FINAL REPORT - United Counties of Prescott and Russell · The concept for “Business Retention and Expansion” (BR+E) is a structured community approach for economic development,

FINAL REPORT

BUSINESS PROFILE..................................................................................................8

Type of Business Ownerships and Operations .............................................8

Core Business Market .............................................................................................9

Involvement of Business Owners in Daily Operations ............................10

Place of Residence of Owners ..........................................................................10

Number of Years in Business Within the Community .............................. 11

Number of Years in Business of Current Owners ...................................... 12

Business Plan ........................................................................................................... 13

Property Title of Primary Facilities ...................................................................14

Business Profile - SWOT ......................................................................................16

A WORD FROM THE MAYOR .............................................................................4

INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................... 5

DEFINITION OF “BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION” ................ 5

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................6

WORKFORCE PROFILE ........................................................................................18

Number of Employees per Business, Including Owners ........................18

Overview of Permanent and Temporary Jobs ............................................19

Change in the Number of Employees Over the Last Three Years .....19

Review of Workforce Attributes ........................................................................21

Recruitment Difficulties ......................................................................................23

Recruitment Methods for New Hires ............................................................27

Retention of Employees ..................................................................................... 28

Participation of Businesses in Co-op, Internship and Apprenticeship Programs ....................................................................... 29

Access to Training ................................................................................................. 30

Workforce - SWOT .............................................................................................. 34

BUSINESS PROFILE

WORKFORCE PROFILE

BUSINESS CLIMATE

FUTURE PROJECTS

MAJOR FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

ACTION PLAN

01

02

03

04

05 06

BUSINESS CLIMATE .............................................................................................. 38

General Perception of the Community as a Business Centre ........................................................................................... 38

Change of Business Stakeholders’ Perception of the Community Over the Last Three Years............................................ 39

Review of Key Community Business Factors .............................................41

Level of Satisfaction for Each Service ............................................................ 43

Industry Perspective of Community Businesses ...................................... 46

Annual Sales .............................................................................................................47

Use of Technology by Community Businesses ......................................... 49

Business Procurement .........................................................................................51

Cooperation Between Businesses ................................................................52

Community Advantages and Disadvantages ..............................................53

Major Changes Within the Business Community Forecasted Over the Next Five Years ............................................................. 54

Support for the Implementation of Operations ........................................ 56

Business Climate - SWOT ...................................................................................57

FUTURE PROJECTS ............................................................................................60

Future Business Plans .........................................................................................60

Expansion .................................................................................................................61

Relocation ................................................................................................................ 66

Future Projects - SWOT ...................................................................................... 68

Table of Contents

PAGE 72 PAGE 74

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A WORD FROM THE MAYOR INTRODUCTION

DEFINITION OF “BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION”

The Russell Township Economic Development Department, in collaboration with the Prescott and Russell Economic Development and Tourism Department (PREDT), conducted 79 interviews from May to October 2017 with business owners in the community specializing in commercial, industrial, agricultural and tourism sectors. Of all businesses listed in 2017, 450 of them conducted operations in the four above-mentioned sectors. Considering the survey sample size, our level of confidence is 95% and the margin of error is 10%.

A simple random stratified sampling method was used to ensure adequate representation of target sectors, prorated by the number of community businesses specializing in these areas. Collected data was then analyzed anonymously by the business community as part of a data review exercise. This survey’s response rate is 72.5%, which was calculated based on empirical research.

In this survey, “region” refers to the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR), as provided for in Statistics Canada’s census division and “community” refers to geographic boundaries of the Russell Township, as provided for in Statistics Canada’s census subdivision. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of regional and local results serves as a point of reference in this survey.

The concept for “Business Retention and Expansion” (BR+E) is a structured community approach for economic development, which is action-oriented to support business development and economy enhancement. This approach promotes business development by helping communities understand local challenges and opportunities that their business community is faced with. The BR+E concept is structured around confidential interviews with business owners. Collected data is then analyzed and action plans in support of retention and expansion of local businesses are developed to highlight not only weaknesses and threats but also strengths and opportunities.

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs launched the BR+E concept in 1998 and since then, more than 230 retention projects were developed by hundreds of communities in the province.

I wish to thank all the Russell Township businesses who participated in the OPRO program. Local businesses are the backbone of our economy. With all the information gathered, our local and regional economic development departments are now able to put forth an action plan with the purpose of providing you the tools for increased success.

Pierre Leroux,

Mayor

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

BUSINESS PROFILE

This project was made possible by the generous financial contributions of collaborators below:

This project was successful with the support of community organizations below:

We would also like to thank all 563 business owners who participated regionally in this survey for their contribution and dedication.

La chambre de commercede Prescott-Russell inc.

The Prescott-RussellChamber of Commerce Inc.

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BUSINESS PROFILE

TYPE OF BUSINESS OWNERSHIPS AND OPERATIONS

Local ownership and operations

at one location

Local ownership and

operations at more than one location

Franchise Regional, national or international business branch

or divisionRussellUCPR

(BI1 – 79 responses)

% o

f b

usi

nes

ses

Type of properties and operations

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%68%

72%

19%16%

6% 6%7% 7%

Locally owned and operated businesses with more than one location have, on average, 3.5 properties. These businesses have at least 2 properties and at most 7 properties.

All franchised businesses have a head office in Ontario.

Regional, national or international business branches or divisions have a head office in Canada, in Toronto, Vars, Limoges and an unknow town, in Alberta.

CORE BUSINESS MARKET

Local

RussellUCPR

Regional

RussellUCPR

National

RussellUCPR

InternationalRussellUCPR


% of businesses

% of businesses

% of businesses

% of businesses

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

54% 29%

0.0%

0.5%

1.0%

1.5%

2.0%

2.5%

3.0%

3.5%

4.0%

3%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

40% 59%

4%

0%

1%

2%

3%

4%

5%

6%

7%

8%

4% 7%

OVERVIEW

In the Russell Township, most businesses are locally owned and conduct operations at one location. However, compared to regional results, the Russell Township has a few more locally owned and operated businesses with more than one location, thereby highlighting the role that occupies the Russell Township as a business centre for nearby communities.

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OVERVIEW

Businesses in the Russell Township operate mainly at a local level (54%). Compared with the UCPR, they conduct much fewer operations regionally and even less abroad.

