A PDF of this release is HERE
Tim Herrod’s presentation is HERE
June 8th, 2018
SIMSA FHQ Nutrien events – spectacular
Over June 6 and 7, Nutrien hosted the Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Supplier Association (SIMSA) as well as File Hills Qu’Appelle (FHQ) members for two major events; both events enabled the continuation of a conversation on developing the Saskatchewan supply chain as well as Aboriginal Inclusion.
Called the SIMSA FHQ Nutrien Business Forum, the events included a tour of Nutrien’s Rocanville mine and mill (June 6), as well as a day-long discussion (June 7). Both events were a learning opportunity, and an opportunity for SIMSA members and FHQ persons to discuss business with each other, as well as Nutrien procurement persons.
The June 6 tour allowed the two groups to experience the Scissors Creek mine facility and the Rocanville mills. With 40 people on the tour, the group was broken into two groups – one group toured the mine while the others the mill. Nutrien then provided lunch, and the groups toured the opposite facilities. Shannon Rhynold (Rocanville GM) was a gracious host.
Half of the SIMSA FHQ group 3300 feet underground at Scissors Creek.
Nutrien provided lunch to the entire SIMSA FHQ group.
Both groups were able to see operating mining machines, underground storage and shop areas, conveyor systems etc. The mill tour included a top to bottom excursion through the entirety of Rocanville mills 1 and 2, including the entire processing procedure plus load-out facilities.
Day 2 was structured to enable effective networking and a conversation. The event began with brief greetings from Chief Michael Star of Star Blanket Cree Nation and Lee Knaflec (Nutrien’s Executive Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer).
Chief Michael Starr
Following was FHQ’s President and CEO Thomas Benjoe, who quickly identified key FHQ persons, noted their display/trade show booth in the back of the room, and detailed what Kind of opportunities they were looking for.
The assembled 150 persons.
This is followed by a networking session. As such, SIMSA members and Nutrien persons will know “which First Nation is looking for what kind of business” and be able to meet them right away.
Conversations between Nutrien, FHQ, and SIMSA.
Conversations between Nutrien, FHQ, and SIMSA.
Following the first networking session, Thomas Benjoe provided details on the kinds of business arrangements they prefer, the criteria the use, and the offerings they have. He also answered questions from the floor.
Thomas Benjoe
After lunch, Tim Herrod (Nutrien’s Vice President of Procurement) presented a detailed over view of Nutrien’s general business, the potash sector in specific, and items related to procurement and Aboriginal inclusion. He completed his session by generously answering all of the pre-submitted questions.
Tim Herrod
The event concluded with a second networking session.
The June 7 event was sponsored by Graham Construction, Great Plains Contracting, and Xtended Hydraulics.
FHQ is the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council. FHQ is the political and service organization delivering programs and services to the following 11 First Nations in the Treaty Four Territory.
- Carry The Kettle
- Okanese
- Piapot
- Wood Mountain
- Little Black Bear’s Band
- Pasqua
- Standing Buffalo
- Muscowpetung
- Nekaneet
- Peepeekisis
Nutrien’s attending staff included (there were more, especially from the Rocanville site):
- Lee Knafelc
- Tim Herrod
- Leanne Bellegarde
- Lisa Mooney
- Milton Greyeyes
- Lori Doiron
- Shannon Rhynold
- Jaime Aamodt
- Paul Harvey
- Jessica Cuvey
- Mohamed El Daour
- Josh Dodd
- Shane Curley
SIMSA’s Executive Director stated, “This spectacular pair of events allowed for a conversation to continue and gave SIMSA as well as FHQ persons an unprecedented level of access to Nutrien’s staff and facilities.”
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About the Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers Association (SIMSA):
SIMSA is the Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers Association, representing Saskatchewan based companies who provide goods and services to mining, oil and gas and industrial projects. SIMSA’s membership of over 170 companies, represents over $15-billion in annual revenues and 15,000 employees in the province. SIMSA’s mandate is to represent the interests and concerns of Saskatchewan industrial equipment and service suppliers, through promotion of its members and the creation of partnerships with industry and other associations.
For more information, contact:
Eric Anderson, Executive Director
Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers Association (SIMSA)
811 – 56th Street East
Saskatoon, SK
S7K 5Y9
O: 306.343.0019
