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Question 1:  In your opinion, is economic development the responsibility of the Township of Brock?  If yes, what 2 key actions would you make a priority to support the business community in Brock? If no, whose responsibility do you feel it is and why?
Position Candidate Response
Mayor Debbie Bath-Hadden
705-341-0834
Brock has an investment in Economic Development in conjunction with Durham Region.  A stronger commitment from the Region would enable Brock to flourish within our three largest sectors.  Business, agriculture and Tourism.

First would be a partnership with Durham and the Province to implement signage on our highways to direct traffic to our Downtowns.

Development Charges should reflect our desire to encourage Economic Growth.  This would encourage our current commercial/industrial areas to grow/prosper while seeking future potential industries.

Mayor John Grant
705-426-1296
Economic Development is very much the responsibility of the Township.  We need ED in order to become healthy, happy, viable and sustainable communities and to broaden our tax base so taxes are more proportional to business rather than Residential.

The first action would be a partnership between the Municipality and BBOT sharing valuable resources, strategy and data.

The other is to foster continued partnerships with non-profits to further enhance our identified assets being Main Streets, Parks, History, Lakefront and Trails.

 

Regional Councillor Ted Smith
705-357-2427
Economic development in Brock is a joint effort of Brock and Durham Region with some assistance from the province. The completion of Highway 404 to its intended terminus in Brock would both attract new businesses and make current businesses more accessible to more customers. The facade improvement program that is in place for downtown business properties should be expanded to include the entire township so that more businesses may be able to upgrade their appearances.
Regional Councillor Judi Forbes
249-385-5834705-426-2558
My 2 actions in line with Brock’s economic plans are:

Build on Brock’s amazing art community by creating a centre for artistic expression and exhibition for all types of art including drawing, painting, quilting, sculpting, theatre, music etc. and combine it with our natural resources to draw tourist dollars to the area.

Search for complimentary industry for our extensive farming community that will create local jobs and bring in new residents that will live, work, and shop in our community.

Regional Councillor Jay Yerema-Weafer

705-357-1973

416-407-0073

Brock Township is responsible for economic development and their role is to work with existing (& future) business, the arts and tourism efforts.

  1. To understand and promote the needs of local business in order to develop good policies designed to support the economic base with a focus on long term goals.
  2. To be an advocate and active partner with the private sector and community groups while assisting them navigate municipal, regional and higher levels of government.
Ward 1 Councillor Michael Jubb

905-252-4487

Economic development is a key responsibility of the Township of Brock.  Brock needs to actively attract business while supporting the one’s we have.  We need to mirror bordering Municipalities initiatives such as “No development fees” and/or tax incentives for a set period of time, while freezing taxes for current business, immediately.  I will develop ways to expand both our tourism initiatives and allocate additional funds for downtown revitalization in conjunction with the Brock Economic AC and the Board of trade.
Ward 1 Councillor Gord Lodwick

705-879-0107

I believe that this must be answered yes and no.  I believe it is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders.  The township must create an environment to facilitate economic development in conjunction with the Region, the Provincial and Federal government and trade associations such as the Brock Board of Trade.  This includes acting as a conduit for simplifying and helping individuals who may want to open up or conduct business in Brock.  Continued and improved relationships with stakeholders is key.
Ward 2 Councillor Cyndi Schaffer

705-426-2694

As a Two tier municipality, both Durham Region and Township of Brock are responsible for economic development to ensure sustainability and resilience within our economies and we must play a key role in creating a conducive environment for investment through the provision of infrastructure; economic development friendly policies; and quality services,  I will continue to support all initiatives and programs offered from Durham Region, BEDAC and other agencies and encourage new business to come to Brock.
Ward 3 Councillor Walter Schummer

705-432-8464

Economic development is partly Brock Township’s responsibility in conjunction with The Region, Province, and Federal Governments.

First action would be a revamp of the BEDAC.  BEDAC should be giving more advice to Council on making substantive changes in Brock to help foster business growth.  BEDAC should establish measurable benchmarks to gauge the success of their initiatives.

Secondly, The Township needs to get its finances in order and stop draining our local economy of hundreds of thousands of dollars every year.

