Keep trumpeting

It’s great to see that the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce’s business awards gala continues to thrive after 20 years.
Not only was there a wide cross-section of nominations for the various categories again this year, but nearly 1,600 votes were cast to determine the winners—well above the 1,021 last year when online voting was open to the public for the first time.
The main purpose of the awards gala, of course, is to salute excellence displayed by local individuals and businesses. But it’s also a wonderful opportunity to reiterate the importance of a vibrant business community in towns right across Rainy River District.
Perhaps most striking this year was the number of new businesses that either won awards or were nominated—a reflection of the entrepreneurial spirit that remains alive and well here despite the lingering economic gloom as the local paper mill continues to sit idle.
The key now is to attract others to set up businesses and secondary industries to fill the many buildings still vacant and plenty of prime commercial sites still undeveloped.
There is good news on that front. The Rainy River Future Development Corp. last week was granted almost $1.2 million to help boost business and economic development opportunities in forestry, mining, and tourism.
As well, prior to a pre-budget consultation session on Friday at Couchiching, local MP Don Rusnak said the new Liberal government understands the need to diversify our economy, particularly in regions like Northwestern Ontario.
Our district has so much to offer and many success stories to highlight. We just need to keep trumpeting it.