Learn more about the wide array of sessions being offered at OEMC this year. You can expect the same valuable content and more as we are able to reach further for speakers and attendees participating in our new interactive virtual format.

Support OEMC and take advantage of the many opportunities to access OEEDC Members and OEMC attendees, including the opportunity to be featured in an online Exhibit Hall showcase to highlight products and services, participate in a live prize draw, and the opportunity to host a webinar!

Toronto — The Ontario and federal governments are partnering with 3M Canada to expand its Brockville, Ontario manufacturing facility to produce made-in-Ontario N95 respirators. Both levels of government are investing $23.33 million to support 3M's capital investment of $70 million. The expanded facility will produce enough respirators to meet private sector, provincial and North American market demand throughout the pandemic and beyond.

The announcement was made today on the site of the expansion by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier Doug Ford, Anita Anand, Canada's Minister of Public Services and Procurement, and Vic Fedeli, Ontario's Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

Request for: Digital Service Squad Member

Application Deadline: by 4:30pm, Friday, August 28, 2020

The County of Lennox & Addington Economic Development Office is seeking a qualified service provider to provide digital support services as our Digital Service Squad Member (DSS). This project will allow main street small businesses to take full advantage of digital technologies and e-commerce platforms to increase their revenues and create jobs.

The goal is to help our businesses improve their online presence, improve digital marketing and improve social media opportunities. In addition it will help businesses access the Digital Transformation Grant currently being offered by the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario.

At the Annual Conference of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), Justin Bromberg, Chief of Staff and Communications Manager for the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, was acclaimed to the AMO Board of Directors, County Caucus. The Conference was held virtually this year from August 17 to 19.

As a member of the Board, Justin Bromberg will help set policy for the association and serve as a key municipal leader in the province.

A new special issue entitled Business closures in non-metro Ontario to April, 2020 is now available. The factsheet shows that in non-metro Ontario, from January to April, 2020, the number of active businesses declined by 5,800 businesses – a decline of 12%, marginally less than the 13% decline in metro areas. This decline was due to 18% fewer businesses openings and 243% more business closures. The data don’t tell us whether these closures are permanent. Interestingly, while employment impacts in rural areas have not been as deep in rural and small town areas (RST) as in metropolitan areas (as discussed in other recent special issues of Focus on Rural Ontario) the business closure drop off has been proportionally similar.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has launched an initiative to address the unique workforce challenges and opportunities in the agri-food sector. To keep Ontario’s food supply chain strong, employers along the agri-food value chain need support to recruit and train workers for in-demand jobs across the sector.

Feeding Your Future, a Canadian Agricultural Partnership funded project, is working to help agri-food employers connect with job seekers during COVID-19 and beyond.

BCS Automation Ltd. provides marine control and automation solutions engineered specifically for maximum efficiency in harsh marine and land based environments. Offering quality, cost effective solutions for new-build or upgrade projects.

Custom software development and configuration is a key component to most designs. Services include: project planning and scheduling, construction supervision, start-up assistance and commissioning. Shop services include the supply of motor control centres, custom equipment and control panels.

BCS has a new home in Belleville, Ontario that will be compliant with Canada's Controlled Goods Program allowing goods, including components and technical data that have military or national security significance, which are controlled domestically by the Government of Canada and defined in the Defence Production Act. This facility and lab will allow for continued growth for the company in new sectors while continuing to maintain steady growth in its traditional market (cement, oil-gas, bulk martial handling, agri-food).