MBA to host trade show

by Karina Hunter 

EDO Dave Raymond and EDC Administrative Assistant Karen Robinson lead discussions at the MBA’s business meeting Feb.18th.

Business owners met Thursday, February 18^th to continue moving forward formalizing the Manitouwadge Business Association.  Economic  Development Officer Dave Raymond chaired the meeting which resulted in a commitment by those present to host a Trade Show in August 2010 and volunteers stepped forward forming a committee for the convention.  Linda Baril, owner of the Rendez-Vous Restaurant in Manitouwadge, felt very positive in regards to the MBAs progress to date “For years we [business owners] have recognized the need for a formal association to represent our collective interests and collaborate on marketing initiatives, it is encouraging to be moving forward with such momentum”.  

A questionnaire distributed at the MBA’s December meeting identified education/training, public relations, and advertising as priorities among businesses who answered; Raymond reviewed these with the group providing a CFDI Training Catalogue from Superior North Community Futures Development Corporation (SNCFDC) from which they will choose four courses the EDC will host for MBA members to attend free of charge.  In regards to advertising, Raymond provided a list of prices for regional media outlets MBA members had discussed previously; he also offered an extensive list of possible advertising project ideas  which might qualify for financial assistance, among these was the Trade Show and also a Buy Local Campaign, volunteers came forward forming a committee for the latter as well.  Raymond is confident that the MBA is moving in the right direction  “I am excited to be working with the MBA on these two initiatives that will benefit the local economy, increase awareness of our community, and be a great first set of projects to build teamwork among members.”

MBA members were invited to the EDC’s next business breakfast February 24^th at which Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) is presenting “On-Line Store for Your Sales” with Guest Speaker Lawrence Badanai, Web and Multimedia Designer for Firedog Communications the EDC has welcomed all Northshore businesses to this important information session..  The next regular meeting of the MBA will be March 23^rd at 7am, all Manitouwadge Businesses are encouraged to attend, large and small businesses will benefit from inclusion in the association.   

Submitted to the Chronicle Journal and The Echo, 02.18.10