WEAKNESS ACTION W1-p. 74

OPP.ACTION O1-p. 78

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NUMBER OF YEARS IN BUSINESS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY(BI5 – 79 responses)

Over 35 years

26 -35 years

11-25 years

4-10 years

1-3 years

Less than one year

RussellUCPR

Nu

mb

er o

f ye

ars

% of businesses

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 38%

16%

17%

19%

7%

2%

17%

30%

25%

2%

7%

19%

38%

INVOLVEMENT OF BUSINESS OWNERS IN DAILY OPERATIONS


InvolvedNot involved

Russell7%

93%UCPR4%

96%

PLACE OF RESIDENCE OF OWNERS


In the communityOutside the community

Russell UCPR23%

77%19%

81%

OVERVIEW

In the Russell Township, 81% of businesses have at least one owner who lives within the community. At a regional level, 77% of businesses have at least one owner who lives within the community. Thus, the number of business owners in the Russell Township who live outside the community is lower than in other municipalities of the UCPR.

OVERVIEW

The majority of businesses in the Russell Township have been established for at least 11 to 25 years. Statistics on start-up businesses and businesses that have been established for 1 to 3 years are similar in other regional municipalities. However, compared to the UCPR, the low number of businesses that have been established for over 35 years in the Russell Township represents a challenge for succession planning.

A vast majority (96%) of business owners in the Russell Township participate in daily business operations. Only 4% of owners do not participate. Compared to the UCPR, business owners in the Russell Township are slightly more involved in daily business operations than their regional counterparts.

OVERVIEW BU

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In the Russell Township, 62% of business owners will soon need to begin succession planning. Compared to the UCPR, results are similar.

NUMBER OF YEARS IN BUSINESS OF CURRENT OWNERS(BI6 – 79 responses)

Over 35 years

26 -35 years

11-25 years

4-10 years

1-3 years

Less than one year

RussellUCPR

Nu

mb

er o

f ye

ars

% of businesses

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 34%

10%

18%

34%

3%

10%

25%

24%

32%

3%

11%

17%

13%

BUSINESS PLAN

Do Companies Have a Business Plan?

(BI4-A – 79 responses)

% of businesses

NO YESRussellNO YESUCPR

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

42%

48%

58%

52%

When Was It Last Updated?

(BI4-B – 44 responses)

Over 5 years

4-5 years

1-3 years

Less than 1 year

RussellUCPR

Nu

mb

er o

f ye

ars

% of businesses

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%

11%

64%

23%

31%

50%

14%2%

5%

OVERVIEW

In the Russell Township, 42% of business owners do not have a business plan. Though this percentage is worrisome, regional results are similar. Furthermore, business owners in the Russell Township who have a business plan seem to keep it updated, at least every three years. In the last year, 64% of business owners updated their business plan.

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THREATACTION T1-p. 82

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PROPERTY TITLE OF PRIMARY FACILITIES

(BD8-A – 79 responses)

OwnLease

Russell25%

75%UCPR29%71%

When Does the Current Lease Term End?

(BD8-B – 20 responses)

Over 3 years

2-3 years

Next year

This year

RussellUCPR

Nu

mb

er o

f ye

ars

% of businesses

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 45%

40%

20%

20% 43%

20%

20%

18%

19%

Do Businesses Anticipate Having Problems with Lease Renewal?

(BD8-C – 23 responses)

YesNo

Russell UCPR91%

9%

96%4%

Other

• Fear of a significant rent increase

OVERVIEW

In the Russell Township, 71% of business owners have purchased their location. Furthermore, 29% of owners are leasing their location and 60% of them will be renewing their term within the next three years. Some owners expect their monthly rent to be significantly increased.

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WORKFORCE PROFILE02

BUSINESS PROFILE - SWOT

STRENGTHS

• 96% of business owners are involved in daily operations. (BI2)

• 81% of business owners live in the community. (BI3)

• The majority of business owners have been in operation for over 11 years. (BI5)

• 64% of business owners who have a business plan updated it within the last three years, and many of them updated it in the last year. (BI4)

• 71% of business owners purchased their property. (BD8)

WEAKNESSES

• 94% of business owners operate locally and regionally. Diversification on national and international markets would be beneficial. (BI9)

• 28% of business owners have been at the head of operations for 26 years and over. (BI6)

• 60% of business owners who are leasing a property will need to renew their term within the next three years, and some owners fear a significant increase of their monthly rent. (BD8)

OPPORTUNITY

• 87% of businesses are owned and operated locally with one or more locations. Though this percentage is similar to regional results, the Township would benefit from attracting more national or international business branches or divisions. (BI1)

THREATS

• The percentage of businesses who have been in operation for over 35 years (10%) is lower than the regional average. This could indicate a problematic with owners' ability to complete succession planning. (BI6)

• 42% of business owners do not have a business plan. (BI4)

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OVERVIEW OF PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY JOBS

(BI8)

Full-time permanentPart-time permanentTemporary/seasonal

Russell24%

8%

68%UCPR29%67%

4%

CHANGE IN THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS

(WF1-A – 79 responses) IncreasedDecreased

Unchanged

% o

f em

plo

yees

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

57%

4%

35%

53%

11%

36%

Russell UCPR

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES PER BUSINESS, INCLUDING OWNERS

RussellUCPR

Number of employees: 1 to 4

RussellUCPR


RussellUCPR


RussellUCPR


RussellUCPR


RussellUCPR


RussellUCPR



% of businesses

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

0%

3%

6%

9%

12%

15%

0%

1%

2%

3%

4%

5%

6%

0.0%

0.5%

1.0%

1.5%

2.0%

2.5%

3.0%

3.5%

4.0%

0.0%

0.5%

1.0%

1.5%

2.0%

2.5%

3.0%

41%41%0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

23%22% 16%16% 8%13%

6%4% 4%3% 2%3%

WORKFORCE PROFILE

OVERVIEW

79% of business owners in the Russell Township have between 1 and 19 employees, similarly to business owners in other regional communities. The Russell Township also has businesses with 20 to 29 employees, which represent a 5% increase compared with regional data. The Russell Township does, however, have fewer businesses with 30 employees and over compared with other regional communities, except for the number of businesses with 100 to 299 employees, which is greater in the Russell Township.

OVERVIEW

The share of full-time permanent jobs in the community is 67% and the share of part-time permanent jobs is 29%. The low percentage of temporary or seasonal jobs (4%) puts the community in a very favorable position because citizens have access to many permanent jobs. Compared to the UCPR, results are quite similar, except for the share of temporary or seasonal jobs, which is 4% lower than regional results.

