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Welcome Message - Alan Smith
Once again we are pleased to present our economic development newsletter produced on behalf of Elgin County Council and the Department of Community and Cultural Services.
There is much to tell you. We are excited to be working on a new tourism strategy,
an ambassador program, expanding our department’s resources, creating a workforce
development strategy and ongoing progress with the SCOR initiative.
West Elgin Water Treatment Plant Will Support Business Growth
The Municipality of West Elgin has gained a significant new business resource --
one of the most modern water treatment plants in Ontario.
The West Elgin Water Treatment Plant officially opened August 26 at the conclusion
of a six-year, $21.8-million project to expand and upgrade the water supply to West
Elgin and several neighbouring municipalities.
Rokeby Orchards Thrives on Quality As ‘Buy Local’ Movement Grows
Rokeby Orchards, after almost a century in business, is seeing new demand for its
high-quality products thanks in part to Elgin County’s “phenomenal” buy-local
campaign.
Located on RR4, Aylmer, Rokeby Orchards is a full-service agri-business with customers
throughout the Elgin region drawn to its many varieties of fresh apples and other fruits.
Springwater Mills Ltd.- A Family Business for Two Centuries
Walking on to the property of Springwater Mills Ltd., is walking into history. This sawmill is one of the oldest continuously operating businesses in Elgin County and
has been owned and operated by the White family since the turn of the 19th century.
It’s still going strong. Owner-operator Ken White Jr. is planning to install a new
computerized saw that will increase the company’s efficiency in producing logs,
veneer logs and floorboards. The current electrically powered sawmill is capable
of consistently producing products at a rate of 1,000 board feet an hour.
Volunteers Build a Tourism Hub At The Arts and Cookery Bank
In the village of West Lorne in the Township of West Elgin, a remarkable community
project is creating a cultural hub with the goal of enhancing tourism and economic
development in the region.
About 100 people have contributed to the development of The Arts & Cookery Bank
during the past two years. They have transformed a former Bank of Montreal branch
dating from 1914 into a place that will promote the value of a rural lifestyle and
cooking experiences, and tell the stories of West Elgin, Dutton-Dunwich, Newbury
and Southwest Middlesex.
Elgin Business Resource Centre Pumps Additional Funds into Elgin County
Good news! More money for business loans and community development is being pumped
into Elgin County through the Elgin Business Resource Centre.
The St. Thomas-based centre, which distributes funds from Industry Canada and some Government of Ontario programs, has already approved business loans to date in 2009
surpassing the value of those made in all of 2008. A new lending program for the
agriculture sector is getting under way, and an income assistance program for new
entrepreneurs is busier than ever.
FedDev Agency Seeking Applications For Fund for Business Projects
Looking for funds to expand your business venture in Elgin County or turn a new
idea into a product for the future? If you act quickly you can apply to a new source
of funds that has just been made available from the federal government.
It’s called the Southern Ontario Development Program and it is making $100 million
available in 2009-10 for projects that will stimulate local economies and enhance
the growth and competitiveness of Southern Ontario businesses and communities. |
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