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MEDIA RELEASE

SCOR EDC FOLLOWS UP WITH MINISTERS FROM ROMA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 5, 2013, Tillsonburg, ON:

South Central Region Economic Development Corporation (SCOR EDC) met with several Ministers at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) and Ontario Good Roads Association (OGRA) combined conference in , ON held during the last week of February.

The conference is a chance to speak to the various Provincial Ministers regarding issues and concerns. SCOR EDC Board members met with twelve Ministers and representatives of the opposition, including Minister the Minister of the new Rural Affairs portfolio, to discuss issues of importance to SCOR and its partners.

SCOR EDC offers the following highlights from the many opportunities when they met with the 12 Ministries at ROMA:

Minister of Infrastructure was sympathetic to the issues and concerns facing municipalities and the costs of rural and small town infrastructure. Minister Murray applauded SCOR’s efforts to date and called the organization “best in class”. SCOR EDC was encouraged to follow up on their requests with senior staff at the Ministry for assistance in asset management, capital planning and coaching for group purchasing to exercise the region’s bargaining power

Minister of Environment was very positive about the collaborative efforts in the region and urged SCOR EDC Board to keep up the good work. He also pointed SCOR to some potential options for environmental related projects and for assistance with implementation of the Source Water Protection Plans for conservation authorities in the region

Minster of Economic Development and Employment, offered his assistance on any matter.

Minister of Training Colleges and Universities, , was very positive and will be sending a representative to SCOR EDC to discuss opportunities to improve the educational offerings and permit our youth to get a quality education here at home.

“We met with several Ministries at ROMA and virtually all of them made positive comments regarding our long term vision and commitment to the region. When we have the opportunity to speak to the various ministries it has always been SCOR ‘s practice to not only go with a list of issues, but possible solutions and an absolute willingness to listen, compromise and work together for the good of our region..” comments John Lessif, Chair of SCOR EDC.

Jim Oliver, Vice Chair of SCOR EDC comments, “The meeting with Minister Bradley went well; he was very supportive of our efforts and focus on practical solutions for the region.”

-30- Media Contacts: John Lessif, Chair, SCOR EDC Phone: 519-688-3009 ext 3234 Jim Oliver, Vice Chair, SCOR EDC Phone: 519-428-1297.

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South Central Ontario Region Economic Development Corporation (SCOR) 4 Elm Street, Tillsonburg, ON N4G 0C4, P: 519-842-6333 F: 519-842-7123 E: [email protected] www.scorregion.com www.scorbusinessportal.com

In photo from left to right: Mayor Dennis Travale - SCOR EDC Past Chair, Mayor Ron Eddy - SCOR EDC Board member, Minister of Environment Jim Bradley, Deputy Mayor Chuck Hall - SCOR EDC Treasurer, Art Lawson-SCOR EDC General Manager, Deputy Mayor Jim Oliver- SCOR EDC Vice Chair