Ward 3 Counillor Bill Basztyk
705-426-2089
Yes it is the responsibility of the Township. If we don’t do it, no one else will. This effort should be directed by BEDAC which itself needs to be composed of qualified, dedicated, business people.

1. Increased promotion of Brock Township to the outside world, together with economic incentives to encourage businesses to come to Brock.

2. Focus on development of our main assets – bioproducts (including agri-food & biotech) and bioresources (including greenbelt tourism) which are our primary economic drivers.

Ward 4 Councillor Ralph Maleus
416-627-6373
I am a firm believer that our township plays an important role is promoting our own economic development. To do this we first need to identify the key business factors that make Brock Township unique. By examining our strengths and weaknesses, we need to rate the extent to which we live up to these factors. The second action would be to create a greater focus on economic development by filling the vacant staff position for business development role.
Ward 4 Councillor Cria Pettingill
705-344-4482
The Township of Brock is responsible for working on economic development in close collaboration with the Region but also, on its own strategies as laid out in “Doors Open Brock” and “Open For Business.”

Two key actions would be 1) A “business class” approach for the processing of commercial, institutional and industrial development applications which would include a single point of contact at the Township throughout the process and 2) Employment listings for jobs throughout the township – published on the website.

Ward 4 Councillor Chris Shier
705-344-7865
Yes, it is the responsibility of Brock Township for economic development. We need to work with our social and business groups as well with the province and region to have programs set up for the needs of all residents of Brock. The needs could be job creation, health care or public transit to name a few.
Ward 5 Councillor Lynn Campbell
705-357-0013
Ideally economic development is a partnership between businesses, Brock township and Durham region.  I have enthusiastically participated in BR&E workshops & Red Welcome Wagon visits, plus I’ve supported CIP applications for store facade improvements. The township/region can make our downtown cores inviting for shoppers by providing safe sidewalks, adequate parking, good lighting, good road maintenance, aesthetic enhancements such as banners and flowers, and assistance with special events which draw the public.
Ward 5 Councillor Tony Laundrie
705-357-2722
It is the responsibility of the township as we can determine the assets we have and focus on them, be it tourism, agriculture or industry

Better listings of registered businesses on the Township website with a description of each. Also, to promote the Brock Board of Trade more effectively.

We need to find ways to attract business to Brock, targeting new business will give us a broader spectrum of services and goods for sale.

Question 2: What expertise do you bring to the table to attract, sustain and improve the business community in Brock Township?
Position Candidate Response
Mayor Debbie Bath-Hadden
705-341-0834
THE DRIVE TO DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY

Member, Association of Municipalities Economic Development Task Force, provided me with the fortitude to aggressively seek change.

 

Develop an attraction to business interest in Brock. Initiate putting Development Charges on Sale.  Increase Serviceable Land.  Past experience in Planning with three levels of Government brings strong advocacy.

 

Past Retail/Commercial Ownership in Brock, aware of challenge/hardships. Development Charges are negative to growth.

 

Strong voice developing Economic Planning is needed in Brock/Durham.

Mayor John Grant
705-426-1296
Over four decades of sales, budgeting and marketing experience enable me to build successes in the private sector.  Skills include educational upgrades in management, priority management, psychology and industry related courses inclusive of accounting and finance.  In addition I many years of building public sector partnerships.  I have a proven track record at Brock Council identifying opportunities and implementing best ideas for success.
Regional Councillor Ted Smith
705-357-2427
I have served on the Brock Economic Development Advisory Committee for the past term, which, with input from Durham and the province, discusses and addresses solutions within our power to attempt to solve. My involvement with organizations such as the Maple Syrup Festival, the Fair and the Co-op have helped to bring  both business clients and tourists to Brock to support our business community and raise awareness of what is available in Brock.
Regional Councillor Judi Forbes
249-385-5834
705-426-2558
I have 20+ years experience at senior levels at TD-Bank. I understand finance, balance sheets and the struggles of small business. As a bank manager my major responsibility was to bring in new business. I was continually at or near the top of the division in business growth every year, proving an excellent history of business development.

I have owned 3 successful small businesses and know the kinds of things small business owners are looking for from their elected officials.

