MineConnect, the organization representing mine service and supply companies from across Northern Ontario, has named Marla Tremblay as its new executive director.
Tremblay was revealed as the group’s new leader during its annual general meeting, held virtually on March 24.
Selected from a list of 25 applicants – most of whom hailed from Northern Ontario – Tremblay’s long experience in economic development enabled her to successfully navigate the “extensive evaluation and selection criteria” as laid out by MineConnect’s board, earning her a unanimous endorsement, noted chair Ricky Lemieux.
“Finding a candidate for this specific position is simply not an easy task,” Lemieux said in announcing Tremblay’s appointment. “Given our limited resources for staff, the candidate must be able to wear all different hats to run a complete business and then some.”
Based in Sturgeon Falls, west of North Bay, Tremblay has run her own consulting company, Markey Consulting, for close to 10 years.
She has worked extensively in both the public and private sectors, and across industries, bringing to her new role a well-honed familiarity in the development of strategic plans and grant applications.
Working in tandem with the City of Temiskaming Shores and FedNor, Tremblay has been a driving force behind the Northern Ontario Mining Showcase.
The annual gathering brings together more than 100 Northern Ontario mining service and supply companies under one umbrella during the spring convention of the Prospectors and Developers of Canada, which has become a key opportunity for participants to expand their markets, network with potential clients, and make direct sales.
Previously, Tremblay was an economic development officer with the City of North Bay, where she held the immigration portfolio, working to attract newcomers to the city.
“She is a professional, accomplished woman that has extensive knowledge of the businesses in our sector with an already established relationship with many of our members," Lemieux said.
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Acknowledging the interview process leading up to her hire was “not an easy one,” Tremblay said she is eager to get started on rolling out MineConnect’s strategic plan, which has been in development over the last several months.
A member of the MineConnect board for a little over a year, she has been heavily involved in the development of the organization’s strategic plan and governance protocols.
“I really, really believe in this association, and was adamant that they select an individual that was the right fit,” Tremblay said.
“I made it very clear from the outset if that's not me, that's fine, I'll continue on as a board member, because I believe in the association and want what’s best for the organization and, more importantly, what's best for its members.”
Tremblay takes over the position from Paul Bradette, who has been on secondment from the Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines since 2018.
During his time at the helm, the organization rebranded (it was formerly known as the Sudbury Area Mining Supply and Service Association), broadened its catchment area to a pan-Northern scope, and grew its membership to a current tally of more than 100 members.
Bradette will now return to his role at the ministry, but said he will remain available to offer support when needed.