Rural summit offers economic hope for area gŏđŏ editionap.ca
arena will serve as the conference site for a gathering of representatives from all across the province along with renowned and expert national and international speakers on economic affairs. While Canada in general, along with many other nations, is now recovering from the impact of the recent global re- cession, Candie noted that for many mid- sized and small rural communities there is still an ongoing struggle to get their economies back in order. Some of the problems are the result of failing or re- duced markets for local products, aging infrastructure making it hard to attract new growth, or declining populations as families and individuals move away in search of jobs. “We don’t have to look far to see the im- pact of the global recession,” he said. Candie observed that while large urban areas may offer more employment op- portunities, they also depend on outlying communities as sources for both employ- ees and consumer spending. “It is important to state that the mid- sized and small communities plan an im- portant role,” Candie said. “They are the economic drivers.” Many rural municipalities and county governments in Ontario are now looking year, including hockey registrations, sum- mer camp programs, dance and drama lessons, mixed martial arts, a camera for post-secondary studies and entry in a cheerleading competition. In the 2012-2013 fiscal years, the Cham- pions for Kids Foundation raised more than $210,000 through fundraising events, ranging from the annual golf tournament to a women’s self-defense clinic. The Foun- dation has also formed a corporate part- nership with Ottawa Sports and Entertain- ment Group to explore expanding the sale of tickets for the Ottawa Red Blacks and Ot- tawa Fury, as well as the Ottawa 67’s. “I’m overwhelmed and humbled by how generous our staff is and how the commu- nity has responded to our Foundation,”said Thomas. Champions is planning several events this year including a repeat of its successful automobile raffle, the Champions gala, the Ottawa 67’s 50/50 draw, the March Break- down, the Homerun Derby, the Champions Fun Run and the Champions golf tourna- ment. Taking charge Teresa Jacquot will recount “an amaz- ing story of courage and determination” Saturday, February 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arbor Gallery, 36 Home Ave., Vankleek Hill. Part of the Speaker Series ‘‘Interest- ing Talks With Interesting People,” the speech will recall Jacquot’s rollercoaster ride from health, to pain and depression and back to health. ‘‘I believe and I have proven to myself that I am the only one responsible for my health,’’ says Jacquot. ‘‘It feels incredibly powerful to take charge of my life!’’
back on their own budgets to reduce or avoid deficits. Candie noted that the Ontario Finance Ministry projects “a major shift” in rural populations throughout the province dur- ing the next decade as more people emi- grate either within Ontario or outside of the province in search of work. “As we can see, times are changing, and changing fast,” said Candie. “Basically, we must change too. “We hope that by hosting this three-day summit, we can provide the right tools to shift this (population) decline. The empha- sis of the summit will also be on leveraging opportunities.” The Rural Economic Summit will host workshops and seminars on a variety of issues and topics, from promising eco- nomic sectors for future growth to the challenges of Ontario’s agricultural sector in staying competitive. Close to 300 guests are expected to descend on Rockland next spring for the summit, which will also coincide with the 10 th anniversary ban- quet celebrating the decade of success of Groupe Convex as an agency dealing both with the community and employment needs of its clients. The conference is also an open drop-in event for the public and summit organiz- ers hope that both schools within the Clar- ence-Rockland area and other neighbour- ing municipalities will take advantage of the event as a field trip opportunity for students. “There will be sessions on youth entre- preneurship,” said Candie. “The youth are definitely welcome to attend.”
