Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2006-04-12, Page 1HURON W TRACTOR Exeter A hay www:nur.nni HIGH SPEED INTERNET SERVING EXETER & SURROUNDING AREAS For as low as $19.95/mo. (519)236-4333 TIMES -ADVOCATE Exeter, Ontario, Canada Wednesday, April 12, 2006 x.25 (includes GST) New project will help businesses By Scott Nixon TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF SOUTH HURON — A new project designed to identify the needs and problems of local businesses and help them expand and thrive is getting under way in South Huron. Hugh McMaster of the South Huron Chamber of Commerce attended council's Monday night meeting, informing them of a `Business Retention and Expansion Program.' The year-long program will involve several key community partners and local businesses. The program will develop tools to encourage the growth and stability of local area businesses, including industry and manufacturing, retail, farming and tourism. McMaster told council the program will help create a scoring card for the community indicating "how well we're doing or not doing" in the business sector. The project will involve the creation of a leadership team and a task force. Partners involved include the Ministry of Agriculture (kicking in $30,000), the Municipality of South Huron (funding $15,000 of the project) and the South Huron Chamber of Commerce ($5,000). The remaining $15,000 of the project will be split by the Exeter Business Association, the Huron Business Development Centre, Huron County and the federal government. Partners pay 50 per cent this year and 50 per cent next year. McMaster said financial reports to the Ministry will be "extensive," and the Ministry will be "with us" throughout the process. "This is a very broad scope of work," McMaster said of the project, which will see various local businesses take part in a 37 -page survey. The surveys will indi- cate what problems, needs and issues local businesses are dealing with. The local task force will respond to the needs and concerns the businesses express. A strategic action plan will eventually be developed to improve the local economy. Survey results and an action plan will be presented at a public meeting. McMaster said the `Business Retention and Expansion Program' isn't intended to have South Huron compete against other municipalities, but is designed to help South Huron retain and grow its busi- nesses. McMaster showed a video in support of the project, which included comments from other municipalities that have participated. According to those involved, the program builds enthusiasm and co-operation in the community and brings local residents together to work towards economic prosperity. The project works to determine the pulse of the community, finding its strengths and weaknesses and developing specific actions to respond to them. Coun. Ken Oke spoke positively about the project, explaining that the community needs it. By not taking part in the project, Oke said South Huron would be "sticking our head in the sand." In terms of economic development, he said this pro- ject is "the best thing I've seen since I've sat on the council of South Huron." Oke has spoken to other communities who have been involved and they are happy with the results. Oke noted Goderich is also starting up a `Business Retention and Expansion Program.' "Everything I've heard is positive. I'm behind it 100 per cent." Deputy Mayor Dave Urlin also spoke in favour of the plan. See BUSINESS page 2 ExeterVilla held its annual Easter Egg Hunt Saturday. Several children packed the retirement and nursing home in search of paper eggs which were exchanged for chocolate eggs at the end of the hunt.Above the Triebner family of Melrose visits Grandpa. From left are Ivan,Talia, Madeleine and Jordan with Grandpa Stuart. (photo/Nina Van Lieshout) Bluewater to have Family Health Team By Nina Van Lieshout TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF HENSALL — "This is very exciting," says Huron - Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell, in response to the recent McGuinty government announcement which is expected to improve access to health care for more than 2.5 million Ontarians. Three new Family Health Teams will be created catering to the Bluewater (Hensall, Dashwood and Zurich) Wingham, and Brockton (Mildmay, Paisley and Walkerton) areas. These teams are part of the 50 which are included in the Ontario government's announcement, mean- ing the government's goal of creating 150 Family Health Teams by 2007/2008 will be completed. "We're changing the way health care is delivered in Huron and Bruce by making it more responsive to the needs of the community," says Mitchell. "More people will now have access to a family doc- tor and health team of their own to help keep them healthy and treat them when they get sick," adds Mitchell. Doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, mental health workers and many oth- ers make up a Family Health Team. The specific need of the community will determine how many people will be part of the team. "Each community is unique," says Mitchell. The Family Health Teams will focus on giving com- prehensive care all day. A registered nurse can be reached through the Telephone Health Advisory Service after hours. See HEALTH page 2 Armed robbery at Tim Hortons EXETER — Huron OPP are investigat- ing an armed rob- bery early Monday around 3 a.m. A lone male entered the Tim Hortons in Exeter. The male, described as average height, with a slim build and dressed in black, approached the employee bran- dishing a silver handgun. The male demand- ed money and then left the business on foot with a locked cash drawer con- taining an undis- closed amount of cash. If any member of the community locates a cash draw- er or if you have any information that can assist police with this investigation, call the OPP or CRIME STOPPERS at 1-800-222-8477. In this image from an Exeter Tim Hortons security camera, a male robs the store Monday around 3 a.m. holding a silver hand gun. (photo/submitted)