Frontenac CFDC's AGM highlights local successes

Oct 06, 2011

Photo:Frontenac CFDC staff, L-r, Krista Fazackerley, Sue Theriault, Paul Vickers, guest speaker Darin Madore of Shanti Yoga Retreat, Ann Prichard and Kevin Doyle

It was business as usual at the Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation (FCFDC) Annual General Meeting held at the Verona Lions hall on September 28.

Board Chair, Paul Vickers, led the event and following breakfast, Tyler Rider, a partner with Seckers, Ross and Perry, presented the audited financial statements and auditor’s report for 2011. His company was again appointed auditors for 2012. Nominated as directors to the board for a three-year term this year were Linda Thomas, Nick Whalen, Ed Bennett and Ron Higgins. Kevin Doyle, business development officer with the CFDC, then outlined this past year’s business activities.

In the past year a total of $930,000 was given out to new, existing and expanding businesses in Frontenac County. This is the highest amount the corporation has ever given out and Doyle thanked guests, saying a single late payment has yet to be received.

The funds were granted to 10 new businesses, four expanding businesses and seven existing businesses, and helped generate leverage of an additional $2.9 million to Frontenac County.

“Since our doors opened in 2004 we have lent over $5 million to local businesses. Last year alone 51 new jobs were created and 91 jobs were maintained,” he said.

The FCFDC took almost 500 calls and conducted over 300 interviews last year alone. Every month over 7600 web browsers visited the CFDC website. Last year’s free workshops included trade show exhibiting, social media, and energy connections. Paul Vickers spoke of the corporation’s activities last year, which focused on their ongoing efforts to fill the gaps in broadband in certain areas of the county. Much more broadband will be coming available this spring.

A strategic plan was undertaken in 2011, focusing on four main areas: animating vibrant communities; promoting local businesses; increasing the availability of office and light industrial space throughout the county; increasing the year-round accommodation side of the tourism industry; and lastly, increasing public awareness of the FCFDC. Successful projects this year included the designing of the newly opened Sydenham Library, the renovation of the Bellrock Community Hall, the launching of the Sharbot Lake Farmers Market, village beautification, and supporting student-run businesses. The company hosted their second annual Trade Show and have increased their online presence through various social networking tools.

Guest speaker, Darin Madore of Shanti Yoga retreat, which relocated to Wolfe Island from Picton this past year, said that the CFDC funding allowed for a successful transition to his businesses new location. “It was at this crucial time that we approached the CFDC, which allowed us to undertake a number of projects, like replacing windows, adding insulation, painting extensively, redoing plumbing, replacing carpets and constructing a new 850 square foot yurt where yoga and meditation is practiced. These renovations and additions were essential and as a result we have had more return guests and more referrals than ever before. We have also been able to expand the number of guests that we can accommodate.”

FCFDC Executive Director Ann Prichard had the last word and thanked the staff and encouraged businesses who may be unaware of the services and programs they offer to visit www.frontenaccfdc.com or call the office at 613-372-1414; toll free 1-888-372-9962.