Around the North

A new marketing and communications manager has joined the team at the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre.

Essar Steel has announced plans to back the Roberta Bondar Foundation by becoming a founding corporate partner. The registered, not-for-profit charity aims to provide a creative, learner-friendly approach to understanding environmental science.

Quadra FNX and Xstrata Nickel are working on an agreement that would allow Quadra FNX to use Xstrata Nickel infrastructure to further develop and operate the Levack Mine, including the Morrison deposit.

Montreal-based AbitibiBowater is changing its name to Resolute Forest Products, effective Nov. 7.

Cambrian College's mining engineering technician program has renewed its national accreditation from the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB) until June 30, 2014. The program is one of two in Canada to hold the distinction.

The Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation has been recognized by the Economic Developers Association of Canada with a 2011 Marketing Canada Award. The EDC was celebrated for its Tourism Sault Ste. Marie website, www.saulttourism.

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has recognized a pair of Sudbury-area companies during its annual Ontario Business Achievement Awards (OBAA). Northern Superior Resources Inc.

The Young Professionals Association (YPA) of Sudbury is seeking nominees for its 2011 awards gala to be held this November.

Stantec has been recognized as one of Canada's top employers for young people by Canada's Top 100 Employers competition. The distinction is given to employers that are leaders in attracting and retaining younger employees to their organizations.

Four unions represented by the Associated Railway Unions of Algoma Central have ratified a new labour contract. Approximately 70 mechanical, engineering and clerical employees are covered by the four-year deal, which is retroactive to Feb. 1, 2010.