200414 Development MINThe Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting
April 14, 2020
7:30 a.m.
Electronic Meeting MINUTES
Present: Collette Takacs, Randy Thornton, Councillor Deb Gilvesy Jesse Goossens, Andrew Burns, Steve Spanjers, Lisa Gilvesy, Cedric Tomico
Staff: Kyle Pratt, CAO; Cephas Panschow, Development Commissioner; Laura Pickersgill, Legislative Services Coordinator
Guest: Suzanne Renken, CEO, Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce
Regrets: Jeff VanRybroeck, Mayor Stephen Molnar, Kirby Heckford, Lindsay-Morgan
Jacko
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:37 a.m.
2. Adoption of Agenda Resolution #1 Moved by: Deb Gilvesy
Seconded by: Cedric Tomico
THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Economic Development Advisory Committee Special meeting of April 14, 2020, be adopted. Carried
3. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
Resolution #2 Moved by: Cedric Tomico Seconded by: Andrew Burns THAT the Minutes as prepared for the Economic Development Advisory Committee
Special meeting of April 7, 2020, be adopted.
Carried 4. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof None
5. Local Business Support Programs Cedric Tomico noted that businesses can provide information using the following links to assist advertising their business during this pandemic:
https://www.country1073.ca/supportlocal
https://www.easy1013.ca/supportlocal
http://www.jack1023.com/supportlocal
It was suggested that a website be set up to allow local businesses to sell their goods and services online to encourage consumers to purchase locally rather than shopping on Amazon, for example.
The Development Commissioner noted that there is a list being compiled on the services/deliveries/curbside pickups that local businesses are providing. It was suggested that this list be made available on the Town’s website and in PDF document format. It was noted that the survey link circulated to local businesses will remain active.
The Emergency Response Microloan will assist smaller businesses to gain access to financial loans as some businesses do not have a large enough payroll base to qualify for other Provincial loans.
It was suggested that promotion of the Community Garden with information on how to can and jar goods would be beneficial. Council to receive the potential of deferring property taxes and water/wastewater fees at the Council meeting to be held this evening. Applications must be made to
defer a property tax due date. Councillor Gilvesy will seek clarity at this evening’s Council meeting on what “proof” is required to be eligible for property tax deferral. Discussion was held regarding the difficulty surrounding property tax deferrals as many property managers/landlords rely on rent as part of their income.
It was suggested that the Committee could draft a letter to Town Council, County Council and/or the Provincial Government providing suggestions to assist the local economy.
It was noted that the discussion took place at the Mayor’s COVID-19 Working Group
about whether local businesses need to come together to discuss available resources and strategies. The Working Group decided that this was not necessary as there is already information available to business owners on programs and resources.
It was suggested that a series of webinars be developed to allow local professionals to answer generic local business owners’ questions. Suzanne Renken indicated she could get access to a registration application for this purpose as well as Chamber members could be invited to participate in the webinar series. It was recommended
that these series be held to target different sized businesses and be held at various
times throughout the day. It was suggested that participant’s questions be identified prior to the webinar to allow for the panel to prepare an appropriate answer. The following individuals indicated interest in participating in setting up this series: Cedric
Tomico, Jesse Goossens, Collette Takacs, Cephas Panschow, Suzanne Renken and Deb Gilvesy. It was noted that Shane Curtis, member of the Mayor’s COVID-19
Working Group, be invited to participate in this initiative. Councillor Gilvesy will introduce this initiative at tonight’s Council meeting. A summary of the Barter Pay Program was provided. Suzanne Renken noted that this program will be introduced online. This program gives businesses the
opportunity to get rid of inventory and receive inventory. It was suggested that an emphasis on the importance of shopping local be advertised.
It was suggested that the Marketing Coordinator for the BIA could put together short videos showcasing local businesses. The program ‘WeVideo’ was recommended as a tool to use. Suzanne Renken noted that she could reach out to the Chamber’s contact for developing short videos.
“Day Zero” is new terminology emerging that is referencing the ‘day’ when things go back to normal. 6. Next Meeting To Be Determined 7. Adjournment Resolution #3 Moved by: Deb Gilvesy Seconded by: Collette Takacs
THAT the April 14, 2020 Economic Development Advisory Committee Special meeting be adjourned at 9:05 a.m. Carried