Regional Councillor Jay Yerema-Weafer
705-357-1973
416-407-0073
Experience working in both the private and public sector provides me with a unique perspective bridging business concern with public policy. A member of the Brock Economic Development Advisory Committee in its formative years and when BEDAC became a Committee of Council I served for two terms. I am familiar with the challenges facing local business people, entrepreneurs and the artistic community, and will work to erode artificial & unnecessary barriers while facilitating support for all types of business.
Ward 1 Councillor Michael Jubb
905-252-4487
First and foremost I am a forward thinker.  Business wants clean, viable and vibrant communities in which they provide services.  I’m a business owner and understand attractions, such as Lake Simcoe, are a natural draw, attracting both tourism and business to Brock.  Let’s use it to our advantage.  In addition to owning a business, I have worked 12 years as a recruiter and financial services supervisor with National Defence.  I know what it takes to attract/sustain both people and business.
Ward 1 Councillor Gord Lodwick
705-879-0107
I have been in business in Brock my entire working career and have been involved in management of startups, small, medium and large organizations operating both in Brock and external of Brock.  I believe with my experience and knowledge of what organizations are looking for when possibly opening or locating in Brock is of value.  I believe the relationships with other levels of government I garnered over the last 4 years will also allow me to contribute in this regard.
Ward 2 Councillor Cyndi Schaffer
705-426-2694
I have over 20 years experience as a family business owner.  As a volunteer with many local events that involve our local community I am in constant contact with business owners and am accountable to them to source assistance within the township and Region mandates to assist them as needed.  I will continue to encourage business owners and promote our CIP program as well as other programs offered through Durham Region, BEDAC and BBOT.
Ward 3 Councillor Walter Schummer
705-432-8464
As a CPA in private practice I assist many small and medium sized businesses and have firsthand knowledge of the challenges they face to succeed and grow.  My professional training permits me to identify, understand, analyze, and develop solutions to problems.  Also the fact I am a local business person in Brock allows me to see this important sector of our economy with respect to growth, employment, and other issues.  My profession also sees solutions beyond just numbers.
Ward 3 Counillor Bill Basztyk
705-426-2089
My expertise involves extensive international entrepreneurial activities, biological and chemical qualifications, along with graduate business education, academic teaching, research and publications in the business field. With over 40 years of business development experience, this area is my passion. Go to my website (www.billb4ward3.com  and click on the “find out more” button under the “serving the community” heading) to see my detailed profile.
Ward 4 Councillor Ralph Maleus
416-627-6373
As past board member of the Swedish-Canadian Chamber of Commerce, I have experience in supporting and growing business communities. With more than 30 years at the corporate executive level I understand the factors that are important to attracting and retaining business in the community. My specific expertise is in developing business strategies and implementing them through a series of initiatives and projects. My background gives me the unique experience required to lead and implement projects and make things happen.
Ward 4 Councillor Cria Pettingill
705-344-4482
In my roles as Chair of the Brock Economic Development Advisory Committee, organizer of the North Durham Building Business Forum, on the leadership team for Brock’s Business Retention and Expansion project this past 18 months, visits to dozens of businesses in the past four years with Red Welcome Wagon and by attending numerous workshops on value-added farming, business incubators, and agri tourism, I have come into contact with and studied the progress of a very large number of businesses.
Ward 4 Councillor Chris Shier
705-344-7865
As a small business owner I already know some problems that business have in working in a rural area. Weather it is communication, travel or purchasing supplies. I would not have to learn them on the job. So I would bring these areas of concern to council so we could set up programs to help solve the problems.
Ward 5 Councillor Lynn Campbell
705-357-0013
My background well equips me to understand the needs of the local business community.  For 35 years, I have been part of The Art of Walter Campbell, specializing in sales and promotion. As a journalist, I use my Facebook page to write about, photograph and promote local entrepreneurs, special events, community activities and council news. As a councillor, I have supported the establishment of new local businesses.
Ward 5 Councillor Tony Laundrie
705-357-2722
I have worked retail in the area for 10 years and understand what people want in customer service as well, I have been a participant of BEDAC for the last 4 years.

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Beaverton, ON   L0K 1A0
705-426-2051
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