October 15 and 16 an expected 200 participants will converge on The Valhalla Inn in Thunder Bay for a two day forum on value added forest products.
The Growing Forest Value Forum, hosted by the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre, will provide a venue to showcase and network ideas and products available for the Forest Industry in Northern Ontario to produce.
"The purpose of the forum is to bring success stories and insight both globally and North American wide to Northern Ontario for those who are not aware of these opportunities," said Rick Prior, Director of Development at the Northwest Ontario Innovation Centre.
"We're hoping to inspire people in Northern Ontario to look for and adopt value added efforts to the Forest Industry."
Prior said speakers like Ian De Laroche, President and CEO of FP Innovations Inc. and Television personality (HGTV) and home improvement expert, Jon Eakes will showcase efforts made in other parts of the world with similar labour and resource conditions and how their innovations have meant more jobs and value to their work in the forest.
From essential oils, teas and blueberries to bioplastics and energy pellets, Prior said the forum will touch on more then lumber.
"We're hoping those who attend will be inspired to look outside the box and do more," said Prior.
"We want to reach those who are currently producing, or those who dream of being in business in Northern Ontario."
For more information visit
http://www.growingforestvalue.com/