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REVIEW OF WORKFORCE ATTRIBUTES

Availability of Qualified Workers

(WF2 – 79 responses)

Good to excellentFairPoor

Russell33%

27%UCPR

24%

32%22%

28%

Number of Jobs Created and Lost in the Last Three Years

(WF1-A)

18 263

Number of jobs lost in the last three years

Number of jobs created in the last three years

Reasons for the Loss and Creation of Jobs

Loss of jobs

• Relocating operations outside the community

• Changes in the business community

• New contractors

Creation of jobs

• Increase in demand and sales

• Business expansion

• Management of increased workload

• Government support

• Strategic planning

• Community development

(WF1-B)

OVERVIEW

54% of business owners in the Russell Township do not properly assess the availability of qualified workers. Of this percentage, 32% of owners consider the availability of qualified workers as poor. These statistics apply not only to the Russell Township, but also similarly to the entire region. However, the availability of qualified workers is lower than regional results.OVERVIEW

In the last three years, 35% of employers in the community hired new employees; 57% made no changes to their existing employee base; and 4% shed jobs. More specifically, 263 jobs were created compared to 18 jobs that were lost. In contrast with the UCPR, employers in the community showed an increase of 1% in the creation of jobs. They also showed a decrease of 7% in the shedding of jobs during the same period. In summary, the ability of employers to create new jobs, as well as the low number of lost jobs represent strengths for the community.

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Ability to Retain New Employees


Good to excellentFair to poor

Russell 30%UCPR 51%45% 30%

RECRUITMENT DIFFICULTIES

Are Business Owners Currently Experiencing Recruitment Difficulties?

YES NORussellYES NOUCPR

(WF3-A – 77 responses)

% of businesses

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

38% 62%

55%45%

Workforce Stability



Russell 47%UCPR37%

52% 25%

Ability to Attract New Employees



Russell 33%UCPR 50%33%

41%

41% of employers in the community assess their ability to attract new employees as “fair to poor”. Compared to regional results, employers in the Russell Township rate their ability to attract new employees more positively.

OVERVIEW

52% of employers in the community consider the stability in the workforce as satisfactory. Compared to regional results, the Russell Township seems to be in a slightly better position in this regard.

OVERVIEWOVERVIEW

30% of employers assess the community’s ability to retain new employees as “fair to poor”. This percentage is identical to regional results. That said, less business owners in the Russell Township (6%) rate their ability to retain new employees as “good to excellent”, compared with all employers within the UCPR.

OVERVIEW

38% of business owners in the Russell Township are currently experiencing recruitment difficulties. Compared to the UCPR, this percentage is 7% lower, thereby representing a strength for the community.

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OVERVIEW

63% of employers in the Russell Township consider that recruitment difficulties are related to the industry rather than the community. Compared to the UCPR, fewer employers (6%) consider recruitment difficulties to be related to the community, which represents a strength for the Russell Township.

Are Recruitment Difficulties Specifically Related to the Community or Industry?

(WF3-C – 35 responses)

CommunityIndustry

Russell 43%UCPR 57%37% 63%

What Recruitment Difficulties Are Businesses Experiencing?

Insu�cient number of candidates

Lack of training/

appropriate skills

Lack of relevant

experience

Other

RussellUCPR

(WF3-B – 51 responses)

Recruitment di�culties

% o

f b

usi

nes

ses

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%31% 32% 33%

31%

10% 10%

25%

27%

Other

• Difficulty convincing qualified workers to move to Russell

• Operational requirements

• Business hours

• No overtime available

OVERVIEW

In order of importance, difficulties that businesses in the Russell Township are having are the lack of appropriate skill sets, the insufficient number of available candidates and the lack of relevant experience. Some employers have also raised issues in regard to the potential move of candidates within the community, operational requirements, business hours and inability to offer overtime.

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RECRUITMENT METHODS FOR NEW HIRES

How Do Business Owners in the Russell Township Hire New Employees?


RecommendationsPersonal network

Social mediaEmployment centres

and websitesUnsolicited résumés

Local mediaCompany website

On-site postersOther

Recruitment firms

Russell

17%

13%12%

10%

20%

8%

6%

6%

5%3%

Other

• La Cité collégiale

• Students from schools and colleges offering appropriate programs

• Clients

• Human resources department

How Do Business Owners in the UCPR Hire New Employees?

UCPR

(WF4)18%

17%

15%12%

10%

9%

7%

4%

4% 4%

RecommendationsPersonal network

Employment centresand websites

Unsolicited résumésSocial mediaLocal media

Company websiteRecruitment firms

On-site postersOther

Difficult Positions to Fill in the Community

Stream 1

• Technician (mechanic, electrical mechanic and heavy equipment mechanic)

• Architect

• Hairdresser (stylist)

• Martial arts instructor

• Massage therapist

• Early childhood educator

• Farm worker (milking cows)

• Labourer

• Manufacturer

• Salesperson

• Client service representative

• Financial advisor

• Cook and assistant cook

• Culinary chef

• Tinsmith

• Welder

• Manager

Stream 2

• Animal food specialist

• Server

• Heavy equipment parts salesperson

• Truck mechanic

• Truck driver

• Marketing specialist

• Manager

Stream 3

• Industrial installer

• Metal fabricator

(WF3-D)

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RETENTION OF EMPLOYEES

Do Business Owners Have a Difficult Time Keeping Their Employees?


Russell UCPR

YesNo

13% 17% 83%87%

Why Are They Having a Difficult Time Keeping Their Employees?


RussellUCPR % of businesses

Di�

cult

ies

Salary

Competition

Seasonal

Work environ-

ment

Other

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

29%

14%

18%43%

16%

16%

23%

0%

14%

27%

Workplace (please specify)

• Repetitive duties

• Exposure to heat

• Long hours of work and demanding physical duties

Other

• Long hours of work

• Duties are more demanding than expected

• Lack of qualification

• Type of work

• Young workers move outside the community

(WF5-B)

PARTICIPATION OF BUSINESSES IN CO-OP, INTERNSHIP AND APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS


Russell 37%UCPR 63%

InvolvedNot involved

35% 65%

If so, please specify.

