Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Patrice Minors has praised two companies who have recently hired new employees despite a tough economic environment.As reported exclusively by The Royal Gazette, restaurant group MEF hired approximately 80 Bermudians during 2011 and Butterfield Fulcrum Group (BFG) is in the process of hiring 12 new employees.Minister Minors said the moves were “very encouraging news”, particularly in light of the challenging economic climate.“Far too often lately, we’ve witnessed the regular reports of job losses, so it’s very encouraging when we hear good news about Bermudians being hired,” she said. “As such, I thought it important to publicly commend both Butterfield Fulcrum and the MEF Group, as they have not only been consistent with their recruitment efforts, but quite successful as it relates to hiring Bermudians.”On January 7, The Gazette reported that MEF Group, which operates around 20 eateries on the Island, has put an emphasis on hiring locals 80 Bermudians in 2011, around 70 percent of whom are still employed with the company. On Monday, it was reported that fund administrator, Butterfield Fulcrum, has just taken on two new staff with another 10 set to come on board soon. Fifty percent of its workforce on the Island is Bermudian with a three-month summer internship programme now in its second year seeking to find the best talent from students studying finance or accounting at university or college.“They are leading by example, and I think it’s important to point out that it’s in everyone’s best interest to hire more Bermudians as our collective role in employing Bermudians is critical to the sustainability of not only our economy, but our country overall,” said Minister Minors.