Gillespie to Put the Spark in Council

Bobby Gillespie - Owen Sound Council Candidate

Bobby Gillespie – Owen Sound Council Candidate

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

I was born and raised in Owen Sound and have recently retired. I successfully ran an Office equipment company for 20 years, and then two local area golf courses (Sauble and Chippewa) for the next 22 years before retiring. I raised 3 daughters here in town, but they all moved on to London to pursue their careers as they could not find employment in their chosen fields locally.

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

High taxes and lack of co-operation between local business owners and city hall. The lack of high speed broadband internet and poor highway access.

What strategies do you have in mind to stimulate economic growth in the region?

We need to work closely with the surrounding municipalities to attract new business. There should be a joint committee of Owen Sound’s economic development director, a local councillor, a councillor from Georgian Bluffs and a representative from the Chamber of Commerce.

Do you feel economic growth should focus on:

A) Bringing in new business developments, or

B) Encouraging small businesses presently in operations?

We need to work on both sides of this question, both new and existing businesses.

Although we’d all like to see lower taxes, we should try to maintain the current level to provide the level of municipal services require.

Do you think local business taxes should be:

A) Increased

B) Decreased

C) Maintained at current levels

Although we’d all like to see lower taxes, we should try to maintain the current level to provide the level of municipal services require.

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

City Hall should work more closely with the business community, in making major decisions for the city.

 

Sponsors

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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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