North Bay

The Mattawa area was hit hard when its major industry closed its doors about five years ago. “We went from 1,100 jobs to 600 jobs. We lost half our labour force,” said Robert Corriveau, mayor of Papineau-Cameron Twp.

Rick Lemieux is no stranger to start­ing up businesses. The founder of RDH Mining Equipment in Sudbury , Rock-Tech and the Saenchiur Flechey Resort on Lake Nipissing knows what it takes to make a fledgling business grow into a successful one.

North Bay 's Jack Garland Airport received FedNor funding more than $218,000 for infrastructure upgrades. Nipissing–Timiskaming MP Jay Aspin delivered the news March 8 on behalf of the Tony Clement, Minister for FedNor.

Vested Interest, Lefebvre's Source for Adventure and The Abbey eager to return to downtown home

Schauenburg Industries has had a presence in North Bay since 1969, but its profile has been very low key. However, in the past two-and-a-half years, it has doubled its workforce, doubled its sales, and expanded its footprint.

North Bay’s economic development department may have a new team, but it has set its sights on two big initiatives this year – the city’s new airport industrial business park and the downtown.

An MPP is surveying small business owners to find what obstacles are hamper­ing them. “When you look at small business­es, they are the backbone of the econ­omy in most communities,” said Vic Fedeli , Nipissing MPP.

Quality Hardwoods in Powassan is looking eastward for new markets. After surviving the lumber slump that started about five years ago, the company is finding new customers in Asia.

The Ontario Northland Railway unions are hoping a new premier will mean a new fate for the business lines of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC).

North Bay Mayor Al McDonald was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for his leadership and dedication to the North Bay community, as well as his distinguished service to Canada.