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The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday May 6, 2006 - 15 Halton's economic development has obstacles to overcome By Melanie Hennessey SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Region has a diverse economy, but could use more national and multinational organizations He highlighted the fact Halton network and competitive comis one of the fastest growing mercial tax rate. regions in North America and also But on the negative side, has a well-educated labour force. Hughes said the Region has a rel"But, obviously atively high industri"It's (commuting) not everything is al tax rate, road conperfect," Hughes really wasted time. gestion and high land said. "We don't It's something prices compared to have enough we'd certainly other places in the national or multi- like to address." Greater Golden national organizaHorseshoe, such as tions." Cambridge. John Hughes, He noted the Hemson Consulting Ltd. He also noted that region also has a Oakville and lot of competition Burlington are beginfor skilled labour. ning to run toward the end of On the real estate front, their land supplies. Hughes pointed out that Halton The pros and cons of the qualhas a good supply of land. ity of life in Halton were also "We've got reasonably priced detailed. land in relation to the GTA," he On the plus side, Hughes said said. the region has great access to He went on to say Halton has a health and education facilities, comprehensive transportation high-quality housing and strong volunteerism. But, he acknowledged Halton's weaknesses include its limited post-secondary facilities, housing mix and volume of commuters. "It's (commuting) really wasted time," he said. "It's something we'd certainly like to address. Hughes summed up by outlining the proposed themes for the economic development strategy, such as quality of life, business and industry development and financial resources and cost competitiveness. Those in attendance at the breakfast also heard a presentation on entrepreneurship from Eugene Luczkiw, director of the Institute for Enterprise Education. "I say entrepreneurship is the practice of disruptive innovation," he said. "Entrepreneurs disrupt what is." He went on to detail the seven determinants of a successful enterprise, such as having: · An emphasis on the distinct uniqueness of each individual as a member of the team · Core beliefs and values and a clear and compelling vision of the future ·Integrated thinking throughout the enterprise whereby the connected whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Those who didn't make it to Thursday's event will be able to attend public meetings on the economic development strategy May 25 in Milton and May 29 in Burlington. Details on both will be announced soon. For more information visit www.halton.ca. The strengths and weaknesses of Halton's economy were laid out on the table Thursday morning during the Region's third roundtable breakfast on economic development. The session, held at Rattlesnake Point Golf Club, came as part of the Region's process in developing a strategy that'll establish a set of prioritized economic development objectives and recommended actions. The meeting involved a presentation from John Hughes of Hemson Consulting Ltd. that detailed the state of Halton's current economy. "The diversity of our economy is extremely good," he said. "We are the home of some very dynamic small and medium sized companies." Midnight Madness bands wanted The Downtown Oakville BIA is looking for local bands and musicians to play at the upcoming Midnight Madness; Friday, July 21. Midnight Madness, in its 29th year, is Downtown Oakville's largest retail event of the year drawing crowds of over 50,000. The BIA is seeking a variety of bands celtic, pop, folk, blues. Interested bands can get more information about how to apply on the Downtown Oakville BIA's Web site, at http://www.oakvilledowntown.com and click on the Events page. Or submit a demo package to the following address: The Downtown Oakville BIA, Midnight Madness Selection Committee, 146 Lakeshore Rd. E., Oakville, Ontario, L6J 1H4. Red Leaf Student Programs, is seeking caring experienced ESL Teachers to teach an ESL program for international summer students in Oakville during the months of July and August for up to 6 weeks. Must have Undergraduate Degree and TESL Certificate, or Undergraduate Degree and Provincial Teacher's Certificate. Preference will be given to those with experience teaching ESL to teens. Please send resume to: info@red-leaf.com stating town/city for which you are applying. To learn more about Red Leaf, visit our website at www.red-leaf.com ARE YOU CARING FOR SOMEONE WITH ALZHEIMER DISEASE? 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