June 20, 2005
ST. THOMAS, ON – The Greater Peterborough Business Development Centre Inc. was recognized last week for demonstrating excellence in serving the Community Futures mandate. The Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations (OACFDC) presented the Fifth Annual Community Futures Awards in partnership with Desjardins Financial Security.
This years’ winner was honoured at the OACFDC’s 2005 Conference, ‘Venture North-Allons-y!’, which took place June 12 to 14 at the Days Inn Hotel in Timmins.
“Industry Canada, in acknowledging this award through the OACFDC, recognizes our community at large and the effort that has been made by our many community at large and the effort that has been made by our many community partners to maintain the integrity of the businesses that were negatively impacted by the flood of 2004,” says Daryl Bennett, Chair.
The Greater Peterborough BDC Inc. initiated GPBDC/CFDC interim funding for the SMEs demonstrating excellence in community partnering and collaboration of organizations and individuals with an interest in maintaining the economic survival of small businesses within Peterborough County following the tragedy. The Greater Peterborough BDC Inc. received the Outstanding Achievement Awards trophy along with a cheque for $250 which will assist to fund the Local Crossroads Organization, which assists women coming from an abusive situation. The Awards program also included awards for Entrepreneur of the Year, as well as Youth, Innovation and Community Economic Development Initiatives.
‘Venture North-Allons-y!’ attracted a cross-section of nearly 300 participants including CFDC staff and volunteers, as well as municipal, provincial and federal government representatives.
CFDCs support community economic development by assisting Ontario’s rural and northern communities to strengthen and diversify their economies. CFDCs are community-based, non-profit organizations run by a board of local volunteers. CFDCs are staffed by professionals who encourage entrepreneurship and the pursuit of economic opportunities.
The OACFDC is a provincial association committed to supporting and providing services to its membership to enhance capacity, efficiency and effectiveness. Information about the Community Futures program and ‘On the Horizon’ can be found on line on the website.