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The Lucknow Sentinel, 2013-12-30, Page 3Monday, December 30, 2013 • Lucknow Sentinel 3 Federal government puts money forward to promote Ontario manufacturing Ontario's manufacturers may have a chance to benefit from fed- eral government support aimed at increasing competitiveness, invest- ing in innovation and boosting pro- ductivity thanks to the new Advanced Manufacturing Fund (AMF) in Ontario. Manufacturers in Ontario will be able to apply for federal funding which will encourage the develop- ment of transformative products and technologies, according to a media release issued through Huron -Bruce MP Ben Lobb. Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Develop- ment Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), officially launched the new Fund in London on Dec. 9, 2013. Ontario is home to skilled work- ers, world -leading companies and innovative manufacturers. Despite challenges, the manufacturing sec- tor's contribution to the economy continues to be a key driver of eco- nomic prosperity, despite chal- lenges associated with intensifying competitive pressures. "Through the Advanced Manu- facturing Fund, our government is looking ahead to the new and inno- vative products or production methods that will push Ontario to the forefront of high-tech manufac- turing," said Goodyear. "With this investment, we are helping manu- facturers in the province to build momentum and push to be more competitive on the global stage." The Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan 2013 pro- vides $200 million over five years for the Advanced Manufacturing Fund in Ontario, to be delivered province -wide by FedDev Ontario. "AMF is one of the integral ways our Government will help our workers, businesses and other organizations here in Ontario as they strive to grow and prosper," said Lobb. "By investing in innova- tive and productive manufacturing companies, we are helping them to achieve and maintain global lead- ership, while providing good qual- ity jobs in Ontario now and for the future." The fund will promote continued Community Living Funds! Submitted Community Living of Kincardine and District residence, with a donation from Ontario Pot Kincardine,Hnron-Kinloss and the surrounding Living of Kincardine and District added another $10,000 to its 'Here at Home' Saratoga residence, a donation Ontario Power Generation on Dec. 17, 2013. CLKD serves serving both Huron -Kinloss and the surrounding area. Executive director Andy Swan accepted the donation from OPG's Lynda Cain. (SUBMITTED) Ontario's agri-businesses a major revenue source Ontario's agri-business sector generates almost half a billion dollars in tax revenue to federal, provincial and municipal coffers annually, according to a new study The report also shows that the province's grain elevators, feed manufacturers and crop input suppliers contribute $2.3 billion to the provincial economy and support more than 22,000 jobs throughout rural Ontario. "This study identifies for the first time in real terms the eco- nomic impact that Ontario's agri- business sector has in the prov- ince of Ontario," said Dave Buttenham, CEO of the Ontario Agri Business Association (OABA) which commissioned the study. "Feed manufacturers, crop input suppliers and grain elevators are a key part of Ontario's rural fabric, providing jobs for thousands of Ontarians, supporting the provincial econ- omy and contributing millions in tax revenue:' Grain elevators provide grain handling, drying, storage and marketing services. Feed manu- facturers produce livestock and poultry feed, supplements and pre -mix products as well as pro- vide technical and nutritional support to farmers. Crop input supply businesses retail agricul- tural seeds, plant nutrition and crop protection products, as well as provide associated services and consulting. Overall, the crop input supply, grain elevator and feed manufac- turing sector accounts for almost one quarter of the total Gross Domestic Product generated by Ontario's farmers, supporting job creation, a stable tax base and thriving rural economies. "These results really help underline agriculture's role as the leading driver of our provincial economy," said Buttenham. "Our members are often over -looked when people think about agricul- ture, but they're a vital link in Ontario's food production system." The study was completed this past summer by MNP LLP, a national accounting and busi- ness consultancy, and is based on data and statistics from gov- ernment agencies and depart- ments, as well as interviews with municipal politicians and indus- try and government officials. The Ontario Agri Business Association is a voluntary, non- profit organization representing over 350 firms engaged in the crop input supply, grain elevator and animal feed sector across Ontario. Visit www.oaba.on.ca growth of Ontario's advanced man- ufacturing sector by supporting large-scale, transformative manu- facturing activities. The Conservative government release said the AMF will: • Increase productivity. • Lead to greater eco- nomic output. • Will create cutting- edge companies, driven by innova- tion. • Will establish clusters or supply chains. • Will foster collabo- ration between the private sector, research institutions and post -sec- ondary institutions. • Advanced manufacturing includes the devel- opment and/or adoption of cut- ting-edge technologies that dem- onstrate a commitment to product, process, and technological innovation. The contributions provided will normally be between $10 million and $20 million per project for up to one-half (50 percent) of total eli- gible project costs. Projects seeking less than $10 million or more than $20 million may be considered. Applicants must provide evidence of industry support (non-government sources) for at least 50 percent of the remain- ing project costs and clearly dem- onstrate how their project responds to innovation, market relevance and spillover economic benefits. For detailed guidelines and infor- mation on how to apply, please refer to the backgrounder or visit www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca or call 1-866-593-5505. Twas the Night After Christmas By Ruth Dobrensky (With apologies to Clement Moore) Twas the night after Christmas and all through the town All Christmas guests and their packages were homeward bound The stockings were empty, no candy was left We ate turkey leftovers made by hands that were deft The papers and tinsel were strewn here and there The children played with new toys with nary a care The stores were all empty, the lights all turned off They were so silent, you could hear a mouse cough No Hodgins, no Sentinel, no bakery, no Mary's Mac's was the only place open where one could tarry The adults were groaning and letting out clothes A quiet time followed which allowed all to doze When upon the horizon, the New Year came into sight And so to all, Happy New Year, and GOODNIGHT! Sympathy of the community to the families of: James Rivett, 71, Mount For- est (formerly Dungannon); and, Margaret McDougall, 89, Clinton. I wish all my readers a safe and happy New Year wherever and however you plan to celebrate. See you in 2014. KNOW YOUR FORD IS CERTIFIED TO RUN THE WAY IT SHOULD! Our Ford - Trained Technicians check more than just your oil and filter. We rotate and inspect all four tires and use Genuine Ford Parts. Take advantage of: INCLUDES: LF' TO gCOMPREHENSIVE 83 POINT VEHICLE REPORT CARDEt INSPECTION EVERY HOSE, BELT AND FLUID CHECKED. WORKS" There's rn or e to it than and a filater. FOR ONLY $5 9 94 VISIT A MONTGOMERY FORD LOCATION NEAR YOU ONTGOMERY Lucknow : Kincardine 519-528-2813:519-396-3436