• Co-op programs in partnership with local high schools

• Co-op programs with colleges and universities (Algonquin, St-Thomas, RHS)

• Prescott-Russell Employment Service Centre

• Apprenticeship programs (plumbing, air conditionning, tinsmith)

• Technician program provided by the Government

OVERVIEW

87% of employers in the community indicate that they have no difficulty retaining employees. Employers who are experiencing issues say that the main causes are salary, difficult working conditions, lack of qualification and difficulty retaining young people in the region. Though employers in the Russell Township seem to be experiencing fewer problems retaining employees than other employers within the UCPR, their chal-lenges are related to the community.

Employers in the community most often hire employees through recommendations, unsolicited résumés and social media. In contrast, they rarely hire new employees through employment firms, “Now Hiring” posters and company websites. Compared to the UCPR, results are similar.

OVERVIEW

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• Online training (ongoing training)

• Training offered by providers

• Design training

• Forklift truck driver licence training

• Training provided by Invest Ottawa

• Training provided by colleges (La Cité collégiale and Algonquin)

• Training on farm management

• Training on finance, compilation and accounting procedures

• Training on interrelationships

• Culinary training

• Training on nutrition

• Training on coaching

• Training through videos

• Training provided by various banks

• Training on leadership and management

• Training provided by the Ontario College of Trades

• Training provided by the Canadian Red Cross

• Training on insemination of cows

• Training provided by a franchise

• Specialized training

• Hairdresser training

• First Aid training (CPR)

• Health and safety training

• Training provided the United Counties of Prescott and Russell

• Manufacturer training

If Not, Would Business Owners Like to Receive Information on Co-op, Internship or Apprenticeship Programs?


Russell 31%UCPR 69%

YesNo

35% 55%

ACCESS TO TRAINING

Are Business Owners Currently Participating in External Training Programs?


Russell 50%UCPR 50%

YesNo

47% 53%

OVERVIEW

35% of business owners in the community use co-op, internship or apprenticeship programs. These programs are offered by high schools, colleges and universities. Of all business owners who do not participate in these programs, 35% are interested in receiving additional information in this respect.

OVERVIEW

47% of business owners in the community are currently participating in an external training program. Compared to the UCPR, business owners in the Russell Township are slightly less likely to take external training courses.

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Are There Any Barriers Preventing Employees or Business Owners from Receiving Required Training?


Russell 22%UCPR 78%

YesNo

20%80%

Barriers to Receiving Required Training

Cost Awareness to available

training programs

Awareness to training

support programs

Availability of on-site training

Impossible to release

sta�

Other


RussellUCPR Barriers

% o

f b

usi

nes

ses

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35% 33%

28%

11% 10%

22%

24%

18%

10%

15%

7%

11%10%

Are There Training Programs or Themes That May Be Useful to Business Owners or Their Employees?


Russell 40%UCPR 60%

YesNo

31% 69%


• Agriculture (improvements to milking processes, animal health, technology based on major crop operations)

• Client services

• Management

• Accounting

• Business development and expansion

• Sales techniques

• Website

• Employee supervision

• Leadership

• Social media

• Health and safety, CPR and defibrillator

• Government programs for businesses

• Manufacturing sector

• SmartServe

• Co-op programs provided by La Cité collégiale

OVERVIEW

80% of business owners in the community do not consider being faced with barriers to training access. In contrast, business owners who are experiencing barriers in this respect (20%) indicate that training costs are the main issue.

OVERVIEW

69% of business owners in the community did not mention any training programs and/or themes that may be useful. Those who answered positively (31%) did indicate, however, that it would be useful to receive training in the above-mentioned fields. Compared to the UCPR, businesses in the Russell Township seem to be having more difficulty determining which training programs and/or themes may be useful.

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WORKFORCE - SWOT (CONT'D)WORKFORCE - SWOT

STRENGTHS• There are many medium-sized businesses (20 to 29 employees) in the Russell Township. (BI7)

• The low share of temporary or seasonal jobs (4%) puts the community in a highly favorable position because citizens have access to many permanent jobs. (BI8)

• 67% of jobs in the community are full-time permanent and 29% are part-time permanent. (BI8)

• Over the last three years, 92% of businesses in the Russell Township hired new employees or made no changes to their existing employee base. (WF1)

• 63% of employers in the Russell Township consider their recruitment difficulties to be related to the industry, not the community. (WF3)

• 87% of employers in the Russell Township say that they have no difficulty retaining their employees. (WF5)

• 80% of employers in the Russell Township say that there aren't any barriers preventing them from taking any training. (WF8)

WEAKNESSES• There are less businesses with 30 employees or more in the Russell Township, compared to other regional communities, except for businesses with 100 to 299 employees, which there are more of in the Russell Township. (BI7)

• 41% of employers in the Russell Township consider their ability to attract new employers as "fair to poor". (WF2)

• 45% of employers in the Russell Township consider the community's ability to retain new employees as "good to excellent". (WF2)

• The difficulties that business owners in the Russell Township are experiencing are, in order of importance, the lack of appropriate skill sets, the insufficient number of candidates and the lack of relevant experience. (WF3)

OPPORTUNITIES• 52% of employers in the Russell Township consider the stability of workforce as satisfactory. (WF2)

• 38% of employers in the Russell Township are currently experiencing recruitment difficulties. (WF3)

• 45% of employers in the Russell Township who do not use co-op, internship or apprenticeship programs say that they would like to receive additional information in this respect. (WF6)

• 47% of employers in the Russell Township are currently participating in an external training program. (WF7)

• 31% of employers in the Russell Township suggested training themes that would be useful to them and their employees. (WF9)

THREAT• 54% of employers in the Russell Township do not assess adequately the availability of qualified workers. (WF2)

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INTRODUCTION CHANGE OF BUSINESS STAKEHOLDERS’ PERCEPTION OF THE COMMUNITY OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS

RussellUCPR

(BC2 – 79 responses)

More positive

perception

More negative

perception

Unchanged

% of businesses

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

53%

13%

19%

35%

27%

54%

Reasons Explaining the Change in Perception

The favourable change in perception

• Community development (residential developments, businesses, population, expansion of water and sewer services, local economy, etc.)

