Nature’s Finest Produce in Pain Court is benefitting from funding from the provincial and federal governments.
Up to $150,000 in government funds are on the way through the Food Safety and Growth Initiative to the company.
This support will help enhance food safety and traceability at the local agribusiness by funding the purchase of an automatic carrot bagger and an optical automatic grader.
These upgrades will enable Nature’s Farm to improve production efficiency and position the business for long-term sustainable growth while protecting local jobs, according to a provincial media release.
“By supporting Nature’s Finest Produce through the Food Safety and Growth Initiative, our government is taking bold steps to protect Ontario’s agri-food sector and foster prosperity in Chatham-Kent,” said MPP Trevor Jones, Chatham-Kent-Leamington, in a media release. “This investment will protect local agri-food jobs in the face of external threats. Together, we’re building a stronger, more competitive agri-food industry that delivers safe, world-class products to our communities and beyond.”
The Food Safety and Growth Initiative will invest up to $4.4 million across Ontario’s $51 billion agri-food industry to help eligible food processors, producers and service providers adopt new food safety and traceability equipment, technologies, and standards, while providing essential training for employees.
This initiative was open to food businesses with fewer than 100 employees and is funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial, and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agri-food sector.
Cogeco offers cell service
Cogeco has entered the mobility world.
It launched new mobile services recently in Quebec and Ontario, and chose Chatham-Kent as one of its launch areas.
A complete rollout to all Cogeco markets, which will provide more wireless choices to millions of Canadian consumers, is planned for fall 2025.
“For almost 70 years, Cogeco has been deeply rooted in regional markets. The launch of Cogeco Mobile is not just a new chapter, it’s a bold declaration of our unwavering commitment to be a competitive force in Canada,” said Frédéric Perron, president and CEO, in a media release.
Plans are starting at $0 for the first year in a limited-time offer.
Strike at Dajcor
Employees at Dajcor Aluminum went on strike last week.
The employees reportedly walked out after their union, Unifor Local 127, learned the company was planning on removing equipment from the Chatham operation.
“Any attempt to remove equipment from a Unifor facility or bring in scabs will always be met with the swiftest possible response from our union,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne in a media release. “This is a clear case of escalation that calls for action. Our members have every right to defend their jobs, their plant, and their community from these deceitful tactics.”
Earlier in the week, workers voted to reject a tentative agreement.
Picsume partners with C-K Chamber
The Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce has entered a new strategic partnership with Picsume, an award winning Canadian workforce technology company, aimed at transforming the way local employers attract and hire talent while supporting job seekers with modern, accessible tools.
This collaboration introduces Pathfinder Connect – a dedicated job network powered by Picsume.
Designed to support workforce growth across the region, Pathfinder Connect allows Chamber members to post jobs at no cost, while job seekers gain access to free tools to stand out and take control of their job search.
“Having grown up in Blenheim, it’s incredibly rewarding to be able to support the growth of business and opportunity in Chatham-Kent,” said Jordan Goure, president and CEO of Picsume, in a media release.
Key benefits of the partnership include job board access, customized hiring tools for members, and Employment Standards Act compliance aid.
Through this partnership, the Chamber is strengthening its role as a champion for business and workforce development in the region – bringing technology and opportunity together under one locally-branded solution.
“The launch of Pathfinder Connect reflects our ongoing commitment to support and grow Chatham-Kent’s business community,” said Rory Ring, president and CEO of the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce.
- Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in The Chatham Voice that highlights some of the achievements made and efforts underway in Chatham-Kent’s business community. Send your information to [email protected].
