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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2008-02-20, Page 44 Times—Advocate Wednesday, February 20, 2008 OC =CNA T. Editorial Opinion TIMES ADVOCATE PUBLICATIONS MAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER 07511 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing costs. Canada Deb Lord — Production Manager 0 t The Times -Advocate is owned by Metroland Media Group Ltd. Metroland 424 Main Street South, P.O. Box 850 Media Group Ltd. Exeter, Ontario NOM 1S6 • 519-235-1331 Doug Rowe -General Manager, Southwestern Ontario Division Scott Nixon — Editor CNA 2007 BLUE RIBBON EDITORIAL Business study ready Aanyone interested in the future of South Huron's economic development should ttend a meeting Feb. 27 at the Exeter Legion. The final report of the `Business Retention and Expansion Program' will be unveiled to the public for the first time. While those interested in attending the lun- cheon portion of the Feb. 27 meeting were to RSVP the South Huron Chamber of Commerce by today (Feb. 20) because of limited seating, the unveiling of the business report at 7 p.m. is open to anyone interested and no RSVPs are necessary. Chamber president Hugh McMaster, who spearheaded the project, spoke before council Feb. 4 about the final report, explaining that the study will identify the needs and problems of local businesses and help them expand and thrive. Similar studies have been done across the continent. The study included hours of inter- views with local businesspeople representing all sectors of the local economy. With the data compiled, it's now time to present the study to the public and develop a vision for the future. A lot of work went into the study and it will take the involvement of the entire community to help make South Huron continue to thrive. Many small communities are concerned about their local business sector. South Huron is no different and, with the big box stores of the Masonville area only half an hour away, and the news concerning CanGro's impending closure or sale, that concern is real and justi- fied. The various members of the 'task force' who worked on the `South Huron Alliance for Retention and Expansion' will speak at the meeting and present the study's findings. McMaster said the evening should wrap up by 9 p.m. Feb. 27 is an important night for South Huron, one that will identify the struggles and concerns of local businesses and map out a road for future success. Those interested in the future of this municipality should plan to attend and get involved. a 1 entine Dance T0NITE BEMLNE,IANDttL TOLERATE No DISSENT IN THE MATTER. Even as a child, Stevie Harper showed evidence of his future political style. Distributed by Canadian Artists Syndicate We have only ourselve to blame Huron County Warden John Bezaire might be excused if he is feeling a little disillusioned about ratepayers' interest in the county budget process after a poorly attended meeting in Holmesville on Saturday. Bezaire told the Times -Advocate last week he was hoping for a good turnout at the meeting to discuss not just the budget but also the services that the county offers to residents for the taxes they pay. Bezaire said the meeting was meant not only for residents to talk about the budget but for Bezaire and the rest of council to find out what residents want in the way of services and tax rates. But the meeting at the Holmesville Community Centre Saturday morning saw only one or two ratepayers attend and Bezaire said it was a little disappointing. Bezaire says the cost to the county for coun- cillors and staff to attend on a Saturday is con- siderable and obviously not many Huron County residents were interested. Bezaire says the county will have to take a serious look at whether they repeat the exer- cise next year. The usual excuses will be trotted out ranging from the weather to just being busy or to not wanting to drive from the northern or southern parts of the county. Prior to the meeting, Bezaire said the location was the best that could be done in the time allowed. The fact is it's easier not to take part and it's hard to get engaged. Democracy demands a lot and it's tough to decide whether you want policing, snowplowing, road construc- tion, tax relief, debt reduction or an increase in reserves. It's far easier to sit in the coffee shop and complain. But the next time you're wondering why your road hasn't been plowed, a bridge hasn't been fixed or your taxes went up, before you pick up the phone to tear Bezaire a new one, think about what you were doing Feb. 16 from 10 a.m. to noon and maybe put the phone back down. Because democracies may die behind closed doors but they die even faster with empty meeting rooms. PAT B BACK 40 VIEW About the Times -Advocate Address & Office Hours Times -Advocate, 424 Main Street South, P.O. Box 850, Exeter, Ontario NOM 1S6. Our office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. CLOSED ON HOLIDAYS. Contact Us By Phone or Fax Classified ad & subscription sales 519-235-1331 24-hour automated attendant 519-235-1336 Fax number 519-235-0766 Fax number for accounting dept. 519-235-2449 Subscription Rates One year rate for addresses in Canada: $42+GST Two year rate for addresses in Canada: $75+GST One year rate for addresses outside Canada:$160+GST Call 519-235-1331 to order a subscription. Classified Rates Word ads: $13 for 20 words, 20t for each additional word+ GST. Notices (births, announcements, coming events, memoriams, cards of thanks): $16 + GST for up to 50 words, All ads must be pre -paid. The classified ad deadline is Monday at 10 a.m. Display Advertising To place a display ad, 519-235-1331 weekdays 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. or evenings 519-235-1336 (leave message) or toll-free at 1-888-270-1602. Deadline: Fri. 2 p.m. Web site: www.southhuron.com E-mail Us TA e-mail addresses consist of the person's first initial and last name followed by @southhuron.com. For example, Deb Lord's e-mail address is dlord@southhuron.com Our general e-mail address is ads@southhuron.com. OLEN The Times -Advocate Team COMPOSITION Manager Deb Lord ext. 103 Nikki Cyr ext. 101 Kelly Gackstetter ext. 101 ADVERTISING Deborah Schillemore ext. 112 EDITOR Scott Nixon ext. 105 REPORTERS Pat Bolen ext. 113 Nina Van Lieshout ext. 107 CUSTOMER SERVICE Sue Rollings ext. 101 Jennifer Skonieczny ext. 102 ACCOUNTING STAFF Anita McDonald ext. 104 Ruth Slaght ext. 106 Marg Pertschy ext. 108 Heather Clarke ext. 111