Mining association adopts pan-Northern approach.

• Author: McKinley, Karen
• Position: MINING

The Sudbury Area Mining Supply and Service Association (SAMSSA) is undergoing some major changes to broaden its reach.

The mining service sector in Northern Ontario isn't just about Sudbury anymore. so the group is aiming to position itself as the unified voice for the whole of Northern Ontario.

"We want to be a pan-Northern Ontario association," said Paul Bradette, director of business development. "The board had discussed this with members last September and approved a growth strategy."

He added most people are not even aware of what the SAMSSA acronym stands for.

The aim is to have at least one member and one director from all five cities in the north--Timmins, Sault Ste. Marie, North Bay, Sudbury and Thunder Bay. SAMSSA has increased membership overall in all those communities, Bradette said.

The other part of the strategy is to have a global outreach rebranding assignment.

The board recently approved a request for proposals to consulting firms. Whoever wins it will take on the mandate to help expand into all the mining jurisdictions.

The consultant will provide the association with a road map and marketing to make that happen.

The website will also be revamped and will include any marketing by the consulting firm to drive traffic to the site.

SAMSSA is also planning to launch a new trade program.

The group has been active in trade missions, such as a recent trip to Nevada, but it wants to expand on that model to help get more value for its...