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2022 • Press
Processors' Executive Director Derek Butler moving on from association after 19 years at helm
Renae Butler
St. John's, NL, 1 November 2022
The voice of the Newfoundland and Labrador's seafood processing association is moving on. Derek Butler, Executive Director of the Association of Seafood Producers (ASP) for 19 years, has announced his departure from the association, to be effective in the coming weeks.
"After 19 years, the time has come for a new adventure. Working with ASP has been the honour of a lifetime. There have been some great challenges, and it will always be a difficult industry, but it is dynamic, and it is the people that make it so. I will always be grateful for the relationships built and friendships made in the industry, with stakeholders, in government and elsewhere," said Butler.
As head of ASP, Butler has been responsible for the usual industry trade association work, including public policy, government and media relations, with the added complexity of spearheading negotiations for hundreds of millions of dollars in raw material prices for members under provincial collective bargaining legislation.
"I guess I've led close to 200 negotiations, written somewhere over 100 arbitration submissions, and been ASP's voice in the arbitration hearings," said Butler. "I've enjoyed some of that quite a bit, it's not all bad."
Butler says he's confident strong candidates will come forward for what is often a contentious but crucial role in the province, and the successful candidate will be well-positioned to lead ASP into the future with support from members.
Paul Grant, Chair of the ASP Board and Executive Vice-President of Beothic Fish Processors Ltd in the province, said Butler came into the industry as a newcomer, and has lead ASP in both its formative years and through some difficult challenges.
"We've had RMS, Fishing Industry Renewal, Fisheries Modernization, the MOU exercise. Through it all – on top of the all-consuming price negotiations, 8 or 10 species every year – Derek has worked well with members and stakeholders, with enthusiasm, professionalism and humour. His contribution to our industry stands, and I think people on both sides of the table and among our stakeholders recognize that," said Grant.
Butler says details of where he lands next are forthcoming, but that he will remain in the industry, and is looking forward to that new adventure.
Paul Grant Board Chair, Tel (709) 753-6884
Executive Vice-President of Beothic Fish Processors Ltd.
Published On: November 1, 2022 / Categories: 2022, Press /
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