It was a night to recognize local innovation and to help businesses network with other businesses and those in the know for economic development.
Wellington North Mayor Mike Broomhead welcomed people gathered to the first such event in Wellington North. He noted that most of the economic development committee and many of Wellington North’s councillors were in attendance.
He said the Arthur and Mount Forest Chambers of Commerce were there as well.
Display tables included the Township of Wellington North, MPP Gary Schellenberger’s office, Saugeen Economic Development Corporation, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs, Arthur and District Chamber of Commerce, Women of Wellington Saugeen Area, Mount Forest and District Chamber of Commerce, BMO Bank of Montreal, Scotiabank, TD Canada Trust and the Mount Forest Fire Department.
Broomhead encouraged those at the gathering to network and to take a look at the display tables and ask questions. He also noted the recent relaunch of the township website and added that councillors are always looking for new ideas and ways to help local businesses.
He said there is an opportunity for local businesses to register in the township’s online business directory as well. He also encouraged residents to fill out the business retention survey.
He added that the economic development committee members are working very hard on behalf of the business community.
Dave Barrett, of the Saugeen Economic Corporation said recent funding announcements mean “We have some funding for businesses and non-profit groups such as chambers of commerce and municipalities.”
Crystal Seifried, of the Mount Forest Chamber of Commerce, spoke about the launch of the Women of Wellington-Saugeen Area networking opportunity.
“So far, it seems to be really successful,” she said. The intent is to hold meetings and workshops once a month.
“It’s not just Mount Forest. It’s Mount Forest, Minto, Arthur, and the Saugeen area.”
Broomhead introduced outgoing and incoming presidents for the Mount Forest Chamber of Commerce.
Outgoing president Ron Forrest said a lot of people ask what the chamber is.
“You people out there are the chamber.”
He also responded to questions why businesses would want to join.
“My answer is the chamber does so much good for the businesses in town. We promote tourism, industry, and any small business, whether it be on the main street or industrial. That is what we do.”
Incoming president Ray Tout said it was great that EDC team worked so hard to take the initiative to start event.
“I think we should be very proud in our community when you look at the economic conditions around us.
“We have, and have always had a strong business community in Mount Forest. Be proud of what we’ve got. We’re here to stay.
In addition, the Arthur Chamber of Commerce also had an outgoing and incoming president for its chamber.
Outgoing president Peter Schofield said he was saddened a few months ago when he heard some chambers were closing because of a lack of interest and there was no one left to look after the business interests of the small communities.
While Arthur is a small community, Schofield said, “I’ve always been happy to see keen people involved.”
He said the chamber has some very dedicated people. He attributed part of that to the enthusiasm of the incoming president over the past few years.
“This is not about looking back, this about looking forward,” he said introducing incoming president Wayne Baker.
“He is a passionate spokesman for the business community. I think we’re going to see a very dynamic executive.”
Baker said that in thinking about the phrase economic development, “as a businessman, when I want to develop economically, I identify a resource I have, then I try to exploit it.”
On a larger scale, he asked what resources Wellington North has that it has yet to develop.
“I want to see Wellington North as a whole grow, the chamber grow, and my business grow. It’s important that we all thrive economically.”
