February 3, 2005

Enterprise Brant o/b Brant Community Futures Development Corporation held its 16th annual meeting on January 27th at the Tourism Centre in Brantford.  The goal of the non-profit corporation is to “foster economic growth in our community” with programs that help to create and maintain jobs in Brantford Brant.  Cindy Swanson, General Manager, highlighed the activities and successes over the past year including:  loans approved to 51 businesses totalling $1.7 mil, created 110 new jobs; self-employment benefit participants total 63, creating 75 new jobs; grants for community development projects totalled $199,495 to 9 local projects, including $100,000 to two Knowledge Based Economy initiatives.  The core funding for operations is through the Community Futures Program Industry Canada/FedNor.  Enterprise Brant also facilitates the application of the SEB Program delivered by Human Resources Skills Development Canada.  The new volunteer Board of Directors for the year 2004 – 2005 are:  Colleen E. Miller; John Carr; Trevor Carre; Brian Cochrane; Leanne Newman; Wendy Walton; John G. Wilson; Pat Davies; Tom Nguyen; Otto Heinzl; John Wiacek; Doug Brown; and William Campbell.  Staff are:  General Manager Cindy Swanson; Business Consultants Chris Farrell, Jim Nobes, Joanne Reeves; and Administrative Assistant Ellen Mcdonald.  To inquire about the services provided by ENTERPRISE BRANT, visit www.enterprisebrant.com or call 752-INFO (752-4636)