The Economic and Business Development Committee is one of the new municipal advisory committees that were formed to improve the overall performance of Highlands East.

We will be investigating the operating challenges of businesses involved in retail, tourism, culture, contruction, consumer affairs, creative arts and manufacturing. This includes investigating how to grow our economy by answering several questions:

Is there a need for a product or service?

Are there currently enough people supplying it?

Where is the room for growth in the business or industry?

Is there start up or growth capital and resources available?

How can businesses get more promotion and exposure?

How can the municipality and other similar agencies help?

Our initial meeting was held on July 5th, with all members present. We reviewed our mandate and the basic rules of operation, as an extension of Council. Everyone got to meet each other and provide input into what they wanted to see happen. The meeting started on time, finished on time and accomplished its initial objectives.

The second meeting is scheduled for August 2nd at 7:00 PM in the Wilberforce Council Chambers. The main focus of this meeting will be to explore and begin a list of potential opportunities for developing the economy of the Highlands East region.

If you have input or want more information about this group, call me (Cec Ryall) at (705) 447-3473.