Dan Summers wins award

We currently have six dogs at the South Dundas Animal Shelter, including four that are ready and really eager to be adopted and two that have just arrived.

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SD&G – At the first meeting of the Economic Development Officers Working Group for 2014, held last week at the North Stormont Municipal Office in Berwick, a passionate introduction to the Shift 10% campaign was made.

The Shift 10% campaign is led by champions Kim Stewart, Shift 10% Coordinator, and owner of Stokefire and Donna Primeau, South Stormont, Chamber of Commerce President and owner of Showcase in the Long Sault Plaza.

Shift 10% Back to Local is a campaign designed to remind the public about the benefits of supporting their locally owned businesses. 

Campaign advocate Kim Stewart believes that by actively shifting 10 per cent of shopping to local businesses, the whole community will benefit.  

“The advantage is that we are their neighbours, we are the ones who support their son’s and daughter’s minor sports, donate to community fundraisers, and hire youth from the neighbourhood,” said Stewart.

“The South Stormont Chamber of Commerce (SSCC) has started to develop a 36 month campaign with a primary goal of increasing the profiles of local businesses,” said Donna Primeau. 

There is no charge to participate in the program, only the commitment to be an ambassador of the Shift 10% campaign.  SSCC has been presenting across Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry with the hopes that local business owners will support the Shift 10%  campaign.  

“You do not have to be a Chamber of Commerce member to participate in the program – we want Shift 10% to become region wide – and in the future be recognizable throughout eastern Ontario,” added Stewart.

SDG Economic Development and Communications Officer Terry Besner sees great potential in this grass roots movement. 

“By supporting the Shift 10% program both businesses and consumers will benefit. The economic growth will strengthen existing businesses, encourage expansion, and foster entrepreneurial spirit locally,” concluded Besner.

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At the January 17th South Dundas council meeting, council members were treated with a presentation of the proposed new branding options for the Untied Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.

South Dundas Economic Development Officer Nicole Sullivan presented council with a report outlining the creation process behind the proposed brands. The presentation came complete with visuals and detailed explanations.

Both branding options incorporate SD&G’s geographic location in their proposed catchphrase. Each option is being considered for its wording, not for the accompanying picture. That will be decided on at a later date. 

Option one, The Counties @ 45, was chosen because “the Counties of SD&G are located at the 45th parallel, halfway between the Equator and the North Pole – @ the juncture of balanced living, adventure and business opportunity.” 

Option two, Gateway Counties, was chosen because “the Counties of SD&G lie on the doorstep of Ontario, near major Canadian cities and the United States – opening up new opportunities for business, tourism, and balanced living.” 

“To enhance its economic development activities, the United Counties wish to: position the region as an attractive location for business and tourism; present a unified and consistent brand message to strengthen recognition and become more effective; and, help locate Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry on the map.”

“A new logo mark has been developed that aims to convey key attributes to a wide range of target audiences spanning from business relocation consultants to tourists to local residents through a fresh look and feel.”

Following the presentation, council members were advised of an anonymous online survey to evaluate the two options. Mayor Steven Byvelds encouraged council members to complete the survey to “give the Counties something to go on when trying to make the decision in February.”

The Counties council is expected to make a decision in late February.

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