Times Advocate, 1995-11-29, Page 5[T' YOUR RlJThIF.S:
Times -Advocate, November 29, 1995
Page 5
Technology creates level
playing field for rural business
South Huron business seminar focuses on new technology
Heather Mir T -A staff
EXETER - At least 55 people
from the Huron County business
community attended last Wednes-
day's second annual Business
Seminar, the first function held at
the newly renovated Old Town
Hall.
Mayor Ben Hoogenboom wel-
comed all participants to the con-
ference. He also took the op-
portunity to announce Stephen
Township and the Town of Exet-
er's intention to pursue amal-
gamation.
"i think this is a great turnout,"
said Hoogenboom of the seminar.
"We are proud to be involved
with Stephen in this venture.
This is a positive step as we see
it. Both councils are trying to do
things better with less tax dol-
lars."
The event was sponsored by the
Huron Business Development
Centre and the Town of Exeter.
Supporters included the Exeter
Business Association and the
South Huron Economic Develop-
ment Committee.
The seminar provided reg-
istrants with an opportunity to see
the latest computer technology
demonstrated by local experts.
The format allowed participants
to talk directly with exhibitors
and experience the different
choices available. With repre-
sentatives from HOMEtown
Community Network, Odyssey
Network inc., O.M.F.R.A., Huron
Tourism Association, Computer
Training Academy and Canada
Employment Centre, the confer-
ence gave business people a
chance to see computer tech-
nology ranging from basic text -
based information to more a so-
phisticated graphic interface.
Using the Internet, businesses
of all sizes can communicate bet-
ter with customers, suppliers, im-
porters, financial institutions,
government offices, employers
and branch locations. More and
more businesses are gaining a
presence on the Internet including
real estate, car and life insurance,
and banks.
The goal of HOMEtown Com-
munity Network, explained by
Beth Ross, is to provide uni-
versal, affordable access. Mem-
bership is $60 per year for access
to the world wide web from a ba-
sic low end (text based) service.
Since September, the network has
provided local toll free calling to
Clinton, Goderich, Auburn and
Seaforth.
The network is still "under con-
struction" but Ross said plans in-
clude free public access in the
five towns in Huron as well as
Zurich. The terminals will be
placed in public buildings such as
the library, Huron Employment
Resource Centre, Canada Em-
ployment Centre, and Town Hall.
According to Ross, this tech-
nology gives Huron County "the
ability to connect our community.
The distance doesn't matter," she
said. 'It creates a level playing
field and is crucial for rural areas
including home businesses and
students. A word of caution,
don't get left behind."
At tie other end of the spec-
trum, Michael Anstett of Odyssey
Network Inc., presented reg-
istrants with a hands-on dem-
onstration of how business opera-
tions are using the Internet as a
tool.
Odyssey, based in London and
Clinton, is a commercial Internet
provider with a mandate to pro-
vide clients with easy access and
operation. Anstett said the soft-
ware is pre -configured to be user
friendly and Odyssey provides
good text support.
The provider allows local dial
access from Blyth to Port Stanley,
full graphics capability and
13,500 news groups. Anstett said
Internet use is growing at a phe-
nomenal rate and the op-
portunities for the business com-
munity can't be overlooked.
"If you get 20 contacts resulting
in one sale you wouldn't normally
get, it's more than done the job,"
he said.
The possibilites for using tech-
nology can be overwhelming and
Anstett recommends clients start
at an entry level.
Exeter Food Bank receives produce
EXETER - They can only he de-
scribed as a big company with a
big heart.
Exeter Produce and Storage
Company Ltd. donated a truckload
of produce to the Exeter Food
Bank last Monday as they have
been doing every winter for the
past several years."
Everything we give just means
that much more to the people who
need it most...this time of year
they ithe Food Bank) could prob-
ably use all the help they can get."
said Dave Revington from Exeter
Produce.
A volunteer worker for the Exet-
er Focal Bank said the donation
was "greatly appreciated," espe-
cially this year when the number of
families visiting the Food Bank is
on the rise."
We don't get produce very oaten.
it's good for us to have fresh pro-
duce to offer to the community,"
he said. "It's nice to receive a big
donation like this,"
The Exeter Food Bank is an out- Church.
reach ministry affiliated with the
Exeter Pentecostal Tabernacle
Beth Ross of HOMEtown Network demonstrates the five
county Internet presence. providing community based infor-
mation, to registrants ar the second annual South Huron
Business Conference last Wednesday. At left represenata-
-4ive from Odyssey Network Inc. gave a hands-on demo be-
fore introductions and short talks.
Steckle invites nominations
for the Canada Volunteer Award
OTTAWA - "The Canada Vol-
unteer Award was established by
the former Department of National
Health and Welfare in 1977," an-
nounced Paul Steckle, M.P. for
Huron -Bruce, "to recognize and
encourage those Canadians who
have :nade outstanding voluntary
contributions towards improving
the Health and social well-being of
their fellow citizens."
"Throughout the years the
Award has been presented to over
80{) Canadians for their outstand-
ing achievements," said Steckle,
"and I would invite everyone to
nominate worthy candidates from
our area."
The Canada Volunteer Awards
is one award with two levels. The
Honor level consists of a medal, a
lapel pin and a Certificate of Hon-
or and is presented annually in Ot-
tawa by the Minister of National
Health. The Merit level consists of
a Certificate of Merit and a lapel
pin. The award ceremony is the re-
sponsibility of the sponsoring or-
ganization, on behalf of the Minis-
ter, in the recipient's community.
Nominations for the Canada Vol-
unteer Award must he received by
the closing date of December 15,
1995 at The Canada Volunteer
Award Secretariat,' Health Canada,
Communications Directorate, Pub-
lic Relations Division, Tunney's
Pasture, Ottawa, K 1 A OK9.
"Recipients of this award repre-
sent only a small percentage of the
dedicated men and women who
volunteer their services for the ben-
efit of their fellow Canadians,"
concluded Steckle, "there are many
people in Huron -Bruce who de-
serve such recognition and F urge
citizens to nominate these individu-
als without delay."
For more information about the
Canada Volunteer Award you may
contact Steckle's office at 30 Vic-
toria St. N., Goderich. Ontario,
N7A 2R6 or call (519) 524-6938 or
1-800-465-1726.
This sign was posted on the
window at Gerrards Clearance
Centre on Main Street in Exet-
er. No purchaser has yet
been confirmed.
Gainer Kneale
235-2420, 235-8484
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Exeter Produce employee, Stephen Walsh, hoists a sac
of potatoes over his shoulder while delivering a donation
to the Food Bank Monday.
Food donations can be made dur-
Police advise caution
ORiLLiA - Detachments of the OPP have been receiving enquiries
about solicitations from representatives of magazines selling ads and re-
questing donations.
Some of the publications are named "Our Provincial Police News,"
"OPP News," and "Ontario Police Magazine."
The OPP is not associated with these publications nor with associated
fundraising activities.
These solicitations are under investigation. People approached by
representatives of any publication should be very cautious before sub-
scribing, purchasing ads or donating to any similar type magazine.
•
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