Rising to the challenge
by Ginette Bars, CCHDD translation Sheila Lord (February 2011)
The local economy plays an essential role in any community and its development presents a considerable challenge in a rural area. In the Hemmingford area it is very fragile, as demonstrated by the the closing of Crain Drummond, Dudley and some other businesses and the reduction in farming. What can we do in our community to stimulate the economy?
Above all local businesses and new initiatives should be encouraged.
One interesting direction to take could be to bring together our local leaders in the public sector (municipalities), private sector (businesses) and community sector (local organisations) to develop a joint plan of action followed by the establishment of projects in the field of tourism, industry, agriculture or services.
However, who in Hemmingford has the energy or time needed to set up a «Local Development Committee» and take on the leadership of it? And who has time to attend meetings and get involved?
Another way to go might be to appoint our own « Development Agent ». Can the community afford this financially? If it can, one person alone would be unable to achieve anything without the support of local leaders and he or she would also have need of you.
The CCHDD will take two steps:
- publish in its bi-monthly bulletin a report on local businesses, and
- put in touch persons who really care about the development of our economy.
So whether you are from the public sector of activity or the private sector of activity or are a member of a community organisation or a private resident, if you are interested in directing or participating in an «Economic Development Committee for Hemmingford», please send your name, address and telephone number to Ginette Bars at 450-247-3325 or cdcchdd@look.ca and these details will be forwarded to other interested persons.