DAN CEARNS The Standard
SCUGOG: The Region of Durham and Scugog Township are focusing on the retention and expansion of the local manufacturing sector. At a meeting on Monday, December 9th, Scugog council voted to authorize township staff and the Scugog Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) to proceed with what is known as the ‘Scugog Manufacturing Business Retention and Expansion project.’ “In 2013, the Region of Durham’s Economic Development and Tourism Division partnered with the Township of Scugog to implement a Business Retention and Expansion project,” read a report from Durham Economic development official Stacey Jibb. The report stated the EDAC committee had identified an update to the 2013 project “as an item for the 2019-2022 work plan” and they wanted to focus on manufacturing because of the recent Community Improvement Plan for the Employment Lands. Her report explained a retention and expansion project “consists of trained volunteers who visit businesses and conduct confidential interviews with senior-level management, business owners or managers. Data analysis and action planning is then undertaken to address issues and opportunities facing businesses.” “We are hoping to conduct at least 43 interviews,” Ms. Jibb told councillors. Durham Region economic development and tourism staff will coordinate the project. “The Scugog EDAC has identified the project as a priority for 2020, and has suggested a Steering Committee be formed, including at least two members from the EDAC, to help guide the project. Additional committee members may include a representative from the Scugog Chamber of Commerce, manufact-uring business owner(s) and property owner(s) from within the Scugog Employment Lands,” the report read.