David Aldersey of MEDT and Laura Wilson of BDC joined the Barrie/Midland and Area Senior Managers Strtegic Interest Group at Theta Industries on April 15th. Each provided an update of what was on offer. The group also enjoyed a plant tour and some roundtable networking.
David Aldersey of MEDT and Laura Wilson of BDC joined the Barrie/Midland and Area Senior Managers Strtegic Interest Group at Theta Industries on April 15th. Each provided an update of what was on offer. The group also enjoyed a plant tour and some roundtable networking.
Discussion centred on:
David Aldersey - MEDT
- Involved in investment into Ontario
- Fund university research
- Energy seminars
- Fund programs for businesses
- Assisting manufacturers anyway they can
- Exporting expertise
- Canadian embassies around the world have folks to assist re: how to do business in each country
- Southern Ontario Development Fund
- Programs
- AMIS & CME - funding has lapsed
- Export Access - for foreign trade shows up to $30,000, bidding costs, marketing costs
- Yves Landry for training initiatives - are accepting applications but are waiting for more money
- NRC - Federal - help with overcoming technological hurdles
- Wisdom Exchange - May 4TH and 5th - for CEO's & Presidents
- Energy Workshops
- Updating machines/presses to be more energy efficient
- Compressed air audits on weekends or when nothing is turned on for air leaks
- Lean Manufacturing Workshops
- In summary, waiting for $ to be freed up
- Labour
- Work Share
- Small incentives here and there - Apprenticeships, etc.
Laura Wilson - BDC
- Focus is helping Canadian businesses
- Another supplier of financing - additional to other lenders - not ratio driven-more common sense approach
- Help with specific projects
- Market Expansion loans - similar to an operating line
- Finance good will
- Non-demand lender - can't call your loan on you
- Flexible in terms of payment
- MERX government procurement website
Overview of Theta
- Metal stamper - mainly automotive
- Need to drive out costs to compete
- Tier Two - Tier Three
- Some niche products that the Tier One could not pull in - has helped get through the downturn
Roundtable
- In general, business is improving
- Work Share discussion - staying on or cutting off - is business going to get and/or stay busy? - really great program
- Steel procurement issues
- Stop shipping procedures for delinquent accounts
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