Business association progressing

by Karina Hunter

Township of Manitouwadge Economic Development Officer Dave Raymond is excited to extend an invitation to the business community to their first business breakfast of 2010.  Thursday, February 18^th, at 7 am, entrepreneurs and business owners large and small are invited to pick up where they left off in 2009 when the first meeting of potential business association members gathered for Marketing on a Shoestring Budget with guest speaker Stephanie Ash.  It is hoped that larger employers who did not attend the initial brainstorming session will be present to voice their opinions as the association begins to formalize; planning for the year ahead, forming a committee to establish executive positions, determining fee structures and possibly applying for local initiative funds which could be available for the MBA. Raymond spoke with confidence in regards to attendance at this 2^nd meeting “We had a fantastic turn out for the first meeting of the Manitouwadge Business Association (MBA). We received some very good feedback from our local businesses and are using their input to guide us as in planning future meetings. Moving forward, we hope to see more businesses come out and get involved including some of the larger employers in Manitouwadge” Raymond added “The MBA has the potential to benefit everyone who gets involved and will assist with making out local business community stronger.”

Persons who have yet to complete the December 2^nd MBA Meeting Questionnaire are encouraged to do so as soon as possible, the completed surveys can be submitted in person, to the Attention of Karen Robinson via fax to 826-4592 or by mail , 1 Mississauga Drive, Mtwdge, ON  P0T 2C0.  To date, two thirds of local businesses have expressed interest in the establishment of the MBA. In addition to serving as representation for the community’s economic engine, business owners have suggested the MBA could assist with collaborative marketing between local goods and services providers, and potentially revive events such as sector specific, local or regional trade shows.  

Submitted to The Echo and the Chronicle Journal, 01.25.10