CDC: Looking Back, Planning Ahead

By:  Wendy Timpano, General Manager, Orillia Area Community Development Corp. (CDC)

Well, it's that time again, when we find ourselves looking back over the triumphs and challenges of the preceding year, and at the same time looking forward in anticipation of what the next year might hold.

This time, at the Orillia Area Community Development Corp. (CDC), we find ourselves looking back a little further - as far as a quarter century.  While our local office was one of the first in existence, dating back to 1984, this year marks the 25th anniversay of the Community Futures Program across Canada.

Even though the Community Future's Program is national in scope, it is unique in that each office operates independently within each community, governed by a local volunteer board of directors.  The boards set direction and priorites based on their own communities needs.  The program was establised by the federal government to boost Canada's rural economy.

I have had the pleasure of working at the CDC, over the past 16 months, and with so many incredible people - community partners, clients, volunteers and staff.  I continue to be amazed with what this community can accomplish and  with the help of all of these people, what the CDC has managed to do since opening its doors in 1984.

Following are just a few of our most recent highlights/achievements.  The CDC:

• has invested $15 Million in more than 400 local businesses since inception, resulting in the creation/maintenance of over 2500 jobs;
• regularly receives over 1500 business inquiries per year;
• held more than 250 one-on-one meetings in 2011 with small businesses (free of charge) to specifically assist them with their business and to connect them to supporting resources;
• administered over $70,000 in 2011, as contracted by the Government of Canada, to support small business training in our area;
• worked closely with numerous community partners on community development initiatives including:

1. An affordable housing initiative, called Options for Homes, that will assist qualified familes with affordable home ownership options; 
2. The Orillia Area Physician Retention and Recruitment Committee, whose efforts have resulted in the recruitment of seven family physicians in 2011;
3. The Orillia Youth Social Enterpirse, whose mandate is to train and employ teenagers and young adults who face a variety of barriers to participation in the labour market.  The Orillia Youth Social Enterpirse currently operates Orillia Laser Tag as a not-for-profit business to support its mandate;
4. Downtown revitalization for all communites in our area, including Orillia, Coldwater, Brechin and Washago;
5. The Orillia Business Retention and Expansion survey, which is now complete with the implementaion of recommendations having already begun;
6. Ontario's Lake Country, whose mandate is to market our region and support the tourism industry in our area;
7. Two Food Conferences, supporting the local agricultural industry by providing farmers with the opportunity to learn about options for income diversification and local food systems;

I know I speak on behalf of the CDC staff and volunteers when I say that, as we move into 2012, we look forward to serving this community.  We will continue to provide the necessary information, guidance and financing to help start-up and existing small businesses grow and succeed.

We welcome any business or individual looking to start a business to contact our office for further information on the programs and services that we offer.

The CDC will also look forward to continuing to work towards strengthening our local economy through community economic development projects that make a positive impact.

The Orillia Area Community 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 programs and services offered by the CDC, please visit www.orilliacdc.com or call 705-325-4903.

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