Success Rarely Comes Without Challenges

Success Rarely Comes Without Challenges

By:  Wendy Timpano, General Manager

When I sat down to think about what I should write in this month's column, I had a difficult time trying to decide.  These are tough economic times and we are seeing the affects of this, in many respects, throughout our communities.

The CDC has been working hard to find ways to support employment, professional development and business success in our communities.  With upcoming training to assist businesses to be in compliance with AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act), seminars on exporting and making the most of your web site, plus the recent grants for building community capacity, and our new micro-lending initiative for small business, there is a lot going on.  And that is over and above our day to day business counseling, lending and resource referrals.

As I connect with clients, local business owners, and individuals who are considering the prospect of business ownership, I am constantly reminded that these are, first and foremost, members of our communities.  They are individuals who have aspirations of starting or expanding their businesses and experiencing success for themselves, their families and our communities.

These people and their businesses are important to the health and economic well being of our area.  However, there is still some relutance in many cases, and understandably so in this economy, when it comes to taking the next steps in starting or expanding.

This is where the CDC can help.  We strive to be this area's business success centre by providing, whenever possible, the help businesses need to find the necessary information, resources, and financing to succeed.

A number of success stories can be found on our web site, one of which clearly demonstrates success as a result of dedication, hard work and belief.  The business in this case is Orser Technical Services.

"The CDC believed in us, so we had to succeed." says Orser Technical president Tony Telford.

That belief helped three steadfast employees turn the 60-year-old electrial repair and parts company around from bankruptcy in 1994.

When the 1990's recession forced the company's owner to close up shop, putting people out of work, the Orillia Area CDC provided compassion, empathy, office space and a solid system that helped the employees step up to the plate.

"The CDC helped us re-structure financially and resurrect the company," says Orser Technical president Tony Telford.

That support helped them maintain 23 jobs in the Orillia area providing motor repair, technical vibration analysis, panel fabrication for specialized industrial needs, and residential, commercial and industrial electrical contracting.

Success rarely comes without challenges.

Barely ten years later, and another economic downturn borced Orser out of its building.  The CDC stepped in again providing a re-structuring package, loan and third-party loan guarantee.

"The CDC looks at more than the bottom line; they take into consideration your personal situation and integrity.  It's like having a board of advisiors," adds Tony.

Orser Technical is now Ontario's largest, 24 hour on-call service, electrical motor repair facility between Newmarket and North Bay.

The Orillia Area Communityn Development Corporation's mission is to support the development of sustainable communities through community economic development and small business activities.  For more information about the CDC or to read other success stories, please visit www.orilliacdc.com.

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