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Home My WebLink AboutHuron Expositor, 2002-09-18, Page 13Susan Hundertmark photo Condolence book Pat Taylor, clerk administrator for West Perth stops to sign the condolence book at Huron East Town Hall in Seaforth. The book was on display in the lobby for residents to sign and offer words of encouragement to the residents of New York City following terrorist attacks on Sept. 11. The book can still be signed one last week. News * K *ffi .fit., f Business group recommending economic development committee Council hesitant until someone offers specifics of what committe, officer would do in Huron East By Scott Hilgendorff Expositor Editor An economic development committee is needed to help coordinate the activities of an economic development officer, suggested Selena Anderson, representing the Business Retention and Expansion Committee (BR and E) at Huron East council's Oct. 2 meeting. "And do it quickly because you only have 14 weeks left," said Anderson who, in the spring was recommended to Huron East council by the BR and E as their choice for an economic development officer. In the spring, the BR and E pleaded with council to include $100,000 in the budget for an economic development officer. Council approved $25,000 for the remaining six months of the budget year, when the budget was approved in late spring. But that money had not been touched and council invited the BR and E to give input into what the next step toward economic development should be. Anderson, who has a master's degree in economic development and several years of experience working in the Ministry of Agriculture's rural economic development department, stressed the need to move fast in getting an economic development officer and committee established with only 14 weeks left in the budgetary year. However, council was still uncertain where to go after Anderson's presentation. Since the BR and E first presented the idea of hiring an economic development officer in the spring, it has been waiting for a more clear definition of exactly what that person would do for the money being set aside. Deputy Mayor Bernie MacLellan, speaking for council, said they understand and support the need for economic development but needed more clarification on what the committee and officer would actually do. "I guess we're going to want, at some point, the game plan of what the economic development officer is going to do to benefit the community," he said. Luke Janmaat, Progressive Turf owner and member of the BR and E said the committee had been hoping for one -on- one conversation with council about it but that it never happened. He said they had been waiting for council to take the lead. Anderson explained that an economic development officer would work to retain existing businesses, helping them to expand to increase the job and tax base. The officer would also work to market the community, answer questions from new businesses, needing quick answers about locating in Seaforth faster Dollars invested in Huron for diabetes treatment Ontario Invests $48,670 for Diabetes Treatment and Prevention in Huron -Perth Helen Johns, MPP for Huron -Bruce and Bert Johnston, MPP Perth - Middlesex announced last month $48,670 in funding to the Huron Perth Diabetes Education Program on behalf of the Ontario government on Thursday, Sept. 20. The funding will help enhance diabetes care and prevention in the community. The funding is part of a $3.76 million province -wide investment in diabetes care and prevention. "The funding will go a long way towards enhancing our understanding of diabetes". said Johns. "We want to improve prevention and reduce the complications associated with the disease." The funding will result in , enhanced care and education for the residents of Huron and Perth. It will also be used to provide aboriginal education and supportive services. When compared to others segments in Ontario, the aboriginal population has a higher incidence of diabetes. In Ontario, diabetes is responsible for 40 per cent of new cases of dialysis and half of all non-traumatic amputations, blindness and heart attacks. It also accounts for 70 percent of strokes. The funding provided today will help promote wellness, increase health promotion, enable early intervention and effective prevention of complications related to diabetes. Since 1995, the Ontario government has invested more than $47.7 million in Ontario's diabetes strategy. As per Section 83.1 of the Municipal Act, the report of the Municipality of Central Huron's Performance Measurements is available to the public. Copies may be picked up at the Municipal Office, 23 Albert Street, Clinton, ON, NOM ILO. than municipal staff and could deal with labour issues such as the exodus of a youth labour force from the area. She said the committee would work closely with council and would include members from across Huron East including the agricultural sector and municipal representation. But there were still no specific details about what the economic development officer or committee would specifically do in Huron East. Anderson had suggested council should advertise as soon as possible for proposals from people to set up an economic development committee so it could be put in place before the end of the year in expectation that council would then continue to fund the committee on an annual basis. While MacLellan understood the BRand E's desire to move quickly, when it came to funding economic development, he said "I don't think we are a use it or lose it council." He suggested the money would be there next year if they did not get started right away, preferring council not rush into a decision. Mayor Lin Steffler said the money has been there since June for . economic development and that it could wait longer to decide how to proceed. Seaforth Coun. Bill Teall pointed out if. council wants to know what to do for economic development, it McMaster Siemon AK -f- INSURANCE M BROKERS INC. •AU I O •NU(.',_ •TRAVEL •COP.1.';_KIAL •LIFE INSURANCE BROKERS: Bill Siemon Vicki Siemon Anette McTaggart Ken Hutchison Paul Wettlaufer Joanne Tyndall Ontario Rd. 348-9150 Mitchell 1-800-561-0183 should call for proposals that would outline specifically how the $25,000 would be used. Gwen Devereaux, chair of the BR and E, who has been working with the community of Campbellford in Eastern Ontario on separate matters, knows of a successful economic development program there. She also said that community's former economic development officer is now operating successfully in nearby St. Marys. She said she could have them come and speak to council about more specific aspects of an economic development program. "You've given us a lot to think about," said Steffler. At the time, council had expected to discuss the' issue further at the meeting but ran out of time that night. Instead, they were expected to talk about it last night (Oct. 9) at a special council meeting before the start of council's committee meeting. THE HURON EXPOSITOR, Octo‘lor 10, 2001-3 Becky Campbell Registered Massage Therapist MON., TUES., WED. 9aril to8pm; Fridays 9amto5pm ALAI v ,egular massage to your resolution for better health in Mt! 527-2058 "It only hurts, rt you don't call!' 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