dear neighbor
Who we are….
Incorporated in 1998, the Hamilton Industrial Environmental Association (HIEA), is a non-profit association representing local private sector industries. It 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 partners 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.”

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. Since this measuring process began, there has been significant improvement in the environmental performance of HIEA member companies.

HIEA member companies demonstrate strong environmental commitment and action and have collectively invested more than $400 million in environmental capital and operating expenses during the past fivve years.

Our Community Support…..
HIEA operates on an annual budget based onprojected initiatives and strategic plans. These funds are generated through membership fees determined using a pro-rata formula based on company size (determined based on Hamilton employment and municipal taxes paid) and the number of member companies.

In addition to the environmental activities and spending of individual member companies, HIEA provides sponsorship and support to environmental and education programs within the Hamilton community. New applications are considered each year in September and funding decisions are released by January 31. For information about funding eligibility, our application forms and the process please check our website www.hiea.org for more details.

Through both financial sponsorship and the volunteer efforts of its member companies HIEA has contributed more than $725,000 to local environmental initiatives over the past fice years. Some of the organizations HIEA has supported include: Bay Area Restoration Council (BARC) – $14,000; Earth Day Hamilton Burlington - $18,000, Green Hamilton tree planting - $45,000; Mohawk College Bursary commitment - $30,000 and HWDSB Outdoor Education Program - $76,000.

HIEA member companies have developed strong communication ties and contacts within the community and regularly inform thier neighbours of thieractivities through Open Houses, Workshops and Conferences, Meetings, Newsletters and the HIEA website.

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.

To join HIEA…..
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