St. Thomas, Ontario -  Community leaders from Elgin had the opportunity to meet with the Minister of FedDev, the honourable Gary Goodyear Tuesday at the CASO Station in St. Thomas.

Minister Goodyear toured St. Thomas with Member of Parliament Joe Preston.  Minister Goodyear had the opportunity to see the highlights of St. Thomas while focusing on the loss of manufacturing jobs in the community and surrounding area.

Minister Goodyear addressed the 7-member working group with representatives from the City of St. Thomas, The County of Elgin and Southwold Township.  Members of the group focused on strategies and opportunities for the region. 

“As a community, it is extremely important that we partner together to create new opportunities and sustainable employment,” said Preston.

The minister advised the group of new funding opportunities announced earlier in the day under FedDev Ontario for the Food and Beverage processing sector. For more information on this funding visit www.southerontario.gc.ca.