Halton's unemployment rate remains low: Regional report Unemployment continues to stay low in Halton, according to an economic development report unveiled to Regional councillors recently. Halton's unemployment rate in the second quarter remained historically low at four per cent, markedly lower that the region's five-year average unemployment rate of 5.6 per cent and significantly lower than the provincial rate of 7.5 per cent." "Attracting and retaining jobs is a priority in Halton Region's Citizens' Priorities Action Plan," said Regional Chair Gary Carr. "And our efforts to assist businesses to establish or expand operations in Halton are paying off." Halton Region's Economic Development Second Quarter 2013 Report highlights business investment and economic activity in Halton from April-June. The report also noted: · Industrial, commercial and institutional building permit values in Halton all increased in the second quarter compared to the same period last year. Industrial building permit value increased 81 per cent, commercial permit value rose 24 per cent and institutional was up 24 per cent compared to the same period last year. · Companies in Halton's growing technology-based sector received $1.3 million in research and development through the National Research Council's Industrial Research Assistance Program earlier this year. "More and more businesses, such as Target, Siemens, Lowes Canada and UPS are choosing to call Halton home," added Carr. "Combined, these four companies will bring more than 2,000 jobs to the region. "Recently, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) LLP opened an office in Oakville and Toronto Premium Outlets opened for business in Halton Hills." 17 | Thursday, October 17, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Saving your business money in 3 simple steps: OCTOBER SPECIAL Costumes for Men, Women & Kids along with everything you need for a great Halloween 1. all 2. $ave big 3. Get back to business At Cogeco, we believe in providing the best pricing on our Business Phone and Internet plans for small business owners. It's just one of the reasons we have 92% customer satisfaction. 1 Call 1-877-505-7499 to find out how much you can save. Buy 1 COSTUME at regular price & the 2nd COSTUME (same or lesser value) for 20%Off Business Phone & Internet powered by an advanced hybrid fibre optic network TIGHT BUDGET? Try our Clearance Room for True Halloween Bargains 885 MainSt.E., Unit 1, Milton Corner of Main St. & Thompson Rd. www.MarcucciStudios. Cogeco.ca/SaveBig BUSINESS SOLUTIONS How can we help you? 905-878-1504 1. 92.1% of the persons surveyed during a study conducted from May 29 June 21, 2013 by the Cube Research firm among a sample of 300 Cogeco Business Solutions clients from Quebec and Ontario selected a satisfaction level of 7 or more on a scale of 10. Weighted average according to provinces and subscribed services.