The Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us for a Luncheon Rio Tinto Alcan Vice-President Strategic Projects Western Canada, Paul Henning.

Rio Tinto Alcan has led the way in including local businesses and local labour for their 3.3 Billion dollar modernization project and the Kemano Back Up Tunnel Project. The modernization smelter will offer 50% decrease in GHG emissions with a 40% increase in efficiencies, and 40% increase in production. The back up tunnel project mitigates risks associated to tunnel failure and costly interruptions with a possibility of smelter closure as a result of a potential tunnel collapse. The company's forward thinking and proactive actions sustain Rio Tinto Alcan's Kitimat operations for the next 50 years. Paul Henning will talk about how Rio Tinto Alcan moved through the process, what it means for the company, the province, globally - and for the people and businesses of Kitimat and Northern BC.

Growth, prosperity and sustainability are words popping up all over BC and Canada.  How will it affect us as a business and as a socially responsible company?  How do we balance growth and expansion with labour shortages and service needs?  This has been an ongoing focus throughout our Modernization project.  Rio Tinto Alcan has focused potential opportunities for local prosperity for families, communities and businesses throughout our planning.  With agreements in place with trade unions, the development of an economic development department and procurement training forums, Rio Tinto Alcan has committed to maximizing business and employment opportunities for local residents.  More than 54% of the current work force comes from local communities and greater than $43M has been awarded to Watershed Region businesses as of August 2012.  What do the projects mean to the company?s future in BC?  How do we address the current economic boom resulting from the company?s growth to ensure sustainability for the communities involved?  Paul Henning will address the leading role Rio Tinto Alcan has taken to answer the questions: What?s in it for the shareholder, the employees, the businesses and the communities today and in the future.