Economy

Recent Posts

County economic task force recommends mask wearing mandatory in stores to build consumer confidence

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County Economic Development Director Dan Borowec co-chairs the Northumberland Economic Recovery Task Force with Brendan Cunneen, a well-respected retired businessman. Together they are working with representatives from all the various sectors of the local economy to figure out what is needed to help businesses restart during the pandemic. It is not an easy task and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Three recommendations were released on June 5 for immediate action as the committee continues to work toward a major report to be done later this summer. The recommendations went before Northumberland County Council on June 17, 2020. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Economy, Politics

Re-opening the economy a delicate balance, says local MPP

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The other day I was looking out my window only to see a local construction crew working on a roof. None of them were six feet apart. There was no physical distancing. The same day, I received an email from a national grocery chain heralding the expansion of hours, allowing more people into his company’s stores, along with the opening of meat counters and bakeries. Yet, scanning social media, there is a wave of people expressing their concerns that we are reopening too quickly. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Economy, Health, Politics

Port Hope economy resilient, says Chamber of Commerce CEO

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With the provincial government slowly trying to restart the economy, local businesses face numerous challenges. Some have already adapted, pivoting into the new limitations of physical distancing, pick up or delivery, and online commerce. Business organizations and lobby groups representing the various sectors, like small business, manufacturing, retail, tourism, play an increasingly vital role in helping through the transition. To give us another viewpoint on the local economy, I was pleased to speak with Port Hope Chamber of Commerce CEO Brenda Whitehead. She is working both locally and across the county with businesses and governments to support entrepreneurs as they navigate the maze of change taking place. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Economy

Northumberland tourism businesses responding to pandemic, says county manager

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Tourism is a major contributor to the regional economy. It brings $122 million to the county annually. And, while it is most obvious during the seasonal period between the Victoria Day weekend through to Thanksgiving, it sustains many related businesses. It directly employs about seven per cent of the county’s workforce. Just think about all the weekend events, Canada Day, festivals, and other attractions, not to forget the cottage rentals, marinas and boat launches that give recreational opportunities to a wide variety of people from across Ontario, Quebec and the United States. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Economy, Tourism

DBIA meeting challenges of pandemic while preparing for future, says interim chair

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Many will tell you small business is the heart of the Canadian economy. It is certainly at the core locally. When the provincial government issued its emergency order back in March, it divided things into essential and non-essential services. Those that were essential were to keep operating. The rest would be closed down. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Economy, Politics

Digital Main Street program helps Port Hope businesses develop online profile

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Elizabeth Edwards, Port Hope Business Outreach Coordinator, talks about Digital Main Street, a program to help businesses become more online savvy. The project launched on May 31 and will provide money and technical support to those entrepreneurs looking to enhance or develop an online presence or social media profile. Over the summer months, a team of students will give as little or as much help as needed. Hear how the program works by listening to this podcast. Originally aired: June 7, 2019

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Economy

Creative entrepreneur wins $250,000 prize in Northumberland business competition

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Entrepreneur Bolis Ibrahim, the winner of the $250,000 N100 Start-up prize, talks about his innovative company, Argentum Electronics,  and the support he is receiving from Venture 13 in Northumberland County. The man behind N100, John Hayden, also joins the conversation. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Economy

Cobourg couple are two of the 700 jobs lost in Northumberland due to GM closure

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Northumberland County will lose 700 jobs when General Motors Oshawa plant closes sometime before the end of the year, says the president of the union. Colin James, president of Unifor Local 222, outlined the impact within the area as he explained the repercussions of the announcement by General Motors in November to close the Oshawa operation sometime towards the end 2019, putting 2,600 workers and 340 staff out of work. He warned of the economic effect to Port Hope, Cobourg, Colborne and the rest of the region. “Local politicians should be very concerned,” he said in an interview on Consider This Northumberland. “Not just about GM, but by any large corporation who could potentially just up and leave. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Economy

Young entrepreneurs talk about their summer entreprises

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Two young entrepreneurs, Rachel Lalonde and Gavin Brady talk about their summer enterprises as part of Northumberland County’s Summer Company program supervised by the Northumberland Business and Entrepreneur Centre, during Consider This Live, part of the Drive Time on Northumberland 89.7 FM

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Filed under: Consider This Live, Community, Economy

Innovation in agri-foods is future for county economic development, says director

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Director of Economic Development Dan Borowec talks about an upcoming job study, the future of agri-food in Northumberland and the growing number of cannabis operations during Consider This Live, part of the Drive Time on Northumberland 89.7 FM. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Live, Economy