving northern resource activity has made the Edmonton area the manufacturing capital of western Canada, and its a significant contributing factor to the entire Canadian economy,” said Traci Bednard, EIA Vice President Aviation Development.

Edmonton was selected as the conference location in recognition of the tremendous intermodal road, air and rail infrastructure of the Capital Region. Edmonton is situated on the Canada-America-Mexico “Canamex” Trade Corridor within the transportation and manufacturing area known as Alberta’s International Region, which has seen major investments in highway systems, rail and intermodal networks, and in EIA itself, one of Canada’s fastest growing passenger and cargo airports.

EIA has made a multi-million dollar investment into the infrastructure of its Cargo Village in the past three years, including a dedicated air cargo apron, airside building facilities, road and land servicing and a new Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) facility.

Conference activities will include leading cargo industry keynote presenters, meeting match making services, local and regional economic tours and a gala 65^th CIFFA birthday party. VIPs will include industry, government and media representation.

Registration for the event will commence May 1st, 2013 at www.flyeia.com/roadsrailsrunways

More information is at: www.flyeia.com, www.ciffa.com, www.cme-mec.ca, www.iecanada.com, www.edmonton.com, www.portalberta.com

Media Contact:

Chris Chodan

Communications t: 780 890 8454 c: 780 700 3596 e: cchodan@flyeia.com w: www.flyeia.com

Backgrounder

About CIFFA

The Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFFA) represents some 247 regular member firms from the largest of global multi-nationals to small and medium sized Canadian companies. A vital component of Canada’s global supply chain, CIFFA member companies facilitate the movement of goods around the world. Member firms provide an important link in Canada’s global supply chains, enhancing trade capabilities and assisting importers and exporters– retail, commercial, and industrial in the delivery of competitive solutions. Associate member firms are an integral part of CIFFA’s structure, providing leading edge solutions in technology, warehousing, transportation, insurance and legal issues to freight forwarding member firms.

About Edmonton International Airport (EIA)

EIA is the fifth-busiest airport in Canada, the largest in landmass and the transportation nexus for Alberta’s energy sector.  Since the majority of oil sands development is happening where housing is limited, oil companies have built their own air strips and moved to fly in – fly out operations for employees and contractors.  In 2012, EIA’s charter, or business aviation flights from the private terminals at EIA increased by 15 per cent, to 19,800 landings. EIA has invested over $20 Million dollars in infrastructure, facilities and services to support the specific needs of business aviation, including more than 30,150 sq m of aircraft handling apron and the necessary taxiways and new parking lots for business aviation customers.  EIA has also ensured the infrastructure is in place to support cargo aviation by servicing approximately 800,000 sq m adjacent to the primary runway and continuing to completely modernize and relocate all airport cargo facilities.

About Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME)

CME is Canada’s largest trade and industry organization; it represents businesses in all sectors of manufacturing and exporting activity across Canada. Together, its members account for an estimated 82 per cent of Canada’s manufacturing production and 90 per cent of Canadian goods and services exports. While CME’s membership includes many of Canada’s largest businesses, more than 85 per cent of its members are small and mid-sized enterprises. CME’s mandate is to promote the competitiveness of Canadian manufacturers and the success of Canada’s goods and services exporters in markets around the world. CME advocates for manufacturers and exporters, provides critical and timely intelligence and strengthens leadership through best practices and leveraging networks for success.

About Edmonton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC)

Edmonton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) is a wholly owned entity of the City of Edmonton, governed by an independent board of directors and managed by an entrepreneurial team that understands that our customers are Edmonton’s current/future business leaders and investors. EEDC is responsible for providing leadership to the economic growth strategy for Edmonton and the Capital Region. For more information, visit www.edmonton.com

About I.E.Canada

The Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters (I.E.Canada) is a national, non-profit organization committed to providing services to develop and enhance the international trade activity and profitability of importers and exporters. I.E.Canada’s vision is to inform, educate, represent and advocate on behalf of Canadian importers and exporters. I.E. Canada’s mission is to be the leading voice, domestically and globally, for the Canadian trade community.

About Port Alberta

Port Alberta’s vision is to link business people to improve Alberta’s economy, strengthen members’ bottom lines and stand unified as a single authority on transportation and logistics issues. Their mission is to help businesses move goods better. They connect people, promote growth and advantages, share expertise, influence leaders and solve problems for their members.