The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, July 14, 2016 | 30 Nearly 1,000 new businesses set up shop in Halton last year Nearly 1,000 new businesses set up shop in Halton last year, growing Halton's business community to more than 13,250 enterprises. That was among the findings of Halton Region's 2015 Employment Survey Results released June 15. The report, conducted annually with local businesses, highlights the factors underlying Halton's economic growth, which supports policy and decision making at the Region and informs infrastructure improvements that serve local resident and businesses. "At Halton Region, we are committed to supporting and sustaining a strong local economy and the Employment Survey helps us plan for the future to ensure that when businesses choose to locate in Halton, they are choosing one of the best places to do business in Canada," said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr in a press release. "These strong indicators are another example of why Halton is a great place for businesses to succeed." Halton businesses also created close to 1,800 additional jobs during the year and boosted the region's workforce to more than 220,000 predominantly full-time workers, a Halton Region press release states. "The growth has helped Halton attain an average unemployment rate of just 5.3 per cent--significantly lower than provincial and national rates," it reported. Other key highlights from the 2015 Employment Survey include: · Nearly half of Halton's businesses were located within designated employment areas. · Halton has a thriving small business community, with nearly two-thirds of the region's businesses employing fewer than 10 workers. · Over 90 per cent of businesses surveyed in 2014 were still operating in 2015. · The top three employment sectors in Halton are retail trade, manufacturing and educational services. · Halton's business community has grown 2.4 per cent each year, on average, since 2011. This growth closely matches the growth rate of the population in the region. More than 98 per cent of Halton's 13,259 businesses participated in the 2015 Employment Survey. To review the results, visit halton.ca/ employmentsurvey. ! T % 60 D OU L O S SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 2, 2016 INTERNATIONAL CENTRE, MISSISSAUGA Friday Night Date Night: GROOMS ARE FREE! DREAM WEDDING GIVEAWAY Provided By Boaden Banquet Centre $20,000 WIN $7,500 IN GIFT CERTIFICATES* THE WEDDING CHECKLIST FREE 10* $ GIFT CARD when you spend $100 or more · valid Saturday & Sunday only * Offer valid only at Burlington Sobeys - 1250 Brant St., Milton Sobeys - 1035 Bronte Street S., Milton; Stratford Sobeys ­ 581 Huron St., Stratford; Maple Grove Sobeys ­ 511 Maple Grove Dr., Oakville; Bronte Sobeys ­ 2441 Lakeshore Rd, West, Oakville; and Glen Abbey Sobeys ­ 1500 Upper Middle Rd., Oakville locations. Offer is only valid in a single transaction. Offer is non transferable for cash. No cash back. Limit one gift card per Customer. Limit one offer per customer. Re-production of this offer will not be accepted. Cannot be combined with other offers. be combined with other offers. For more information or to book space contact Lisa Melander 289-293-0714 or lisa.melander@metroland.com www.nationalbridalshow.com #WeSaveLives Because THEIR life is on the line. Enrol today. Oakville locations 345 Lakeshore Rd. East, Suite 312 180 Oak Park Blvd., Suite 107 YD.COM | (905) 842-6846 Register your new driver for weekend courses or an express 4-day summer driving course. Young Drivers' exclusive Collisionfree!TM driving maneuvers are their best defence on the road. Text YDOAKVILLEBEAVER to 58888 for upcoming course dates.