General Manager, Orillia Area Community Development Corp. (CDC)

While I tend to miss the long, warm days of summer, I do welcome the return of what seems to be a more structured schedule as we move into the fall.  Of course, with that seems to bring a renewed energy for reviewing progress, refocusing and planning.

After looking back and reviewing our plans at the Orillia Area Community Development Corp. (CDC) for this fiscal year, I find it hard to believe that we have been providing business support and community economic development services to our local community for over 29 years!

I have had the pleasure of working at the CDC for the past three years with so many incredible people - community partners, program colleagues, clients, volunteers and staff.  I continue to be amazed with what our communities can accomplish and, with the help of all of these people, what the CDC has managed to do since opening its doors in 1984. 

Following are only just a few of our most recent activity highlights.  The CDC:

• provided in excess of $1.3M in loans to 21 small businesses during our last fiscal year, which has resulted in creating or maintaining 88 jobs.  Since inception, the CDC has invested more than $15.7M by way of loans to local small businesses, resulting in the maintenance or creation of over 2650 jobs. 
• completed its first full year managing a successful professional development program that has brought together 15 community partners in an effort to centralize professional development and training, for both employers and employees in our communities.
• participated in several community economic development projects, including:  the creation of two new main street revitalization groups; the coordination of a first impressions community exchange; the development of a youth resource directory; conducting research around the feasibility of developing a Business Incubator for our communities; and providing support for affordable housing, youth employment strategies, and doctor recruitment.

I know I speak on behalf of the CDC staff and volunteers when I say that, we look forward to continuing to support the development of sustainable communities through our community economic development and small business activities.