A special note from Alison Lobb, CFHuron Board President
Dear colleagues and friends, It is with deep regret and sadness that we share with you the news of the sudden and untimely passing of Community Futures Huron Board Member and Treasurer, Jan Hawley. Jan passed away about noon yesterday (March 16th) in Seaforth. Well known in EcDev circles as the Economic Development Officer for Huron East, she will be missed by all who worked with her or were touched by her energy. Her enthusiasm, tireless energy, innovative projects and her dedication to her community were respected by many. She had recently won provincial recognition for her work with the BIA in Seaforth for the Back Alley project implemented during…
Meet Our Board: Breanne Stafford
Meet Breanne Stafford, Community Futures Huron volunteer board member. Breanne is the Branch Manager at Libro Credit Union in Wingham. Joining Libro in 2014 and with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Breanne has been working to grow prosperity here and the surrounding area. Her excitement to make positive impact where she lives and works is built on a solid foundation in account management, financing solutions, leading a talented and dedicated staff team, and her passion for supporting local businesses. As a Director at Community Futures Huron, my Libro hat is always on as I look for opportunities to address the most challenging issues facing our…
- CFHuron Update, COVID-19 Support, FedDev Ontario, Funding, Grants, Regional Relief and Recovery Fund
RRRF at work in Huron County
An update on the RRRF at work in Huron County – A major injection of investment capital, business services and operational funding through the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund has allowed CF Huron to respond quickly to the economic challenges posed by COVID-19. To date, over $1.5 million in COVID-relief loans have been disbursed to Huron County businesses, maintaining 75 enterprises and 242 jobs in the local economy. Additionally, $567,000 in business services funding has been committed, allowing 130 SMEs and social enterprises to access expert advice and business coaching to carry them through the pandemic. Community Futures Huron (CFHuron) is a federally supported not-for-profit Community Futures Development Corporation with…
- Business, CFHuron Client Success Stories, CFHuron Update, COVID-19 Support, FedDev Ontario, Regional Relief and Recovery Fund, Small Business
The Huron Christmas Store, RRRF client
Sandy Campbell, owner of The Huron Christmas Store located in Clinton, Ontario, was successful in applying for RRRF assistance to help her retail business adjust and cover business operational costs for the upcoming months. The Huron Christmas Store, the red store in downtown Clinton, is a unique year-round Christmas Store. Sandy’s store carries handcrafted pieces made by local artisans, supporting the community and providing unique items for customers. Almost everything in the store is handmade with love, from tree ornaments, wall and table décor, wreaths, cards, to gag gifts and more. They also carry artificial Christmas trees, seasonal décor and special bereavement & sympathy cards and gifts. “My store opened in…
Meet our Board: Matt Cardiff
Meet Matt Cardiff, Community Futures Huron volunteer board member. Matt is a purchaser at Molesworth Farm Supply, farms north of Brussels and also helps out with the family catering business. He graduated from the University of Guelph in 2015 with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Agricultural Business. Matt is taking the opportunity during this 2nd lockdown to enjoy the adventure and many surprises of renovating an 1860s farmhouse with his fiancée Janelle. Post-Covid, he hopes to return to curling, skiing, and volunteering in the community. Read more about our Board of Directors here: https://cfhuron.ca/who-we-are/our-board-of-directors/
Massage Therapy on The Square client safety ensured with the RRRF
Does your small business need help to weather the changes and challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic? The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund, an interest-free loan program offered through Community Futures Huron, can help. Lorraine Dietz RMT, owner of Massage Therapy on The Square in Bayfield, came to Community Futures Huron looking for guidance on how to best help her adjust to the challenges of safely running a massage therapy clinic during a pandemic. Her clinic offers a calm, relaxing and tranquil environment where trained Registered Massage Therapists provide therapeutic and rehabilitative massage treatments for acute, sub-acute and chronic conditions. Lorraine writes of her experience here: “My business was…
Huron County Economic Development January News & Updates
FROM HURON COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – Tourism Summit – Rescheduled. We can all agree that a lot has happened over the past two weeks. Between the holidays, new restrictions and the provincial lockdown, we want to give everyone some additional time to recalibrate before coming together as a sector to talk about how we plan for tourism in 2021.As such, the Ontario’s West Coast Tourism Summit will be postponed to Jan 25 and 26. We hope you can still join us! January 25, (1:30 – 4:00 PM)William Bakker of Destination Think will provide a keynote on tourism market trends with a focus on the tourism landscape, pre-COVID, and post-COVID. Hear…
- Business Grants, CFHuron Update, COVID-19 Support, Grants, Regional Relief and Recovery Fund, Small Business
CFHuron offering Business Training and Consulting Grants
CFHuron is providing grant funding to focus on providing technical and professional training/consulting services to help SME’s recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants of up to $4,000 are now available! Examples of eligible projects may include, but are not limited to the following: assessments to adapt workflows and processes advice for diversifying their markets and sales channels. advice on adapting to new safe workplace regulations related to COVID-19. accounting and cashflow consulting website and social media consulting legal consult and review of possible COVID complications human resource consult for health and safety or labour relations related to COVID and return to work Get a quote from your chosen consultant, and…
- Business, CFHuron Client Success Stories, CFHuron Update, COVID-19 Support, FedDev Ontario, Regional Relief and Recovery Fund, Small Business
Naturally Bongins plans for the future with RRRF help
Small businesses are at the heart of our economy and are vital to our communities; the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund, offered through Community Futures Huron, is in place to help Huron County businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Naturally Bongins, located in Wingham, Ontario is co-owned by Bill George and Ashley Vander Velden. In 2018 they had the idea of the ultimate stash box, giving legal cannabis enthusiasts peace of mind that they are being responsible for keeping accessories locked up and stored away from their children and pets. As the cannabis industry is evolving so is Naturally Bongins. Their vision is to create a collaborating environment between head shops…
Councillor Myles Murdock joins CFHuron Board of Directors
Community Futures Huron is very happy to announce the appointment of Myles Murdock to our Board of Directors. Myles replaces previous County appointee Bernie Bailey. Myles is deputy mayor of the Town of Goderich and a county councillor. Formerly, he taught Business Education (B.Comm.,B.Ed.) at Goderich Collegiate for almost 30 years. He sat on the AMGH Foundation for the past 12 years, chairing it for five years. Myles, as part of his county responsibilities, sits on the Huron Perth Public Health Board, Finance Committee, and Water Protection Steering. His Goderich responsibilities cover Source Water Protection (10 years), Public Works liaison, and the Community Economic Development Committee. Despite having left teaching,…