• Commercial development (near Highway 417)

• Municipality efforts for recognition and support of local businesses (networking events)

• Significant community promotion efforts (publicity and networking events)

• Good business climate

• Good welcome from elected leaders and the community

• Available financial support

• Good licensing process

• Good signage

• Bilingualism

• Expansion of water and sewer services

• Community recognition, engagement and participation

• Growing interest in local businesses

• New projects

GENERAL PERCEPTION OF THE COMMUNITY AS A BUSINESS CENTRE

UCPRExcellentGoodFairPoor

22%

55%

19%

4%

UCPR


25%

58%

14%

3%

Russell

RussellExcellentGoodFairPoor

OVERVIEW

83% of employers in the Russell Township have a good or excellent perception of the community as a business centre. Furthermore, 17% of employers rated their perception of the Russell Township as a business centre as fair or poor. Compared to regional results, the number of businesses in the Russell Township that rated their perception of the community as fair or poor is lower, which represents a strength for the community.

BUSINESS CLIMATE

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REVIEW OF KEY COMMUNITY BUSINESS FACTORS

GOOD• Workforce

• Local streets and roads *See note 1

• Regional and provincial roads and highways

• Proximity of railway and airport services

• Availability of medical and health services *See note 2

• Quality of living

• Availability of suitable housing units

• Support from the municipal administration *See note 3

• Support from other businesses

• Support from residents

• Cellphone services

• Internet services *See note 4

• Water and wastewater facilities *See note 5

• Availability of appropriate power supply

• Availability of natural gas *See note 6

• Cost of natural gas

• Workforce

• Availability of developed land

• Offices available for lease or purchase

• Process for issuing building permits and developing land

• Fees and development charges

• Local streets and roads

• Regional and provincial roads and highways

• Proximity of railway and airport services

• Availability of medical and health services

• Quality of living

• Availability of suitable housing units

• Support from the municipal administration

• Support from other businesses

• Support from residents

• Cellphone services

• Internet services

• Water and wastewater facilities

• Water and sewer charges

• Availability of appropriate power supply

• Availability of natural gas * Good to excellent

• Cost of natural gas

RUSSELL UCPR

The unfavourable change in perception

• Lack of municipal support for businesses

• Lack of community support for local businesses

• Water and sewer services (some citizens do not want to pay for these services because they have a well and/or sanitary facilities)

• Bilingual signage

• Services/cost ratio of municipal tax rates in Embrun

• Strong competition

• Easier to do business in Ottawa than locally

• Bureaucracy of the Building Department

(BC2)

OVERVIEW

In the last three years, 53% of business owners’ perception of the community remained the same; 35% of business owners had a positive perception of the community; and 13% of business owners had a negative perception of the community. Compared to the UCPR, more business owners in the Russell Township changed their perception in a positive way (8%) than in the entire region. Similarly, 6% less business owners say they’ve changed their perception of the community in a negative way, compared to all business owners at regional level. B

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FAIR• Cost of land

• Fees and development charges

• Municipal property taxes

• Cost of land

• Municipal property taxes

RUSSELL UCPR

POOR• Availability of

developed land

• Offices available for lease or purchase

• Process for issuing building permits and developing land *See note 8

• Water and wastewater facilities

• Cost of electricity

• Cost of electricity

RUSSELL UCPR


Notes* :

1. Local streets and roads: i. Notre-Dame Street could be further improved (sewer and water system, sidewalks).

2. Availability of health and medical services:i. Need for doctors; andii. No available medical services on the weekends.

3. Support from the municipal administration: i. Posting regulations are too strict; and ii. Development of policies promoting local purchasing

by the Municipality.

4. Internet services: i. Interest for Fibre Internet services; andii. Existing services need to be improved.

5. Water and wastewater facilities: i. Facilities should be developed this summer.

6. Availability of natural gas: i. Interest for natural gas.

7. Cost of land: i. Cost of land is too high.

8. Licensing process:i. Delays for building permits are too long.

LEVEL OF SATISFACTION FOR EACH SERVICE

Community Services

NO USE• Childcare services

• Post-secondary education

• Eastern Ontario Training Board

• Hawkesbury and Region Chamber of Commerce

• Prescott-Russell Chamber of Commerce

• Clarence-Rockland Chamber of Commerce

• Vankleek Hill Business and Merchant Association

• Prescott-Russell Community Development Corporation

• Contak Staffing Solutions

• Prescott-Russell Employment Services Centre

• Prescott and Russell Entrepreneurship Centre

• Prescott-Russell Tourism

• Prescott-Russell Entrepreneurial Academy

• Eastern Ontario Agri-Food Network

• Childcare services

• Post-secondary education

• Eastern Ontario Training Board

• Hawkesbury and Region Chamber of Commerce

• Prescott-Russell Chamber of Commerce

• Clarence-Rockland Chamber of Commerce

• Vankleek Hill Business and Merchant Association


• Contak Staffing Solutions

• Prescott and Russell Entrepreneurship Centre

• Prescott-Russell Tourism

• Prescott-Russell Entrepreneurial Academy

• Eastern Ontario Agri-Food Network

RUSSELL UCPR

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FAIR• Street and road repairs • N/A

RUSSELL UCPR

POOR• Planning, engineering,

zoning and building permits

• Public transportation *See note 5

• N/A

RUSSELL UCPR


Notes* :

1. Fire services: i. Centralized system causes delays, which is a problem.

2. Recreation facilities: i. Private daycares do not have access to recreation facilities.

3. Parks and green spaces: i. Embellishment of vacant land on Main Street.

4. Snow removal: i. Insufficient snow removal on Notre-Dame Street.

5. Waste and recycling collection: i. Unlike before, businesses must pay to have their waste containers emptied; andii. It would be beneficial to offer compost services.

6. Public transportation: i. Local public transportation services are lacking.

GOOD• Elementary and

secondary schools • Elementary and secondary

schools

• Prescott-Russell Employment Services Centre

RUSSELL UCPR


Municipal Services

EXCELLENT• Library services • N/A

RUSSELL UCPR

GOOD• Health services and

approvals from sanitary units

• Police services

• Fire services *See note 1

• Recreation facilities *See note 2

• Cultural facilities

• Parks and green spaces *See note 3

• Snow removal *See note 3

• Waste and recycling collection *See note 4

• Economic development services

• Planning, engineering, zoning and building permits

• Health services and approvals from sanitary units

• Police services

• Fire services

• Library services

• Recreation facilities

• Cultural facilities

• Parks and green spaces

• Street and road repairs

• Snow removal

• Waste and recycling collection

• Economic development services

• Public transportation

RUSSELL UCPR

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INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE OF COMMUNITY BUSINESSES

RussellUCPR

(BD1 – 79 responses)

