Earth Harvest Cafe Owner Running for Mayor

Jim McPherson - Meaford Mayoral Candidate

Jim McPherson – Meaford Mayoral Candidate

First of all, tell us a little about your background and overall platform in 100 words or less.

Firstly, I am a Grey-Bruce small business owner. I and my wife opened the Earth Harvest Cafe in downtown Meaford 10 years ago. Prior to that I was a partner in a residential land-development company in Alberta. I have a degree in journalism and a Masters degree in Public Administration.

People in this community have asked me to run virtually every day since the last election. I understand that people’s pockets are not bottomless. I will ensure all residents can afford to live here and I would like them to be able to work here too. We need to create an environment in which the public is served by an open, accessible and accountable Council and Administration. I want to be a mayor that listens, understands and works together with citizens to achieve successes in our community.

What do you see as the major issue(s) facing business-owners in Grey-Bruce?

Rising input costs are a big issue for businesses everywhere right now. Rising energy costs, rising shipping and transportation costs and in our municipality the added pressure of water/sewer costs and rising municipal taxes. We need to ensure that our citizens and local businesses are not overly burdened.

People in this community have asked me to run virtually every day since the last election.  What strategies do you have in mind to stimulate economic growth in the region?

I think we have to make sure we have an open and accessible administration, understanding and friendly to the needs of business. We also need to attract small to medium businesses to the area to employ local residents. When a resident works in an area, he/she shops in that same area. We want to keep as many dollars circulating here as possible.

Do you feel economic growth should focus on:

A) Bringing in new business developments, or

B) Encouraging small businesses presently in operations?

I think we need to do both — create an environment that attracts new business and maintains and grows the businesses that currently exist in our community.

Do you think local business taxes should be:

A) Increase

B) Decreased

C) Maintained at current levels

I don’t think businesses can afford to have taxes go up. We have to make sure we receive the most from our tax dollars. I believe there was no need to increase the BIA fees by 50%.

Should there be any changes in the services offered to local businesses?

As water/sewer costs have gone up so much in the municipality, I would like to see businesses that purchase greater volumes of water have a better pricing rate. Businesses should get a break in pricing when they bulk purchase greater volumes.

 

Sponsors

Ticker

Learn to Network

Business Networking International (BNI) Sound Networking meets Each Wednesday 7:00 – 8:30 AM at Frog Ponds Cafe

Meet local business people and find out how networking is one of the most effective methods for marketing your business.
Visitors are always welcome, just call ahead to let us know you are coming 519-371-2622.

Business Enterprise Centre Workshops

Basics of Bookkeeping (Three part workshop)
Tuesday September 19th and 26th and Tuesday October 3rd, 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Business Enterprise Centre Training Room $95 (HST included)
Facilitator: Jane Gallagher
This three part Bookkeeping Workshop will allow you to use the tools and information to confidently understand your financial statements and your own books. Class size is limited to 8 to allow a hands-on, individual learning opportunity for everyone.

Business Enterprise Centre Workshops

How to “Really” Start a Business
Wednesday September 20th, 9:00 am – 11:30 am, Bayshore Community Centre
FREE – Pre-registration is required
Facilitator: Cliff Bilyea
Discover the basic steps involved in starting a business, evaluating your idea, determining your market and basic rules and regulations. Attending the is workshop is mandatory for anyone applying to the Starter Company Plus Program.

Business Enterprise Centre Workshops

Introduction to Quick Books (Two part workshop)
Tuesday October 17th and 24th, 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Business Enterprise Centre Training Room, $80 (HST Included)
Instructor: Jane Gallagher
The first session of Quick Books provides participants with an overview and access to a trial version of the program. The second session will be questions and answers to address specific issues. Knowledge of basic bookkeeping principles is required. Limited to 8, you must bring your own laptop. (This workshop does not cover the online version of Quick Books)

Contact

Phone: 519 371 7464
Fax: 519 371 4043
Site: gbbj.biz
Email: editor@gbbj.biz
Address: 1240 2nd Ave E
Owen Sound, ON N4K 2J3

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