June 23, 2012
The President of a mining equipment manufacturer was named “Entrepreneur of the Year” at a Conference for rural economic development today. The Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations wrapped up a two and a half day event on June 23rd with an Awards presentation at the Delta Waterfront Hotel in Sault Ste. Marie. The members of the organization represent 61 Community Futures Development Corporations, located in towns and rural areas across the province.
Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) offer free business counselling and provide loans to entrepreneurs, in addition to working on community economic development projects and community strategic planning. CFDCs in Southern Ontario are funded by FedDev Ontario, while those in Northern Ontario are funded by Industry Canada through FedNor. They operate as not-for-profit corporations. Decisions are made locally by volunteer Boards of Directors working with managers and staff in each office. Volunteer directors and staff alike attended the conference June 21st to 23rd.
Rene Fink is the President of Trident Group, an umbrella company based in Timmins. The company fabricates and repairs mining equipment. Mr. Fink’s company employs 39 people in high-end, high-paying jobs. Trident has propelled Timmins onto the international stage by working with firms in Brazil, Chile and France.
The "Entrepreneur of the Year" was chosen from several nominees, all successful businesses that received loans and counselling from CFDCs. Mr. Fink won the prestigious award because of his long-standing service to the mining industry in Timmins. He was nominated by Ellen Sinclair and Paul Caron of the Venture Centre, a Community Futures Development Corporation in Timmins.
“Rene Fink is a business leader in Timmins. He has moved the bar for our region in terms of manufacturing and international exporting. As his business expands and his workforce grows, he remains committed to his staff and to his community. This is a real northern Ontario success story” said Ms. Sinclair.
Mr. Fink started a radio control systems business in 1997. After several successful years in that enterprise, he branched out and acquired a mining manufacturing company based in Porcupine, Ontario. He now operates a three pronged enterprise along with his wife and associates.
Two Community Futures Development Corporations received Awards of Excellence for special projects:
The Frontenac CFDC in Harrowsmith won the Community Economic Development Award for its “How to start a cheese making business in Eastern Ontario” iPad app. The free app is a step-by-step guide for anyone who would like to start their own cheese facility. It offers information about startup costs, government regulations, and packaging.
The Lake of the Woods Business Incentive Corporation in Kenora won the Business Support Services Award for developing a website to assist clients run small businesses. The website promotes entrepreneurship through easy to access information and professional services.
The OACFDC is pleased to honour the Entrepreneur of the Year, in partnership with FedNor and FedDev Ontario. The OACFDC is also proud of the two CFDC Awards of Excellence winners, sponsored by FedNor, FedDev Ontario, and Sharon Wilson Group Benefits Consultant.