Finning Canada Named Partner of the Year

February 29, 2012

The Keyano Board of Governors is pleased to recognize Finning Canada as its 2011/2012 Partner of the Year for their significant contributions to the growth and sustainability of the College.

Finning Canada is a division of Finning International Inc., the world’s largest Caterpillar equipment dealer. Headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Finning Canada sells, rents and provides customer support services for Caterpillar equipment and engines in British Columbia, Yukon, Alberta and the Northwest Territories and a portion of Nunavut. Their presence in Fort McMurray dates back to the 1970s.

The company is a major Keyano College partner, and has continued to be one since before the 1990s. The group has stepped up with support in all areas of the College and has helped to address the changing demands of industries training needs.

Over the years, Finning has provided capital support for the construction of the Syncrude Sport & Wellness Centre and the Syncrude Technology Centre. They have provided program support in the form of cash and equipment for the Mine Operations Program and the Heavy Equipment Program. They have created student awards and bursaries and supported the Canadian College’s Men’s Volleyball Championships.

Finning Canada is the lead sponsor of the newly announced Men’s Huskies Hockey Team and is a major sponsor of the Foundation Gala and Golf Tournament fundraising events. They are also one of the Diamond Sponsors for the upcoming One on One Banquet with Wayne Gretzky.

And, most recently, Finning Canada announced their largest single donation to a post-secondary institution for the creation of the FINNtech Heavy Equipment Technician diploma program at Keyano College. Finning’s investment of over $3.5 million over the next two years for funding, equipment and tooling will ensure the success of this new program.

Brent Davis and Larry Gouthro are the Fort McMurray General Managers for Finning Canada. They believe Keyano College is not only a community cornerstone, but a valuable partner. “Keyano College helps us meet the need for skilled labour force and to grow our existing work force,” said Larry Gouthro.

Finning Canada takes great pride in contributing to the community, and focuses a lot of time and funding in doing so. He says one of the values embraced by Finning Canada is its caring attitude to the community. He believes the collaboration with Keyano College is all about caring and giving back.

“Keyano is a close partner and together we are working for our community,” Brent Davis shared.

John Wilson, Chair, Keyano Board of Governors, says his business association with Finning goes back over 30 years in the community. He applauds their contributions to both Keyano and the region. “I have high regards for Finning’s strong culture of giving back. From Huskies Hockey to the Oil Barons, and to donating equipment to the College and to Vista Ridge, they give back everywhere. They are certainly deserving of the Partner of the Year award,” Wilson said.

Dr. Kevin Nagel, President & CEO, Keyano College, expressed similar sentiments.

“The FINNtech program is a quality template for collaboration between industry and the College that will dramatically increase the supply of technically competent workers in this region. Finning has been extraordinarily innovative and supportive in their approach and their commitment to this region and to Keyano College in particular has been stellar. I can’t think of a better program or company to recommend to our students. Accordingly, I am very pleased with Finning’s selection as Partner of the Year. A very well-deserved achievement on their part,” Dr. Nagel said.

The Partner of the Year award was started six years ago at the College and is based on recommendations from the Keyano Foundation. Finning Canada was presented with the award on February 22, 2012 during the annual Investors Reception.

Information and photo provided by: http://keyano.ca/news/finning-canada-named-partner-year-2012