May 29, 2008

NEWS

Ontario is helping Hastings County and the Township of Stirling-Rawdon, develop a strategic plan to retain and expand businesses.

The province is investing $19,500 to help the county partner with local businesses to boost economic development. The county and local businesses will use the money to create a forum to exchange ideas and respond to economic development challenges. This project will encompass the entire county, including all 14 municipalities.

The funding is part of the Rural Economic Development Program which invests in community-based projects in three priority areas:

QUOTES

"This initiative will give Hastings County and its partner, the Township of Stirling-Rawdon, the tools they need to explore and develop new ways to retain and attract new business. In the long term, new jobs could be created for the community to help build a more prosperous rural Ontario," said Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Minister Leona Dombrowsky.

"This project will help increase competitiveness, identify and address any immediate business concerns and maintain and create jobs for our community," said, Hastings County Warden Ron Emond.

QUICK FACTS

LEARN MORE

Discover more about Hastings County and the Township of Stirling-Rawdon.

Learn more about the Rural Economic Development Program.

For more information contact:

Kelly Synnott, Minister's Office, 416-326-6439
Brent Ross, Communications Branch, 416-326-9342