Mayor's Report
Entrepreneurs abound in our own back yard
By Marolyn Morrison

May 30, we held the 6th Mayor's Business Breakfast at Caledon Woods Golf Club. The event was sponsored by Panattoni, and Donna Messer from ConnectUs Communications Canada was our guest speaker.

There were more than 130 in attendance from various businesses and organizations located in Caledon or the surrounding area. This was a great opportunity for businesses to come together and learn something from one another and our guest speaker.

Donna Messer is an author, speaker and trainer for ConnectUs Communications Canada. She successfully combines interactive training, strategic planning and an exploration of the natural fears of networking, while providing techniques that can be used immediately.

Since founding ConnectUs, Donna has played a critical and active role in introducing networking training to the curriculum of colleges and universities, board rooms and government offices throughout Canada, the United States and Europe.

The morning was great fun and the knowledge gained, will stay with me forever. Networking is very important for everyone and in order to be successful, you must build relationships. Networking is only beneficial when all parties involved can gain.

As your mayor, my day always consists of networking and it always amazes me the talent that our residents possess. Recently, I attended the grand opening of Seoul City Tae Kwon Do, located in Bolton. Can you believe that they actually requested that I come forward and split a board in half with my bare hands? What's more, can you actually believe that I did it! (I have the board proudly displayed in my office and the bruise on my wrist to prove it). The owner is now involved with two successful businesses in our community. His devotion to our community speaks volumes and I wish him and his team all the best.

Entrepreneurs can be found at every corner. Just this weekend, I received an e-mail from a resident who is continuing on Caledon's 'green' theme and designed a new eco-product - Nature's Dryer. Debra Jones, president of Design Assistance, created this product, which is landscape metal art that mimics a leafless deciduous tree that can accommodate a load of laundry. What a great idea, this product marries art, garden décor and best of all, reduces our reliance on electricity. For more information on this product, visit www.naturesdryer.com.

I encourage all of you to get to know your neighbours and what is in your back yard - you may be surprised at what you find!