Present: Jessica Busch, WORC; Rosalind Hall, Ryerson, Armour, Burk’s Falls; Cole Dault, Perry Township; Merv Mulligan, McMurrich/Monteith; Tara Hamilton, MNDMF; David Stewart, Almaguin Highlands Inc.
Regrets: Jeff Johnston
Jessica will be taking over the role of AHED Secretary permanently as she has officially accepted the role of Program Manager at the Women’s Own Resource Centre.
Tara Hamilton/Ministry of Northern Development and Mines
Tara discussed two programs, the Young Entrepreneur Program and the Northern Ontario Entrepreneur Program. The Young Entrepreneur Program is available for residents of Northern Ontario between the ages of 18 and 29 who are planning to start their own for-profit business in the North, offering up to $25,000 (up to 85% of eligible costs) to support the costs of opening of a business. The applicant must make a cash investment in the business equal to 10% of the contribution. The Northern Ontario Entrepreneur Program is available for residents of Northern Ontario over 30 who plan to start their own for-profit business in the North, offering up to $125,000 (up to 50% of eligible costs) to support the opening of a business. The applicant must make a cash investment in the business equal to 10% of the contribution. The proposed new business should result in net economic benefits (i.e. job creation) for Northern Ontario and should not negatively impact existing Northern Ontario businesses. All information pertaining to these program can be found on the web at www.nohfc.com Tara stressed that MNDM is there to help as well, available for meetings and support through the application process.
Rosalind Hall/Ryerson, Armour, Burk’s Falls
Rosalind reported that the Rodeo would be held in Burk’s Falls on June 29th and 30th. The Rodeo is still seeking sponsorship and volunteers, Dawn Corless can be contacted for more information. A Community Yard Sale will be held on July 21st from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. located at the Armour Township Office and the Burk’s Falls Municipal Parking Lot. The Farmers Market will be open starting June 26th, every Tuesday from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Agricultural Building located beside the Arena. Two students have been hired at the Museum for the summer. A Day Camp will be operating for the summer at the Arena and Rosalind reported that they are hoping to tie in with the museum to encourage local learning. The Burk’s Falls Fall Fair will take place on September 3rd at the Fair Grounds.
Merv Mulligan/McMurrich Monteith
Merv discussed the “Summer Spectacular” fundraiser which will be taking place on August 11th at the Community Centre. There will be kids games, a bake sale, a performance by the Northern Lights Steel Orchestra and much more. The Community Centre kitchen is almost ready with final quotes for a range hood and fire suppression system being reviewed. A BBQ for all of the volunteers involved with helping build the new Community Centre will be held, more details to come. The signs for installation at the Perry Information Centre are in progress.
David Stewart/Almaguin Highlands Inc.
Dave reported that the local mapping project is improving with ease of access and up to date information. The website has been updated and is gradually improving as well. Dave informed the group that he cannot speak on behalf of RTO12 anymore however there are three representatives from the Almaguin Highlands whom sit on the RTO12 Board including Dan Feasby, Jackie Leung and Ken Turner.
Cole Dault/Perry Township
Cole reported that the photo work commissioned for the Information Centre is being completed. There has been a positive response from the new Farmers Market, the times have been changed to 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. every Friday in order to take advantage of increased highway traffic and give local working residents a chance to shop as well. The Information Centre will be employing two summer students this summer with the job posting closing on June 25th. Rob McPhee of the Muskoka Community Network did a presentation on Multi Layer Mapping for the Township. It would include a Tourism Information app. for smartphones and developing local content to engage tourists. Cole also reported on some events taking place locally including the Creative Changes Art Sale & Show that will open Friday July 6th at the Kearney Community Centre with a wine and cheese gala, admission is $5. The show also runs from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sunday with free admission both days. The Novar Firefighters are also having a BBQ on June 30th at Novar Foodland from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Jessica Busch/Women’s Own Resource Centre
Jessica reported that she has been offered the Program Manager position with WORC and has accepted. A new Program Assistant has been hired as well - Deborah Jorritsma is a welcome addition to the WORC team. The Annual General Meeting will be held on June 20th at 6:00 p.m., all are welcome. The Almaguin Women’s Resource and Business Network will be meeting on Wednesday July 25th at Kudos in Powassan, from 11:30 – 1:30 where Nancy Kirkham (Freedom 55 Financial) will be speaking on “Understanding your Retirement Planning Options”. The group will be meeting on Wednesday August 29th at Dee’s Lakeside Bistro in Sundridge, from 11:30 – 1:30 where LeeAnne Lefebvre will be speaking on “Stress Management”. There is a $10 fee for these meetings which cover the cost of lunch and refreshments, for more information or to register please call 705-386-9672 or email info@womensownresource.org The Entrepreneurial Skills Training Workshop will be commencing again in the fall, more information to come.
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