April 14, 2010

Local companies receive major federal funding

The business community had much reason to rejoice on April 8th, 2010, as a few of its peers received some funding from the Government of Canada for some important growth projects. Pierre Lemieux, Member of Parliament in Ottawa for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell, announced this funding from the Community Adjustment Fund, a two-year, $1-billion initiative as part of Canada’s Economic Plan.
Five companies or organizations received funding:

1. Green Beaver Company (Hawkesbury): This organic health and hygene products company will use over $68,000 to develop a software system to track its new line of bio-certified sunscreen throughout North America.

2. Foam Geometrix (Hawkesbury): These business partners have been developing and cutting foam blocks for housing construction for a few years. Using $178,500 from the Government of Canada, they will be purchasing a second foam cutting machine, diversifying into pre-cast moulds for the iron and steel industry in North America, as well as to build headquarters in Vankleek Hill’s Industrial Park (Champlain Township) in order to consolidate manufacturing, warehousing and distribution in a single location. The new building should be open for business next year.
PHOTO: Champlain Township

3. Groupe Convex (throughout Prescott and Russell): Groupe Convex, whose nine businesses are devoted to help residents with physical and intellectual challenges be active in the workplace, will be upgrading its manufacturing ability as well as hiring two marketing (R&D) agents thanks to a grant of $144,000.

4. Higginson Harvest (Champlain Township): Ross and Nancy Higginson, who already sell produce, strawberries and give wagon rides along Highway 34, will use the $77,000 received to upgrade maple syrup equipment and increase their production.
PHOTO: Champlain Township

5. Prescott and Russell Tourism Association/Regroupement touristique de Prescott et Russell: In an announcement in Casselman the next day, the PRTA received $75,000, which will be used in setting up a tourist information office in Limoges (Municipality of La Nation), near the Calypso Water Park. Official opening for this office is set for May 28th, in time for the 2010 tourism season. Mr. Leclair later explained a committed volunteer committee is working tirelessly.
The Prescott and Russell Community Development Corporation (PRCDC) helped applicants through the various stages.

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Two new full-time jobs at METEC Metal Technology, Inc.
President Christian Walz has returned from his mission to Europe. He has confirmed two new local people have been hired on a full-time basis at his shop in the Vankleek Hill Industrial Park. They will be doing some electronics and assembly work.

Koi fish are in!
You may have read it on the Vankleek Hill’s Business and Merchant Association Monday Morning Minute: Moad Mountain Enterprise has received a shipment of 50 plus Koi consisting of some Long Fin ( Butterfly) Koi as well as Standard Koi.

On-line tourism a sought-after research tool
U.S. consumers looking for a tourism venue look increasingly on the internet for their destinations, according a Forrester report. Some 85% of e-tourists in 2008 turned to the internet and its various search engines when planning their next trip. This trip can be motivated by: honeymoon or romantic getaway (63%); family trips (55%); weekend getaways among friends; special events; spas; skiing trip; theme parks; national parks. Given up to 37% of U.S. consumers also now buy products and services on-line, it pays to sport a presence on the Web (key words, website).
Source : Aviso, as summarized by Attractions et Événements (a Québec-based tourism bulletin)