May 6, 2008
LINDSAY: Working with youth and getting the community on the information super-highway are just two of the reasons the Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation has been recognized as an outstanding CFDC for its work in the community. The Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations honours its own each year with the CFDC Achievement Award, which acknowledges individual CFDCs for economic development in their local area.
Three Achievement Awards were presented at the Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporation’s (OACFDC) 15th Annual Conference held in Stratford recently. The OACFDC is a provincial organization of 61 Community Futures offices, serving northern and rural Ontario. Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) provide small business counselling and loans, as well as collaborating on community economic development projects in small towns and rural areas. In Ontario, CFDCs are funded by Industry Canada through FedNor. Community volunteers form the boards of directors of each CFDC and make decisions based on the needs of the local economy.
Kawartha Lakes CFDC has been a community partner is several successful projects. It played a key role in gaining support for broadband internet, by obtaining a commitment from city council through which 100% high speed internet coverage will be available. The KLCFDC has spearheaded Small Business Week activities for several years, hosting professional development events for small business people. This year, almost every event was free for all who attended.
The KLCFDC also led the way on a short-term tactical campaign “Shop Locally”. This was established to promote local shopping at Christmas time. The KLCFDC brought together three Chambers of Commerce, Business Improvement Areas (BIA), and other groups to form a Retail Action Committee. In addition, the KLCFDC has been active in providing support, education and practical opportunities for youth. The Gold Star Program allows young people to experience a trade first-hand.
The KLCFDC has also been successful in creating jobs in the community through business investment. Working with the former company’s management team, KLCFDC has managed to build a new multi-national company from the demise of the previous one, replacing about 400 jobs so far, with another 300 to be hired this year.
Kawartha Lakes CFDC Manager Andrew Wallen says that his organization’s success is due to the CFDC’s Board of Directors and senior staff’s involvement in community planning. “The key to the right execution is most often the right input,” Wallen adds. KLCFDC’s board and staff sit on the Economic Development Advisory and Management Boards for the city, including tourism, agriculture and business development. The CFDC’s board members also sit on many other committees, such as doctor recruitment, healthcare centre planning, social housing, mental health, workforce development, access to technology and youth.
Almost 350 members of the OACFDC were on hand to see the award presented Kawartha Lakes CFDC at the conference in Stratford. The Achievement Awards are sponsored by Desjardins Financial Security and Comprehensive Benefits Solutions, insurance providers to OACFDC members.
For more information about KLCFDC, contact:
Andrew Wallen, Manager
Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation
189 Kent St W, Suite 211
Lindsay, Ontario K9V 5G6
Phone: (705) 328-0261 / Fax: (705) 328-3684
Website: www.kawarthasmallbusiness.com
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
For more information about the OACFDC, contact:
Mary Alderson, Member Services Coordinator
Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations
300 South Edgeware Road
St. Thomas, ON N5P 4L1
519-633-2326 ext.124
888-633-2326 ext.124
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.ontcfdc.com