Growth

Decline

Stability

Uncertainty

% of businesses

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

50%

48%

4%

3%

10%

5%46%

35%

Reasons for Growth and Decline Prospects

Growth prospects

• Increased clientele and operations

• Growth of the population

• Increased demand for products and services

• Growth in Internet sales

• Quality of products and services

• Growing housing market

• Babyboom generation

• Good marketing

• Demand from clients for organic and natural products

• Population awareness to benefits of buying locally

• Distribution network

• Good business administration

• Efforts in promoting benefits of a healthy diet

• Space requirements

• Proximity to the greater Ottawa region

Decline prospects

• New legislation that governs training standards for specific professions

• Competition from big box stores

ANNUAL SALES

RussellUCPR


$0 to $99,999

$100,000 to $249,999

$250,000 to $499,999

$500,000 to $999,999

$1,000,000 to

$4,999,999

$5,000,000 to

$9,999,999

$10,000,000 +

Prefer not to

answer

% of businesses

An

nu

al S

ales

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

16%

10%

10%

11%

14%

22%

13%

20%

21%

14%

9%

14%

10%

4%

7%

4%

OVERVIEW

94% of businesses in the community are in stable or growing markets. Compared to the UCPR, businesses in the Russell Township seem to be in more stable markets than their regional counterparts.

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USE OF TECHNOLOGY BY COMMUNITY BUSINESSES

RussellUCPR


Very high

High

Moderate

Low

Very low

% of businesses

Use

of

tech

no

log

y

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%

36%

31%

18%

11%

34%

18%

31%

4%

10%

6%

Estimated Annual Sales in the Coming Year

RussellUCPR


Increase

Decrease

Unchanged

Don’t know

% of businesses

Pro

ject

ion

s

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

45%

38%

46%

42%

0%

16%

4%

9%

Reasons for Growth and Decline Prospects

Growth prospects

• Increase and stability of clientele

• Growth of population

• Growth of the local economy

• Increased demand for products and services

• Community support for local businesses

• Enhanced cooperation

• Extended business hours

• Quality of products and services

• Good distribution network

• Efficient marketing

• Introduction of a new range of products and services

• Business expansion

• Employee training

• Strategic planning

• Partnering with a franchise

Decline prospects

• Minimum salary increase

• Electricity cost increase

OVERVIEW

In the Russell Township, 41% of businesses achieve annual sales of over $500,000. It should be noted that, compared to the UCPR, the Russell Township has twice as many businesses achieving annual sales of over $10,000,000. Similarly, 38% of businesses in the community estimate that sales will remain stable; 46% estimate that sales will increase; and no business anticipates a decline in sales. Compared to the UCPR, the percentage of businesses in the community that estimate an increase in sales is slightly higher. In contrast, 4% fewer businesses in the Russell Township estimate that sales will remain stable, compared to businesses in other municipalities within the UCPR. Reasons for growth prospects include community growth and increase of demand and sales. Businesses that anticipate a decrease in annual sales say that the minimum salary increase and higher cost of electricity are key factors.

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BUSINESS PROCUREMENT

Products or Services That Local Businesses Would Like to Purchase Locally That Are Currently Being Purchased Outside the Region

Products and services purchased outside the community

• Local agri-food products (fruits, vegetables, meats)

• Organic food products

• Slaughterhouse

• Bedding

• Construction lumber

• Office supplies (Staples)

• Yoga equipment

• Salt for roads

• Health and safety products

• Heavy equipment repair services

• Items for early childhood education

• Cabinet and woodwork manufacturing

• Wholesale grocery products

• Men's clothing

• Raw materials (steel, aluminium and wood)

• Restaurant products (cups, coffee, etc.)

• Sports equipment

• Glass manufacturer

• Stationary

• Inflatable structures

Are Businesses Experiencing Any Barriers to Information Technology Requirements?

RussellUCPR


No barrierspresently

Internet speed

Internet access

Internet cost

Equipment and software

support

Knowledge and training

Other

% of businesses

Bar

rier

s

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

46%

18%

10%

8%

7%

29%

25%

12%

11%

10%

5%

Please explain.

• Limited access, high cost and low speed of Internet services prevent businesses in carrying out day-to-day operations efficiently.

• Business owners would like to have more options regarding Internet service providers. Existing available options do not meet their needs.

• Continuously looking for high-performance software.

• Low use of social media.

• Lack of knowledge about new technologies.

• Need Fibre Internet services.

OVERVIEW

In regard to the use of technology, business owners in the community occupy a highly favorable position, as 85% consider their use as “moderate to high”. Compared to the UCPR, there are slightly more business owners in the Russell Township who consider their use of technology as “high” and less who consider it as “low to very low”. Evidence collected shows that business owners in the Russell Township frequently use technology to carry out efficiently their operations. It should be noted, however, that low speed and high cost of Internet services, as well as the lack of options for Internet service providers seem to discourage businesses from using certain technologies.

39% of businesses in the Russell Township have issues related to speed (18%), connection (10%) or cost (11%). While these issues are important, it should be noted that 17% less business owners in the Russell Township have difficulties using technology, compared to all businesses within the UCPR.

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COMMUNITY ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

What Are the Community’s Three Main Advantages According to the Business People?

AD

VA

NTA

GES

1 2 3

Small community (positive cooperation mentality and welcoming community)

Business climate (municipal and community support)

Good location (near Highway 417 and Ottawa)

(CD2)

What Are the Community’s Three Main Disadvantages According to the Business People?

DIS

AD

VA

NTA

GES

1 2 3

Access to services (public services, public transportation services and municipal services)

Investment barriers (insufficient land for investments, few incentives and weak marketing of the municipality)

Lack of businesses (lack of complementary companies)

(CD3)

COOPERATION BETWEEN BUSINESSES

Would You Like to Cooperate with Other Businesses of the Community to Implement the Following?

RussellUCPR

(BD7 – 130 responses)Joint

purchases of products

Collective marketing

Workers’ education

Networking/Information

exchange

Not interested

Other

% of businesses

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%

11%

14%

17%

28%

19%

17%

21% 21%

25%

24%

19%

4%

Other

• Cooperation to get waste containers and share waste collection costs.

OVERVIEW

Business owners in the community are for the most part interested in cooperating with their counterparts in regard to networking/information exchange and cooperative marketing. Compared to the UCPR, not as many business owners in the Russell Township are interested in cooperating with other businesses in the community.

