SCOR EDC NEWS
April/ May 2016
EmployerOne 2016 Survey Results Are Now Available

The Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board (EMO) has completed and released the first wave of information from the 2016 EmployerOne Survey.  Over the past four months, SCOR EDC has been working with the EMO board and 40 other partners in the south central Ontario region to gather detailed and extensive workforce information in a wide range of industries.

The survey allows our employer community to voice their experiences and needs on all HR-related issues such as hiring practices, future labour needs and skills shortages.

Survey Highlights Include:
  • 320 completed surveys representing over 18,000 employees.
  • Majority of the businesses involved were manufacturing, retail trade and healthcare companies.
  • 78% of employers hired new staff in the past year
  • 68% of the total workforce were full-time employees
  • 38% of employers experienced difficulty in filling positions.
The results are intended to provide a better understanding of employer skills and labour requirements that help in employee searches and employment decision-making.  As well, the results can also inform employee's as to the local labour market demand and guide future professional development.

For employers that are interested in programs and services that are available to address your labour challenges, please contact the SCOR office at 519-688-6111 or email gm@scorregion.com 
In This Issue
SCOR EDC Consults with OMAFRA on Local Food Act

SCOR EDC and members of the SCOR FoodHub board were invited to consult and collaborate on the Local Food Act with members of the Ontario government and the Honourable Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
 
Cory VanGronigen of VG Meats and other stakeholders meeting with Minister Leal at the Local Food Act Collaboration
SCOR EDC, on behalf of the five county region, stressed the importance of the clear direction that will help the broader public sector on the adoption of local food practices.  They also stressed the importance of buyer incentive programs and local food rebates and ensuring that buyer programs benefits both the public sector and agriculture producers.
 
SCOR EDC believes that there should be greater integration of local food in, not only, the health, education and social service industry, but also in tourism and economic development.

 "SCOR EDC is a strong supporter of the Local Food Act and any advances that adopting a local food policy can make for our province," said Art Lawson, General Manager of SCOR. "SCOR EDC will continue to collaborate with OMAFRA and partners to establish local food goals and the continued objectives of the Local Food Act," he added.

Minister Leal also stressed the importance of local food processing.  He spoke of the investment of French's in southern Ontario.  This year alone, French's will be purchasing 560,000 tonnes of tomatoes from southern Ontario producers.

Ontario is a strong supporter of local food production and sales. Since 2003, the province has invested more than $160 million in initiatives and projects that help promote and celebrate the good things that are grown, harvested and made in Ontario.


 

For more information on the Local Food Act or other activities that SCOR EDC and the SCOR FoodHub, please visit our website at www.scorregion.com

 

Ontario Government Announces Infrastructure Funding in the South Central Ontario Region (SCOR)

Ontario is providing $2 million to Norfolk County to upgrade the Waterford Wastewater Treatment Facility through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund.
 
The Honourable Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs made the announcement at Rambling Road Brewery with 50 invited stakeholders including Art Lawson, GM of SCOR EDC.
 
Prior to this announcement, Minister Leal met with the SCOR EDC Board of Directors regarding issues affecting the region and discussed the importance of water and food security.  He also praised the five county collaboration and proactive advances on water security. 
 
Ontario is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in the province's history - about $160 billion over 12 years, which is supporting 110,000 jobs every year across the province.

"By expanding the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund from $100 million to $300 million, our government is showing municipalities we're committed to working with them to address critical infrastructure they need in their communities through predictable, stable funding. The province is laying the foundation for sustainable economic development, creating jobs and new economic opportunities in rural and northern communities across Ontario."  stated Minister Leal.

"We were very pleased that Minister Leal spent an hour in Norfolk County listening to the concerns of young people who want to see more opportunity in their local economy so they can return, start businesses and raise a family," added Clark Hoskin, Manager of Tourism and Economic Development for Norfolk County.
 
SCOR EDC is dedicated to expanding and improving infrastructure to our region and will continue the partnership with our provincial government to ensure further support to our growing economy.

For more information on this project or other infrastructure projects that SCOR EDC is involved in, please email gm@scorregion.com or call 519-842-6333.


SCOR EDC: In the Community

SCOR EDC is involved in a variety of events, meetings and support sessions within the southern Ontario region.  SCOR EDC is committed to the economic and social development of our communities.  Some of the ways we have contributed this month to various initiatives across the region are:
 
For more information on these projects or meetings that SCOR EDC is involved in, please email gm@scorregion.com or call 519-842-6333.