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PREDC seeks $140,000 for 2012 and Team Kincardine initiatives By Liz Dadson |
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The Penetangore Regional Economic Development Corporation (PREDC) is seeking $100,000 in the 2012 Municipality of Kincardine budget, plus $40,000 for Team Kincardine initiatives this year. Gerry Taylor, executive director of the PREDC, made a presentation to Kincardine council Wednesday night (Jan. 25) on behalf of Team Kincardine which includes the PREDC, Kincardine and District Chamber of Commerce, and the Kincardine Business Improvement Area (BIA). He explained that Team Kincardine was formed in November through a memorandum of understanding, in order to co-ordinate community development, enhance communications and working relationships, share knowledge and skills, represent the volunteer community with a collective voice, and brand and market "Team Kincardine" as a promotion tool. The idea, said Taylor, is to develop innovative strategies and actions, and develop work plans to benefit the community. And the three groups will be working together to help implement the municipality's soon-to-be-released Integrated Sustainability Plan. Other initiatives, he said, include business retention and expansion, and enhanced tourism, and culture, heritage and the arts. Joining Taylor in outlining these were chamber president Linda Bowers, BIA chairperson Cheryl Goetz, and PREDC president Jim Prenger. Prenger said one of the most important success factors is for Team Kincardine to gain recognition from outside the community that demonstrates Kincardine is progressive. He urged council's endorsement of Team Kincardine's proposed activities and consider the funding request during budget talks. He also asked council to assist in providing one premises for all three groups to work together to increase productivity. Prenger requested council provide the same budget support for PREDC as last year - $100,000 - plus $40,000 for Team Kincardine activities. Councillor Jacqueline Faubert asked what Team Kincardine's role would be with the sustainability plan. Taylor said that about 30 per cent of the plan will deal with water, sewer, landfills, which Team Kincardine would not be involved with. Once the plan is completed and the deliverables are known, Team Kincardine could assist in planning each of those, outlining costs, and offering project management. "Since the PREDC was formed, we have had good economic development things happening," said deputy mayor Anne Eadie. "We've had a more uniformed, co-operative approach. Team Kincardine has just strengthened that. It all fits together. I'm excited about it. I like having all of you in the same physical space - that would enhance things even further." She said putting money into PREDC is like an investment on behalf of the municipality. "Feedback from various people outside of the municipality indicates this is a better approach. We can better illustrate what the Municipality of Kincardine has to offer."
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Taylor said if the three groups of Team Kincardine were in the same
place, they could share employees and find financial efficiencies by
working together. "It's going to cost some money," said councillor Ron Coristine, "but it's an investment in the entire community and the people who live here. It's good stewardship of funds." "It's refreshing to see a united approach," said councillor Candy Hewitt. "This adds value to our community." She asked if PREDC had been successful in obtaining grant money from other levels of government. Taylor said the corporation is waiting for a favourable response in March about some of the programs, plus it is building a relationship with FedDev Ontario (the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario), and that takes time. "I have thought for some time that this was the right way to go with economic development," said mayor Larry Kraemer. "I'm pleased with the progress." He added that the PREDC is taking the lead on the natural gas project. Kincardine is working with local industry, Arran-Elderslie and Huron-Kinloss, and Union Gas to bring a natural gas pipeline to this area. Kraemer suggested PREDC bring forward a business plan which is the best way for council to consider the group's financial request at budget time. Council agreed. Scrolling stops when you move your mouse inside the scroll area. You can click on the ads for more
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