by Karina Hunter

Town councilor Donna Jaunzarins speaks with long time local buisiness owners Joanne and Paul Mayhew of P&J Truck and Auto Repair, the breakfast provided a unique opportunity for community leaders to touch base with buisiness owners hearing the struggles they face in regards to the current economy and associated challenges.

Superior North Community Futures Development Corporations (SNCFDC)
joined the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) this week in celebratingcSmall Business Week on the Northshore.  This year’s theme ‘Your dream, your business, your passion’ recognized the efforts and contributions made by entrepreneurs to our economy both locally and nationally. In support of Small Business Week, the SNCFDC hosted Business Appreciation Breakfasts to facilitate and encourage networking among local small business owners, municipal leaders and Economic Development offices. SNDFDC Economic Development Officers Phillis Poirier (Eastern Region) and Ron Salo (Western Region) traveled to Red Rock on Monday, Schreiber on Tuesday, Manitouwadge on Wednesday and Marathon on Thursday speaking to attendees at length about the programs and funds available through their organization and various other sources to develop and grow their businesses. 

Participants were also provided with Regional Economic Update catalogue as well as materials from the SNCFDC which elaborated on the services they offer businesses in regards to support for strategic community planning and socio-eonomic development, community based projects, and accessing capital. Guest speaker Dan Brenzavich from the Northern Ontario Development Network (NODN) was well received as he spoke briefly in regards to the services the NODN has available for buisiness owners before everyone helped themselves to the breakfast buffet provided by the SNCFDC.  Participants stayed well after breakfast had finished, taking advantage of the opportunity to network amongst themselves and address any questions for the SNCFDC and NODN representatives in person.

Submitted to The Echo and the Chronicle Journal 10.25.09