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 4^TH and 5^th - 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