CFDCs provide local solutions for local economies.

• Position: CORPORATE PROFILE - Community Futures Development Corporations

With more than 24 in Northern Ontario, Community Futures Development Corporations are well-positioned to offer local solutions to local needs

Canoe company making waves

In September 1985, Keith and Arlene Robinson gave birth to their new business Souris River Canoes in Souris, Man. The company manufactured 30 to 40 canoes per year. In 1992 they relocated to Atikokan, drawn by the community's proximity to Quetico Provincial Park. They felt this new location would be advantageous for breaking into the U. S. market.

Souris River did everything the hard way. They attempted to manufacture canoes using new technology, which resulted in longer startup times than if they had used existing technologies. Every step of the way was learned through trial and error.

The company has succeeded in formulating a safe system to work with epoxy resin where no other canoe manufacturer has been able to, due to difficulties with allergies.

The company productivity level has increased each year to over 500 canoes in 2003.

The Atikokan Economic Development Corp. has assisted this exciting company since its inception through financial, business and exporting advice.

CFDC supporting innovation

Alfa Products International recently launched its new BUTTSTOP outdoor ashtray.

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Aesthetically pleasing, the BUTTSTOP is a simple, safe solution to cigarette butt litter on sidewalks and in public spaces.

The BUTTSTOP features include low-cost maintenance and litter-fire prevention, is robust, safe and secure.

Manufactured in Thunder Bay, the BUTTSTOP complements Alfa's line of in-ground waste management containers and self-watering planters that have been installed in municipalities across North America, including Florida, the Carolina's, Toronto and Vancouver and locally in Thunder Bay. Greenstone and Marathon.

Thunder Bay Ventures provided financial assistance to the company to help the company in its marketing efforts.

Found Aircraft takes flight

Just a few short years ago only nine Bush Hawks remained in use in the rugged wilderness this all Canadian icon was designed to work in. Now, 40 years later, one of its original designers, Bud Found, has brought the aircraft back into production at the Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport under the banner of Found Aircraft Canada Inc.

To say Bud "simply refined its 1950 design" is to greatly underscore the tenacity that Found has brought to this endeavour. With assistance from the Parry Sound Area Community...