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5. Tourismi. Develop cyclotourismii. Organize more tourism events and festivities iii. Improve tourism marketing of the municipalityiv. Ensure that the bicycle path becomes an incentive for users to visit

local businesses (i.e. Notre-Dame Street and Castor River)v. Organize a large local festival

6. Workforcei. Implement an agricultural training program

(CD4)

MAJOR CHANGES WITHIN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY FORECASTED OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS1. Economic development

i. Enhance access to affordable commercial spaces for leaseii. Build more housing developments iii. Ensure growth of the industrial parkiv. Better support local businessesv. Better promote local businessesvi. Attract more businesses in the municipality, specifically service companiesvii. Ensure municipality growth at all levelsviii. Implement a plan to facilitate the purchase of land by businessesix. Better promote the municipality

2. Communityi. Further encourage local buyingii. Facilitate access to local marketsiii. Ensure access to a high-end seniors’ residenceiv. Better inform citizens of community developments

3. Municipality and municipal administrationi. Review strict regulations on permanent signsii. Lower property tax ratesiii. Reinforce regulations for businesses from outside the Municipality

operating locallyiv. Ensure growth of the municipality near Highway 417v. Listen more to the business communityvi. Better inform the business community of municipal procurement proceduresvii. It would be beneficial to implement a conflict resolution process to support

citizens and businesses, mediators and the Integrity Commissioner

4. Infrastructure and public services i. Provide access to natural gas in rural and remote areas of the municipalityii. Enhance access to high-speed Internet servicesiii. Improve street and road maintenanceiv. Provide greater access to water and sewer servicesv. Ensure cleanliness of public spaces, such as sidewalksvi. Establish a local public transportation networkvii. Implement recycling services in the industrial parkviii. Ensure greater access to recreation servicesix. Make improvements to Notre-Dame Streetx. Build an interior poolxi. Reduce delays for building permitsxii. Add parking spaces downtownxiii. Expand the arena to increase capacity

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SUPPORT FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF OPERATIONS

MO

ST H

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• Workshops on e-commerce, social media and online content

• Business networking workshops

• Marketing and group advertising

• Recruitment of procurement businesses and related services

• Workforce planning, training and recruitment

• Fairs

• Marketing seminars

• Access to information

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• Business plan updating

• Succession planning

• Export development services and programs

• Enhancement of productivity

(CD5 – 181 responses)

Other

• Create a network for all services provided in the community

• Help lower high cost of electricity

BUSINESS CLIMATE - SWOT

STRENGTHS

• 83% of business owners have a good or excellent perception of the Russell Township as a business centre. (BC1)

• Over the last three years, 35% of business owners in the Russell Township adopted a more positive perception of the community. (BC2)

• Library services were rated as excellent. (BC4)

• 94% of businesses in the Russell Township are in stable or growing markets. (BD1)

• Compared to the UCPR, the Russell Township has twice as many businesses with annual sales of over $10,000,000. (BD2)

• 46% of business owners in the Russell Township estimate that their sales will increase. (BD3)

• Business owners in the Russell Township are in a highly favorable position in regard to the use of technology, as 85% consider their use as "moderate to high". (BD4)

• 46% of business owners in the Russell Township have no barriers with the use of technology, thereby representing a 17% increase compared to results in the UCPR. (BD5)

• The Russell Township has three main advantages: small size of the community, favorable business climate and convenient location. (CD2)

WEAKNESSES

• Cost of land was rated as fair. (BC3)

• Development charges were rated as fair. (BC3)

• Municipal property taxes were rated as fair. (BC3)

• Street and road improvements were rated as fair. (BC3)

• Businesses anticipating a decrease in annual sales consider the minimum salary increase and higher cost of electricity as key factors. (BD2)

• 39% of business owners in the Russell Township say that they have issues with Internet speed (10%), cost (11%) and access (10%). (BD5)

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BUSINESS CLIMATE - SWOT (CONT'D)

OPPORTUNITIES

• Posting regulations are too strict. (BC3)

• 38% of business owners in the Russell Township anticipate that sales will remain stable. (BD2)

• The majority of business owners in the Russell Township are interested in cooperating with their counterparts in regard to networking and exhange of information, as well as cooperative marketing. (BD7)

• Over the next five years, the business community would like to see more economic development activities, community improvements, changes to regulations, improvements to public service infrastructure, more tourism and enhanced access to workforce training. (CD4)

• Support measures that would be most beneficial to the Russell Township employers are workshops on electronic commerce, social media and Web content, as well as workshops on networking, and marketing efforts for cooperative advertising. (CD5)

THREATS

• Availability of developed land was rated as poor. (BC3)

• Availability of spaces for rent or for sale was rated as poor. (BC3)

• The process to obtain building and land development permits was rated as poor. Delays are noted. (BC3)

• Water and sewer costs were rated as poor. (BC3)

• Cost of electricity was rated as poor. (BC3)

• 14 out of 15 resource organizations dedicated to the business community are not being consulted. (BC4)

• The department in charge of planning, engineering, zoning and building permits was rated as poor. (BC4)

• Public transportation was rated as poor. (BC4)

• The three main disadvantages of the community are: difficult access to public and municipal services, numerous barriers to investment and small number of businesses. (CD3)

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EXPANSION

Main Reasons Prompting Businesses to Expand Their Operations

Main reasons for potential expansion within the community are as follows:

• Growth of clientele;

• Increased production;

• Increased demand for products and services;

• Growth of population;

• Modernization and improvement of equipment;

• Good capital investment;

• New developments;

• Access to training;

• Need additional space for operations or storing;

• Competition; and

• Availability of affordable land sold by the Municipality, in the industrial park.

(FP11)

FUTURE BUSINESS PLANS

What Do Businesses Plan on Doing Over the Next 18 Months?

Russell

UCPR

(FP1-A – 87 responses) RelocateSell

Close

No changeExpand

Downsize

% of businesses

5 %

0 20 40 60 80 100

54% 32%

4%

6%

3%

4%3%

2%3%

2%

46% 40%

What Are the Main Reasons Why Businesses Are Not Planning to Make Any Changes?

