Economy

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Port Hope economy resilient, says Chamber of Commerce CEO

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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Northumberland tourism businesses responding to pandemic, says county manager

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

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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Digital Main Street program helps Port Hope businesses develop online profile

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

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

 

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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Young entrepreneurs talk about their summer entreprises

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

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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Venture 13 transforming the local economy, says executive director

Economic development is no longer about attracting massive factories

Venture 13, a unique entrepreneurial start-up facility located in Cobourg, is offering a wide range of services for innovative business people looking to get off the ground. The $2 million facility is expected to open in May. But, the programs it offers are beyond your average business incubator, as CDFC Executive Wendy Curtis and Enterprise Program Manager John Hayden discuss on Consider This Live, part of the Drive Time on Northumberland 89.7 FM. Continue Reading →

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