dear neighbor
Who we are….
The Hamilton Industrial Environmental Association (HIEA), is a non-profit association representing local private sector industries which provides an open forum for community representatives and local associations to discuss environmental concerns regarding their respective communities. HIEA has a strong history of connecting with local neighbourhood association representatives and partnering with the community to fulfill HIEA’s mandate: “to improve the local  environment – air, land and water – through joint and individual activities, and by partnering with the community to enhance future understanding of environmental issues and help establish priorities for action.”

HIEA member companies faced a number of issues over the last year including restructuring, downsizing and new ownerships, equipment and processing challenges, a higher number of emission incidents, as well as the most recent dramatic decline in the economy.  Although 2008 was a challenging year for HIEA, our 15 member companies remain strongly committed to the conservation and protection of our natural environment.

Our Environmental Performance….
HIEA conducts an Environmental Survey each year, aggregating member company performance in such important environmental areas as air emissions, water discharges, recycling and waste management, and environmental spending and stewardship. The 2007 survey clearly illustrates the success that HIEA member companies are continuing to achieve to improve the environment in the Hamilton community. A summary of the Survey results can be found on page 3 and the complete report can be seen on our website – www.hiea.org.

Our Community Support…..
Through direct financial sponsorship and the volunteer efforts of its member companies, HIEA has contributed $750,000 over the last 5 years in support of local environmental initiatives In 2008 that included: 

• Bay Area Restoration Council (BARC) – to support the Yellow Fish Road® Program;
• Bay Area Science and Engineering Fair – to support youth awards and recognition;
• Children’s Water Festival – to educate students about the importance of water, the environment and our role to protect them;
• Earth Day Eco-Festival – at the Royal Botanical Gardens
• Hamilton Industrial Environmental Association Bursary – to provide a post-secondary scholarship to Ashley Ethier who has completed her studies in the Environmental Studies Programs at Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology.  Congratulations Ashley!
• Outdoor Education Program – to enable almost 2,500 primary students, teachers and volunteers from the lower-core city schools of the Hamilton- Wentworth District School Board to attend the Dave Brown Outdoor Education Centre Program;
• Rotary District 7090 – to support its’ “On The Waterfront – A Clear Commitment” conference; and
• Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School Environmental Program – to provide equipment and supplies.

Looking forward….
HIEA member companies are committed to reducing their environmental footprint and protecting the air, water, and land by:
Operating their facilities in a safe and responsible manner and in a way which does not adversely impact neighbouring communities;
Having operational systems in place that monitor environmental performance and adherence to key performance metrics;
Maintaining transparent and open communications regarding environmental performance and improvements;
The conservation and protection of our natural environment;
Timely response to community enquiries and concerns; and
Working in partnership with residents and community associations to promote environmental awareness.

You’re invited to Join Us…..
As a neighbor to industry, your input is integral to HIEA’s continued success. We welcome your involvement. For more information about our Community Advisory Panel (CAP) meetings and other current initiatives, visit www.hiea.org or contact us at 905-561-HIEA (4432) or info@hiea.org.

Jim Stirling
Chair of the Board of Directors
Hamilton Industrial Environmental Association