September 8, 2014
Two unique businesses have tied for the “Entrepreneur of the Year”, an award given out annually by the Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations (OACFDC). The OACFDC is holding its Annual Conference at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville. The members of the organization represent 61 Community Futures Development Corporations, located in towns and rural areas across the province. The Ontario Association wrapped up a two and a half day event on September 5th with the Awards presentation
Winners of the coveted “Entrepreneur of the Year” award are Research Casting International Ltd. of Trenton and Nordex Explosives Ltd. of Kirkland Lake.
Peter May is the proprietor of Research Casting International Ltd. (RCI) in Trenton, Ontario, which has become the world leader in providing specialized services for museums, including molding, casting, fossil mounting, flesh molding and sculpting, and exhibit dismantling and reconstruction. They are best known for their work with dinosaur bones and recreations of dinosaur skeletons.
Nordex Explosives Ltd. is Canada’s only explosives manufacturer and a leader in explosive products used in the mining industry. Jim Taylor has been at the helm of Nordex Explosives during its time of rapid growth and market expansion in recent years.
These entrepreneurs were chosen from several nominees, all successful businesses that received loans and counselling from CFDCs. Mr. May and Mr. Taylor won the prestigious awards because of their work establishing solid businesses in their communities. RCI was nominated by Trenval Business Development Corporation in Belleville and Nordex was nominated by Kirkland & District Community Development Corporation in Kirkland Lake.
In addition, the Parry Sound Area Community Business & Development Centre Inc. received an Award of Excellence in Community Economic Development for its work on the Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport. Bill Spinney, General Manager of the Parry Sound Area CB&DC, has been a resource person to the airport commission since 1996 and assisted in its growth.
“We are pleased to honour the Entrepreneur of the Year, in partnership with FedNor and FedDev Ontario. The OACFDC is also proud of the CFDC Award of Excellence winner, sponsored by FedNor, FedDev Ontario, and Sharon Wilson, “The Benefits Lady”, our Group Benefits Consultant,” says Diana Jedig, OACFDC Executive Director.
Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) offer free business counselling and provide loans to entrepreneurs, in addition to working on community economic development projects and local strategic planning. CFDCs in Southern Ontario are funded by FedDev Ontario, while those in Northern Ontario are funded by Industry Canada through FedNor. They operate as not-for-profit corporations. Decisions are made locally by volunteer Boards of Directors working with managers and staff in each office. Volunteer directors and staff alike attended the conference September 3rd to 5th.