Town needs to be proactive and establish a development commission

There are no words or explanations to measure the impact of the planned Diageo plant closure on their works and their families. Communities such as ours has been built on jobs, which is the primary component of a healthy and vibrant community.

Amherstburg residents are in total support with the effort underway to fight and keep these jobs in our community. The impact of losing these jobs is more than the workers effected. The revenue loss to our treasury and public utility are significant. The possible loss of rail line service can have an impact on the future manufacturing and redevelopment. The Essex Rail Line is the only piece of infrastructure left to service Amherstburg and the only hope that we have left to attract redevelopment.

Calverts, now Diageo, has been long-standing pillars in our community. The business environment requires frequent consultation to where and how we can assist in co-ordinating with other levels of governments to encourage investment in our community.

I have said this in the past – it is never too late for council to name a development commission of local business leaders for the purpose of attracting and retaining the main components of economic development. It reassures investors that Amherstburg is a great place to invest and do business with friendly and cordial people with a policy to advise, direct and assist at every level.

We are a secondary market with a strong commitment for growth. Diageo closing would be devastating to our local economy. A possible Diageo closing would have a negative impact on a market study. It considers demographic and population growth, not in our favour at this time.

We have been here before. Too many closures left us with a graveyard of failed companies and major jobs lost. We have since recovered. Our community has shown to be strong and resilient. What is needed is proactive leadership. This is not an option. We can do better.

—Frank Cerasa

Amherstburg

Town needs to be proactive and establish a development commission