October

Do you have an inspiring story to share about an innovative farmer or business in Durham Region? 

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MADE IN DURHAM
Celebrating local business J. McCoy Equipment!
Specializing in customized concrete production plants and
John McCoy gives an explanation of some plans for equipment being built by J. McCoy Equipment.
machinery, J. McCoy Equipment is a rural Durham success story. The company, based out of Port Perry, was founded 30 years ago by John and Debbie McCoy who ran the business from their home near Utica, where an oversized garage was used to accommodate a parts warehouse and an office. J. McCoy Equipment works with a number of businesses in north Durham to fabricate products and source materials, always placing a priority to work with local businesses whenever possible.
 
Since those early years, the business has expanded to include a state-of-the-art energy efficient R&D facility, nine full-time staff, more than half a dozen fabrication shops, and more than a dozen suppliers throughout Durham Region. 

Learn more about J. McCoy Equipment.
GROWN IN DURHAM
Regional Farmers Market 
The Regional Municipality of Durham will be hosting a Regional Farmers Market on Thursday, Oct. 8, which will take place during Ontario Agriculture Week (Oct. 5 to 11). The market will feature a wide variety of fresh produce, tasty local treats and handmade soaps, as well as a variety of other products. Enjoy a fun day and help support local farmers and businesses in Durham Region!
 
Please visit the market:
 
Regional Farmers Market
Date: Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015
Time: 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: 605 Rossland Road E., Whitby

Learn more about Ontario Agriculture Week.

EDUCATE 
Durham Region showcases local agriculture
A sod harvester demonstration by Wintermere Sod Growers Inc. at the 2015 DAAC tour. 
On Sept. 18, 2015, the Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee (DAAC) hosted its 13th annual farm tour in the Township of Scugog. Approximately 100 participants representing government, public agencies, educators and media attended the event and had the opportunity to engage in dialogue with farmers. The theme was "Growing Green in Durham," which featured demonstrations and information from farmers in the horticulture industry, specifically, a retail greenhouse, tree nursery and sod farm. 

Similar to previous years, the annual tour highlighted the importance of Durham's diverse agricultural industry, as well as the issues and challenges faced by the industry.

Learn more about DAAC.
Small Business Week, Oct. 18 to 24
Celebrate Canadian entrepreneurship during Small Business Week, taking place from Oct. 18 to 24. Events will be held across the nation to find inspiration, network and connect with other entrepreneurs and business owners, and capitalize on development opportunities.
 
Durham Region offers many development and business opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs, to enhance their skills and capitalize on the economic growth, job creation, and revitalization happening across the region. Small Business Week is a great way to engage for those who want to get involved and participate with local business organizations.
 
Learn more about Small Business Week. 
North Durham Building Business Forum
The North Durham Building Business Forum (BBF), takes place Oct. 29, and will connect business owners with
business development organizations across north Durham, providing a platform for networking, learning, and collaborating. The Regional Municipality of Durham, in partnership with the townships of Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge, initiated this annual event to inspire and support entrepreneurship in north Durham.

Now in its fourth year, the BBF is a key action identified in the Vibrant North Durham Economic Development Plan, the BBF fosters a more integrated and innovative community, by encouraging engagement amongst the talented labour pool in north Durham, building a strong economy and expandin opportunities for entrepreneurship in Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge.
 
For more information on rural economic development initiatives in Durham Region, visit www.investdurham.ca.
Farm Boy successfully launches new fresh market store in Whitby
Farm Boy, an Ontario-based fresh market grocer, recently opened a brand-new 28,000-square -foot store in
Roger Anderson, Regional Chair and CEO speaking at the official opening
Whitby, which has been thriving since its opening in late August. The launch was so well-received by the community that the store hired an additional 50 people since opening. The store carries farm-fresh produce and organic, natural and locally sourced foods, premium meats, artisan cheese, sustainable seafood and freshly prepared meals.
 
Roger Anderson, Regional Chair and CEO for The Regional Municipality of Durham, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony along with other local dignitaries who came out to show their support. At the official opening of the new store, Farm Boy presented Kevin Empey, President, and CEO, Lakeridge Hospital with a $5,000 donation in support of their nutritional and health education programs.
 