GREGGCHAMBERLAIN gregg.chamberlain@eap.on.ca
ROCKLAND | The present and future eco- nomic well-being of rural municipalities in Prescott-Russell and other parts of the province are the focus of the Rural Eco- nomic Summit of Ontario taking place in Rockland next spring. “We are announcing a unique event,” said John Candie, director-general for the Prescott-Russell Community Futures De- velopment Corp. (PRCFDC), during a recent press conference at the Clarence-Rockland Arena. The PRCFDC is one of the four regional sponsors for the three-day conference scheduled for April 30 to May 2. Partner- ing with the regional economic develop- ment agency are the United Counties of Prescott-Russell (UCPR), the Eastern On- tario Training Board (EOTB), and Groupe Convex Prescott-Russell. The federal gov- ernment is also providing $25,000 through the Eastern Ontario Development Program to help with event expenses. The goal of the summit is to address key economic development concerns and is- sues for rural municipalities in Ontario. The CORNWALL | “The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) Champions for Kids Foundation has raised more than $829,000 and is closing in on its long- term goal of $1 million,” said David K. Thomas, director of education and presi- dent of the foundation at the organiza- tion’s annual general meeting, last Janu- ary 20. Champions for Kids is the charitable foundation of the Upper Canada District School Board. Founded in 2008, it raises funds so children can play sports, enjoy the arts and helps their families cover costs as- sociated with their medical care. Thomas also explained that Champi- ons connects children to their childhood dreams by giving them a chance to experi- ence sports and the arts, and allows them to live a fulfilling childhood. These experi- ences allow them to feel connected with their peers. “Some of these kids, who sadly live in poverty, just don’t have special stories to share with others to feel like they belong when they return to school after the week- end or summer vacation,”Thomas told sup- porters during the meeting, held at Corn- wall’s Best Western Hotel. “They have to sit by and quietly watch in the background while others share their experiences.’’ “We have had hundreds of kids impacted by your generosity through your support of the Foundation and given them some- thing to talk about and connect with their schools through their own stories,” said Thomas. The foundation approved the disbursal of $138,000 to fully or partially fund 397 student requests in the 2012-2013 school
John Candie
Champions for Kids Foundation raises $829,000 FRANCIS RACINE FRANCIS.RACINE@EAP.ON.CA
for ways to“kick-start their economies”and both the federal and provincial govern- ment are offering assistance through vari- ous subsidy, training, and development programs but even that help has limita- tions as senior governments start cutting
communautaire Le lien community link The Alfred Journées spéciales à la Friperie Kazi 9 de la Banque Alimentaire d’Alfred, le jeudi 6 février de 9h à 16h et le samedi 8 février de 10h à 14h. Grenville-sur-la-Rouge Souper de la Saint-Valentin organisé au Centre communautaire Campbell, le samedi 8 février, 18h, 2710, route 148, Grenville-sur-la-Rouge. Renseignements: 819-242-3232 Soup, sandwich and dessert lunch held by Holy Trinity Church Calumet, Saturday, February 8, from 11:30am to 1pm. Hawkesbury Whist militaire organisé par les Chevaliers de Colomb #0887 le dimanche 9 février, à l’Église St-Alphonse-de-Liguori. Renseignements : Roger Parent 613-674-5287. Fête de la St-Valentin organisée par le club d’Artisanat, le mercredi 12 Février, 17h30, au restaurant Le Vieux Château. Renseignements : Simone 613-632-7617. L’Orignal Spécial sur les gros sacs à la Friperie de L’Orignal, 261 rue Longueuil, le samedi 1 février, de 9h à midi et le mercredi 5 février de 9 h à 15h30.Renseignements : Nicole 613-675-1999. Réunion mensuelle des Filles d’Isabelle de L’Orignal, le lundi 3 février, 19h30, au lo- cal de l’Age d’Or. Renseignements : Diane Lavigne 613-632-7941 Souper et soirée Jamboree organisée conjointement par les Filles d’Isabelle et les Chevaliers de Colomb de L’Orignal, le vendredi 7 février, 18h à la salle des Chevaliers de Colomb. Renseignements : Johanne ou André 613-675-0308 ou 613-675-2278. Réunionde l’UnionCulturelleFranco-OntariennedeL’Orignal, dont lesmembresdev- rontporterdurougepoursoulignerlaSt-Valentin, lelundi10févriera13h30àlasacristie. Rigaud Vernissage de l’exposition de l’artiste peintre André Taschereau, le samedi 22 février de 13h à 15h à la Bibliothèque de Rigaud, 102, rue St-Pierre. Ste-Anne-de-Prescott Brunch de la St-Valentin organisé par les Chevaliers de Colomb, conseil # 12937 le dimanche 2 février. Renseignements : Denis 613-874-2843 Région Croisière fluviale en Russie organisée par la Fédération des aînés et des retraités francophones de l’Ontario du 27 août au 8 septembre. Inscription avant la fin février. Francine : 613-673-9225, www.fafo.ca .
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online