Rural Summer Jobs Service

The 2012 Ontario Rural Summer Jobs Service is now accepting applications from eligible employers who plan to create summer jobs for rural youth. Eligible businesses and community organizations in rural Ontario can receive a hiring incentive of $2 per hour to create student employment.

 

The application deadline is April 16, 2012.

 

Please visit this link for more information: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/rural/rsj/index.htm

Tomorrow the Ontario’s Southwest train will leave the station ….

On March 14^th and 15^th tourism owners and operators in Ontario’s Southwest will gather at the Canada Southern Railway Station in St. Thomas for the Ontario’s Southwest Spring Launch.

To kick things off, Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Michael Chan will paint the big picture of tourism in the province. Next will be an update on tourism in Ontario and Ontario’s Southwest by Executive Director Jim Hudson. Delegates will then hear from destination development expert and key note speaker Roger Brooks, CEO/President of Destination Development International.

 

Day 2 will be "Breakout Education Day". Delegates can choose from sessions as: Embracing the Social Web, Being Group Ready, Turning the War of 1812 into Dollars Today, Accessibility and Building a Service Culture.

Ending the conference with a bang will be the launch of a new consumer website OntariosSouthwest.com and announcement of a new strategic direction for the region. This strategy will outline the marketing, workforce development, product development and investment attraction priorities for the next year.

The overall theme is: Regional tourism is about sharing ideas, best practices and linking ourselves together. That will be the future of tourism. When people ask about the future of tourism, we say "Tourism IS the future!"

The Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation is the Regional Tourism Organization for Ontario’s Southwest. It brings regional tourism into the hands of the private sector. With a goal to double tourism by 2020, it will build cohesion as a regional team. Ontario’s Southwest consists of nine areas and it is estimated that 13.4 million visitors spend $1.3 billion annually.

Straffordville Watermelon Fest earns double recognition

On March 5^th, Festivals & Events Ontario (FEO) recognized Straffordville Watermelon Fest as one of the 2012 Top Festivals and Events in Ontario and presented them with a 2012 Festivals & Events Achievement Award for Most Innovative Partnership with the Municipality of Bayham.

"We are delighted that Straffordville Watermelon Fest has been recognized by Festivals & Events Ontario." said event organizer Pauline Schram. "We’re just a fun-filled event providing entertainment for the community and loving every minute of it!"

In 2012 Watermelon Fest will celebrate its 15^th anniversary. The event includes a parade, children’s activities, local musical entertainment, a watermelon eating contest and a popular watermelon seed spitting contest. This not-for-profit event has no admission cost and is made possible through a partnership between a group of dedicated local volunteers and the Municipality of Bayham.

"It is an outstanding achievement for a festival to make the Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario." said Bayham Mayor Paul Ens. "This partnership is successful as a result of community support, innovate ideas and volunteer efforts and will benefit the community by attracting visitors to the area."

Festivals and Events are an important part of Elgin County’s vibrant cultural history and contribute to a thriving economy. For more information about Straffordville Watermelon Fest call The Municipality of Bayham at (519) 866-5521 or visit www.bayham.on.ca.

　

Elgin County Conference Series shines the light on solar power

Elgin County’s Economic Development Department will focus on solar power in the latest installment of the Elgin County Conference Series to be held in late March.

The Power of Solar is a one-day seminar that will give home, business, and farm owners the opportunity to learn more about harnessing the power of the sun through solar panels. Topics presented will include: grid connection, the Feed in Tariff program (FIT), success tips for your solar project, and solar for your business, home, and farm. Dynamic presentations will be delivered by speakers ranging from successful solar operators to industry professionals.

"Elgin County is poised to be a leader in solar renewable energy projects with the help of our strong labour market and our vast land resources,"said Alan Smith, General Manager of Economic Development for the County. "This conference will educate Elgin County residents about how to become a part of this growing and profitable industry."

The Power of Solar will take place on Wednesday, March 28^th at the New Sarum Diner. Registration information, agenda and speaker biographies are available at 

www.progressivebynature.com or by phoning 519-631-1460 x 168.