While the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has spurred growth in trade and development in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, the innovative strategic initiative of Marketplace Chaplains USA has also successfully fueled international
growth in helping hurting and stressed workers in today’s workplace.

Founded in Dallas, Texas, in 1984, the largest and most experienced workplace chaplain provider has recently seen explosive growth in its Canadian Division, as CEOs from New Brunswick to Vancouver are embracing Marketplace Chaplains Canada.

“We are in a very unique situation here; with the low unemployment rate, we do not always have enough workforce for all of our needs,” said Steve Troyer, CEO of Troyer Ventures, Ltd., a collection of companies in British Columbia and Alberta.

“To be able to provide high quality benefits for our workers helps us provide an extra edge for employees going through tough times.”

While Troyer’s companies were among the first to use Marketplace Chaplains Canada, they were far from the last as other international companies such as Jet-Lube of Canada Ltd. and GE Oil & Gas ESP, based in Alberta, also employ this unique chaplain service for their workers.

“I know our employees really enjoy seeing the chaplains in the workplace and knowing they can talk with someone here about a problem is very important,” said Gary McCormick, VP & General Manager, of Jet-Lube of Canada Ltd.  “I hope this program continues to grow because Canadian CEOs see the benefit of having chaplains.”

By the first quarter of 2012, there will be 2 dozen chaplains serving 15 different Canadian Marketplace client company locations and over 1,000 employees.

“The growth has really come at breakneck speed, and it proves that this service of care for employees will work wherever we are,” said Assistant National Canada Director Dan Truitt.

In Mexico, the growth has been constant as well as Pace Industries and Royal Prestige are among the companies using Marketplace Chaplains south of the U.S. border. Between the two companies there are a total of 1,100 employees served by 15 chaplains.