15 |Thursday August 3, 2017 | OAKVILLE BEAVER |www.insidehalton.com Halton REGION halton.ca () 311 Halton Highlights A u gu st 2017 Maintaining a strong financial position for a bright future Once again, S&P Global Ratings has affirmed its highest credit rating for Halton! The AAA rating came with high praise for the Region, and the agency's research update described a stable outlook for our future. This distinction places us at the top end of Canadian municipalities and echoes the opinion of Moody's Investors Service, which upheld its highest credit rating for Halton in early 2017. The top rating allows the Region and its Local Municipalities to finance major projects at the lowest possible long-term costs by providing continued access to the best capital financing rates available. This helps us maximize investments while keeping taxes low. Maintaining our strong long-term financial position is an ongoing process, and our financial performance reflects and impacts the plans we set for the future. On July 12, Regional Council approved the 2018 Budget Directions Report, which will help ensure next year's budget keeps tax increases at or below the rate of inflation while preserving our top credit rating. Through diligent planning and transparent reporting, we will continue our 29-year track record of success in 2018 and beyond. To learn more about our strong long-term financial position, visit halton.ca/finances. K eeping yo u in fo rm e d by h ig h lig h tin g w h a t makes H alton a gre a t place to live. Gary Carr, Regional Chair D riv e sa fe th is s u m m e r As you enjoy and explore everything Halton has to offer, please drive safely to help protect our roads and the people who work on them. Every year, Halton paramedics respond to more than 50,000 calls and transport more than 30,000 people. When they deal with potentially life-threatening situations, you can contribute by moving to the right for sirens and lights. By clearing the way, you help paramedics reach or transport their patients as quickly as possible. While paramedics are travelling on our roads to keep our community safe, construction workers are working on the roads to keep our community moving. When driving through construction zones, please follow the lower speed limit and take extra care near workers. Thank you for helping to keep Halton's roads safe. Halton helps entrepreneurs succeed Supporting local entrepreneurs is an important part of growing the regional economy. Our Small Business Centre offers comprehensive resources and tools, free consultations, networking opportunities and education sessions to help entrepreneurs, youth and newcomers looking to start, run and grow businesses in Halton. It also hosts several events, programs and seminars to support the local entrepreneur community: Starter C o m p a n y Plus An entrepreneurship program designed to support and strengthen small businesses by providing training, mentoring and micro-grant opportunities.This program will be delivered in four cohorts running until 2019. Cohort one is currently underway, and has awarded grants of $4,500 through its recent business pitch competition. Su m m er C o m p a n y Provides students with real-world experience in starting and running their own summer business. This summer, 12 Halton entrepreneurs have been chosen to receive support for their summer business. Successful applicants receive up to $1,500 in the spring to help with business start-up costs and up to $1,500 in the fall upon successful completion of the program. Ontario's AIM 'Accelerate to International M arkets' Program An export development program delivered in partnership with the Ministry of International Trade. This seminar series provides local businesses with strategies and practical information to help them assess export capabilities and identify global markets. Meetings at Halton Region 1151 Bronte Rd., Oakville, L6M 3L1 No Regional Council or Standing Commitee meetings in August. & Please contact us as soon as possible if you have any accessibility needs at Halton Region events or meetings. For more information about these programs or the Halton Region Small Business Centre, visit halton.ca/smallbusiness. This page has been donated by this newspaper to communicate important information to Halton residents at no cost to taxpayers.