All-West Crane and Rigging’s President, Jerry van Halderen was invited to speak at the Our Quesnel Economic and Innovation Forum on April 15th to discuss the changing dynamics of business in Quesnel and the Northern Cariboo Region. While most of the forum was focused on the declining amount of wood fibre available to forestry companies in the region, and what companies can do to overcome this challenge, Jerry directed his attention more towards sub-contractors and support industries in and around the Quesnel area. Jerry spoke about his experiences and how he has led All-West Crane and Rigging through some of the unique challenges presented by a declining forestry industry in the Region
He stated:
“the solution lies in cooperative alliances. Today’s businesses need to become highly specialized to achieve new levels of efficiency. Instead of one company trying to do everything, choose what you are good at. Work with other companies that are good at their speciality and that compliment your service or product. Keep working to build alliances and relationships until you have the complete package to achieve your goals.”
His message was received loud and clear by many of the attendees at the OurQuesnel Economic and Innovation Forum. Strategic alliances allow small businesses to focus on their core competency while reducing business risk by providing consistent opportunities for new work and growth.
Jerry also echo’d Premier Christies Clark’s vision for Quesnel and the province during her speech at the West Fraser Timber Room in Quesnel on Friday April 11th. “Quesnel is rich in a skilled workforce and professional businesses serving a broad industrial base, and is well positioned to partake in the boom of activity available to British Columbian’s for the next several years to come.” Referring to the upcoming LNG (Liquified Natural Gas) boom in northern British Columbia as well as the current boom of mining mega-projects popping up all over the province.
To reiterate, “cooperative alliances will be the new way of doing business.”