March 28, 2008
HANOVER, Ontario, March 28, 2008 — The Government of Canada is continuing to support the growth and success of small business through an investment in the local Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) known as the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation.
A federal contribution of $350,000 to the CFDC, through FedNor, was announced today by Larry Miller, Member of Parliament for Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound, and Gary Schellenberger, Member of Parliament for Perth–Wellington, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor.
“Our Government recognizes and applauds the tremendous work carried out by Community Futures organizations like the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation and we are proud to support their efforts,” stated Mr. Miller.
“The Saugeen Economic Development Corporation has become a vital contributor to the economic prosperity of the entire region, having served its residents and businesses for more than 20 years,” added Mr. Schellenberger.
As reaffirmed in Budget 2008, the Government of Canada is making investments in people, knowledge, modern infrastructure and a sound and efficient financial sector to provide the foundation for global success.
Of the total funding, $300,000 will go toward the continued operations of the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation over the next year. This will enable the CFDC to offer services to enhance local economic development and small business growth, including: access to capital; business counselling; support for community-based projects; and strategic community planning and socio-economic development. The remaining $50,000 will support the South Central Regional CFDC Network for activities such as strategic planning, professional development, and marketing on behalf of the seven member CFDCs.
Over the last year, the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation invested more than $1.1 million in small and medium-sized businesses in the region, resulting in the creation or maintenance of 123 jobs and contributing to an enhanced business community.
"We look forward to continuing to service the ever-increasing needs of our clients and working with our CFDC partners in the South Central Regional Network to create jobs and enhance the economic vitality of our communities,” said Saugeen Economic Development Corporation Chair, Edythe Dixon.
The Saugeen Economic Development Corporation is one of 61 Community Futures Development Corporations in rural and Northern Ontario funded by FedNor’s Community Futures Program.
To find out more about Ontario CFDCs, visit: http://cfdc-ontario.ic.gc.ca
For more information, please contact:
Erik Waddell
Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
613-957-0200
Mario Paluzzi
Communications Officer, FedNor
705-941-2064 or 1-877-333-6673