By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
One of Northumberland County’s smallest departments reported big news at Wednesday’s Northumberland County council Economic Development, Tourism, Land Use Planning Committee meeting.
“Strong results driving innovation, growth and community impact,” is how Director of Economic Development, Tourism and Strategic Initiatives Dwayne Campbell summed up a wide range of activities, including the work of the Business and Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland.
Along with their Starter Company Growth Program, their youth programs hit high gear through youth entrepreneurship ventures for 24 young people.
“The youth broadband network continues to expand and grow,” Campbell said.
“OAFVC (the Ontario Agri-Food Venture Centre) celebrates 10 years in business. This year alone we are seeing record numbers,” he continued.
“Land-use planning activity is up 52%. Development applications are coming in hot and heavy.
“I think all these activities demonstrate the commitment that this department has to service excellence and economic opportunities in Northumberland County.”
“Kudos to the team,” Councillor Brian Ostrander commented.
“For one of the smaller departments in the county, you punch above your weight”
Manager of Economic Development Rob Day followed up with an update on Prosper In Northumberland – “an initiative to help our community prosper, helping to engage and encourage our citizens to buy local, and our businesses to buy from each other.”
The Buy Local tents have been at a number of summer activities and, during the fall campaign, you should see more signage and marketing materials in retail locations.
“Pretty much every brick-and-mortar location will be offered materials to post.”
They will also use more of the large “gateway” signage you see at the entrances to some communities.
“When people see it, it puts something in their minds.
“We really want to promote ourselves. We really want to help our business owners and communities as we continue to be faced with business uncertainty and the possibility of tariffs.”
