Prince George, B.C. – Forest, Resource Expo gets underway today in Prince George, and this one will be more interactive than ever before.

 

Last year, 10 thousand people attended the show, and MaryAnne Arcand,  Director of Forestry TruckSafe and Northern Initiatives  is optimistic there will be a similar attendance if not more because of the expansion of the show “We know there is a downturn in the industry, but  we are trying to keep a sense of optimism and hope. That is one of the reasons for the expansion of the show, we want to show there is more out there for you too, it’s not just manufacturing, or the big shots, there is work and opportunities to stay in your community."

 

“This year we are really trying to raise awareness about safety issues” says Arcand, Those efforts include plenty of interactive activities. “We have a go cart track with   carts that look like big rigs, We’ll get people to drive the track under normal conditions, then put on the special goggles, that simulate alcohol impairment.   We want people to see the difference not just with the simulated substance abuse, but the impairment that can also be created by fatigue.”

 

There will also be a big rig on site so people can get in the cab and experience first hand the blind spots truckers have to deal with.

 

“We all share the roads, we need to do it safely.”

 

There will be some special seminars says Arcand that cross all resources. “We tried to bring on issues that impact all the resource workers, like substance abuse, and the shortage of workers. We also have a special session on doing business with China, so instead of selling them 2x4’s we need to learn what it is they really want. I think we have a really broad scope of offerings that will appeal to everyone from company managers to little kids, and everyone in between.”

 

There is  also a chainsaw  carving  competition  and Big rig show and shine.

 

Forest Resource Expo runs today through Saturday at the Exhibition grounds.