PORT OF HAMILTON FEATURE

Port engages business students

October 12, 2009

Business students completing a market research course at Mohawk College are completing a project to examine the potential for further development of biomass cargoes in the Port of Hamilton.

The project wound up just as federal Natural Resources Minister Lisa Raitt was in Hamilton to announce the government’s pledge to BIOX and the biofuel sector in Canada by extending up to $72 million in funding for the BIOX facility over the next three years.

“The Hamilton Port Authority took the initiative to immerse five Mohawk College research students into an impactful, fascinating project,” said Mohawk College market research instructor Mike McEleny. “Moving biomass is a key issue on the world’s seaways and for Hamilton. I believe employers will recognize the skill set behind this research. It’s an achievement to work with others to conduct research of this magnitude and for one of Canada’s busiest ports while balancing six final semester courses. The HPA also gave the students a chance to connect to industry and to the city, and to play a role in their com­munity. That’s as powerful as the education.”

The students interviewed port stakeholders, economic development staff and St. Lawrence Seaway leaders in addition to gathering secondary research data to form their report recommendations.

The initiative also aligns with the port’s strategy to build strategic partnerships with major educational institutions in the city. It is also consistent with the ideas put forth by new Mohawk College president Rob MacIsaac, who joined the institution earlier this year and has created a mandate that includes engaging the business community. Mr. MacIsaac is the former mayor of the City of Burlington and remains chair of Metrolinx, the agency charged with implementing new sustainable transportation infrastructure in the Greater Toronto Area-to-Hamilton corridor.

The students found the project to be a unique experience that challenged their ability to adapt to a framework that did not fit the traditional research practices of surveying consumer markets.

The port is planning further projects in conjunction with the college.