Customs bars paper mill exec from entering U.S.

The representative of a Canadian company heavily invested in Newton Falls Fine Paper on his way to a business meeting at the mill was turned back at the border Tuesday out of concern he was taking a job away from an American.

"The irony is, we've created many jobs," said Scott C. Travers, vice chairman of Newton Falls Fine Paper. "They're convinced I'm working in the States. I'm not. I'm employed in Canada."

Scotia Investments, Hantsport, Nova Scotia, joined with Newton Falls Fine Paper President Dennis R. Bunnell in restarting the Newton Falls mill, which closed in 2000.

Over the past year and a half, Mr. Travers has made weekly trips to Newton Falls, flying from Nova Scotia to Montreal and crossing the border by car at Massena. One of the reasons for his trips is to reassure workers and the community that his company is behind them.

"We've been removing the fear factor. I am totally committed to Newton Falls. It's imperative I get back to interface with the team," Mr. Travers said. "The frequency of my visits apparently raised concern with border protection, who don't share the same commitment that I have to Newton Falls. On a couple of crossings, they said I should get a letter from my employer."

On Tuesday, Mr. Travers came armed with a work permit signed by senior investors, but it apparently didn't meet with the satisfaction of U.S. border officials. Mr. Travers spent three hours at the crossing before he was turned back.

"I had state people waiting for me at the mill, some high-profile people," he said. "It's essential that I be there as we close the year."

He pointed out that the North America Free Trade Agreement allows him to cross the border freely unless he's drawing a paycheck. Nevertheless, Mr. Travers isn't allowed into the U.S. until his difficulties with Customs are ironed out, probably with a work visa.

"We have a team of about 15 people working on this right now," he said. "We never dreamed we would need a work visa because we're not really working. It's executive oversight."

Mr. Travers is president of Minas Basin Pulp and Power, one of Scotia Investments' companies, which makes thick paper from recycled materials for corrugated boxes.

The Newton Falls mill is doing well given the troubled economy, Mr. Travers said.

"The paper industry has had more downs than ups. It's challenging. It's definitely required my personal presence," he said. "The mill had a spectacular startup, and it's making spectacular paper. It truly is making paper that consumers want to use in their print shops. We're very resilient. We're going to survive. We're striving to improve the bottom line."