Learn more about Farm Boy.
2015 Outstanding New Club Leader: Carol Morton, Durham East 4-H 
Congratulations to Carol Morton of the Durham East 4-H Association for receiving the 2015 Outstanding New Club Leader, presented by 4-H Ontario and Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Ltd. The award celebrates those volunteers who have been leaders with 4-H Ontario for less than three years.
 
Carol brings enthusiasm and creativity to her 4-H Association, serving as a Constructive Association Director as well as a leader of many clubs, such as the Sheep Club, the Celebration Club, and the Thrill of Trivia Club. Serving on several committees, Carol worked on revising the Provincial Youth Leader Handbook and organizing the 100th Anniversary Gala Dinner. She has also been involved as a Go for the Gold coach for the past three years.
 
Presentations will take place at 4-H Award Nights between October and December.
2015/2016 Queen of the Furrow competition
Bonnie-Jean Ward shows off her plowing skills at the 2015 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo. 
Congratulations to Bonnie-Jean Ward of Sunderland for representing Durham Region and placing fifth overall at this year's Queen of the Furrow competition. The crowning event took place on Sept. 24 and featured 23 candidates from across Ontario competing for the crown. The competition was held as part of the 2015 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo.
 
"It was an honour to represent Durham Region at the 2015 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo in Finch. The Queen of the Furrow program is a great opportunity to meet new people and promote agriculture in my community," says Bonnie-Jean Ward.
 
Learn more about the 2015 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo.

CONNECT
Four Durham communities receive infrastructure funding
Four projects in Durham Region have been approved under the Small Communities Fund to received federal and provincial funding for local infrastructure projects. The construction of a water supply infrastructure is proposed for the  Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, providing a secure and reliable water supply system local residents. In Uxbridge, work will be completed to replace an existing culvert on Brock Street - the busiest road in the downtown core, reducing the risk of flooding. In Clarington, reconstruction of Baseline Road Bridge will include the replacement and repair of the existing bridge infrastructure. In Scugog, the reconstruction of Scugog Line 6 from Highway 12 to the west of Highway 7A, will help with increased traffic flow and improve safety.
 
Learn more about the Small Communities Fund.
Scugog Council Business Tour follow-up 
Last month, The Township of Scugog hosted the 2015 Scugog Business Tour, showcasing a strong local industrial community. Focusing on the geographic area northwest of Port Perry, the tour was attended by senior staff members from Durham Region, Scugog Township, local dignitaries and members of council.
 
The tour included primary production as well as support infrastructure information from Maple Leaf Foods, Canplex Profiles Inc., J. McCoy Equipment and Metal Man.
 
Learn more about business in Scugog. 
Pathways program
The Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD) recently launched a new program called Pathways, offering more support, advice, guidance and education for small businesses in Durham Region. The program is a new business-to-business initiative for Durham Region, aimed at helping existing businesses grow to the next level, and creating new jobs in the process.
 
Pathway can provide ongoing advice and help small businesses access specific resources such as funding opportunities, if needed. Pathways is available to existing, incorporated businesses in Durham with annual revenue of at least $250,000.
 
Learn more about the Pathways program.
UPCOMING BUSINESS EVENTS
Uxbridge Chamber of Commerce

Lunch and Learn with Master Jay Keyver 

Date: Oct. 21, 2015
Time: 9 a.m.to 1 p.m
Location: Wooden Sticks 
        40 Elgin Park Dr., Uxbridge

Breakfast meeting: Entrepreneurial Panel 

Date: Oct. 27, 2015
Time: 7:15 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Breakfast meeting: Annual Awards

Date: Nov. 24, 2015
Time: 7:15 a.m. to 9 a.m. 

Learn more about the Uxbridge Chamber of Commerce. 
 
Brock Networking Group
 
Date: Third Tuesday of every month 
Time: 8 a.m.
Location: Rotates between Sunderland, Cannington and Beaverton
           
For more information, please contact Barb Smith at barb.smith@sympatico.ca.
 
Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

Date: Nov. 6 to 15, 2015
Location: Exhibition Place, Toronto
           
Learn more about the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.
  
York and Durham Environmental Farm Tour, hosted by the Toronto Region Conservation Authority 

 Date: Oct. 8, 2015
Time: 8 to 2:30 p.m.
Location: 15351 Warden Ave., Whitchurch Stouffville 
           

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Toll-free: 1-800-706-9857

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If this information is required in an accessible format, please contact the Planning and Economic Development Department at 905-668-7711 ext. 2615 (toll-free at 1-800-706-9857). 
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