• Business provides a good return on investment

• Owner wants to slow down prior to retirement

• Personal reasons

• Lack of available commercial spaces for rent

• New business

• Business location is ideal

• Business recently moved

• Business recently expanded operations

• Projects are at the planning stage

• Amendments made to laws on recycling

(FP1-B)

PROJETS D’AVENIR OVERVIEW

Over the next 18 months, 46% of business owners in the community do not expect to make any changes to the size of their operations, whereas 40% would like to expand. Only 13% of business owners in the community are thinking of moving (6%), reducing operations (2%), selling (3%) or closing (2%). Compared to the UCPR, the percentage of businesses that anticipate no change is 8% lower than in the Russell Township. Similarly, 8% more businesses in the Russell Township want to expand their operations. Though the majority of factors explaining this difference are positive, it is important to consider the lack of available commercial spaces for rent, anticipated retirement of some owners and amendments made to laws on recycling as influential factors in the decision of some owners to expand their operations.

FUTURE PROJECTS

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Intention to Request Support from Federal or Provincial Programs and/or Services to Facilitate Expansion Plans

(FP13 – 30 responses)

Russell UCPR

YesNo

42%58%40%60%

Support programs and/or services are listed below:

• Dairy Farm Investment Program;

• Canada-Ontario Job Grant;

• Grant for non-profit organizations;

• Grant for workforce training;

• Eastern Ontario Development Fund (Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade);

• Eastern Ontario Development Program (FedDev Ontario);

• Employment Ontario;

• Growing Forward 2;

• Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC);

• Economic Development Initiative (EDI); and

• Tax credits for the automation of processes.

Impacts of Anticipated Expansion Projects Over the Next 18 Months


RussellUCPR

Increase of workforce

Reduction of workforce

Enhancement of employee

training needs

Increased floor area

Additional products and

lines of products

Complementary client services

Process improvements

Other

% of businesses

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%

26%

14%

18%

13%

18%

12%

23%

16%

17%

12%

12%

17%

0%

0%

0 %

2 %

RUSSELL UCPRWorkforce increase in total 89 jobs 583 jobs

Workforce increase in average 4 jobs 5 jobs

Increase of floor area in total 47,080 sq. ft. 1,2 M sq. ft.

Increase of floor area in average 5,231 sq. ft. 22,006 sq. ft.

OVERVIEW

Over the next 18 months, business owners in the community who want to expand their operations anticipate creating, on average, 4 jobs per expansion project. Similarly, owners are planning on increasing their floor space by 5,231 sq. ft., on average. They expect to need to hire staff, improve their service offerings and enhance processes. Compared to the UCPR, benefits of expansion projects in the Russell Township are more significant, except for the increase of employee training requirements.

OVERVIEW

60% of business owners in the community intend on requesting support through federal or provincial programs and/or services for their expansion project. Compared to the UCPR, this percentage is 2% higher.

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Can the Community Help in Any Way with Anticipated Expansion Projects?


Russell53%

47%UCPR

YesNo

44%56%

What Can the Community Do to Help?

• Continue providing services to help with hiring and recruiting workforce

• Facilitate access to financial support

• Receive support from the community as a whole and the business community

• Provide advice on processes

• Facilitate land acquisitions

• Facilitate the process for building permits and lower related costs

• Promote cooperation

• Receive more support from municipal departments

Interest in Receiving Information on Federal and Provincial Programs and/or Services in Support of Expansion Projects


Russell UCPR

YesNo

10%90%15%

85%

Are Community Businesses Having Issues with Their Expansion Projects?


Russell64%

36%UCPR

YesNo

50%50%

What Expansion Issues Are Businesses Having?

• Management plan update

• Financing

• No available space for expansion

• Low quality of soil

• High cost of land

• Slow process for issuing building permits

• Unable to find appropriate new space

• Inadequate zoning

• Workforce recruitment

• Water and sewer services

OVERVIEW

90% of business owners in the community would like to receive information on federal and provincial programs and services offered in support of expansion projects. This percentage is 5% higher than all business owners within the UCPR.

OVERVIEW

56% of business owners in the Russell Township indicate that community support would facilitate their expansion. The community can help businesses looking to expand their operations by enabling hiring and recruitment of the workforce as well as various processes to obtain building permits and access municipal services, by providing advice and by facilitating financing.

OVERVIEW

Currently, 50% of business owners in the Russell Township are having difficulty planning their expansion projects. Issues include financing, delays for building permits, lack of available spaces and lack of water and sewer services. Compared to the UCPR, the situation in the Russell Township needs to be carefully reviewed, as 14% more business owners are currently experiencing expansion issues.

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Can the Community Help to Avoid or Facilitate Business Relocations?


In the communityOutside the community

Russell UCPR40%60%

56%44%

How can the community help prevent or facilitate business relocations?

• Provide more spaces available for rent

• Enhance water and sewer services immediately

RELOCATION

Where Do Businesses Plan on Moving?


In the communityOutside the communityExploring options

Russell44%

16%

40%

UCPR40%20%

40%

Business owners looking to relocate are interested in moving to:

• Ontario

Reasons motivating business owners to move

• Potential sale of current location and few available options in regard to spaces for rent in Russell

• Looking to expand operations

• Municipal taxes

• Water cost

• Signage

• Looking to move in a more appropriate space

OVERVIEW

40% of business owners who are thinking of moving consider doing so within the community. Of the 60% of business owners who are thinking of moving outside the community, evidence collected indicates that they would like to remain in the Province of Ontario. Reasons for a potential relocation include the lack of appropriate spaces for rent, lack of larger spaces available and high business costs. Compared to the UCPR, fewer business owners are thinking of moving within the community, which represents a weakness for the Russell Township, where the number of businesses could decrease.

OVERVIEW

60% of business owners say that having access to appropriate spaces for rent and immediate enhancement of water and sewer services would help prevent or facilitate potential moves. Compared to the UCPR, these results are 16% higher in the Russell Township, which indicates that community support would be beneficial. FU

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INTRODUCTION FUTURE PROJECTS - SWOT (CONT'D)

STRENGTHS

• 40% of business owners in the Russell Township plan on expanding operations over the next 18 months. (FP1)

• Only 13% of business owners in the Russell Township are thinking of relocating (6%), reducing operations (2%), selling (3%) or closing (2%). (FP1)

WEAKNESSES

• Reasons that prevent businesses in the Russell Township from expanding their operations are the lack of commercial spaces for rent, anticipated retirement of some owners and legislative changes on recycling. (FPI)

• 40% of business owners who are thinking of relocating consider doing so within the community. (FP5)

OPPORTUNITIES

• Over the next 18 months, business owners in the community who are looking to expand anticipate creating 89 jobs in total. (FP12)

• Over the next 18 months, business owners in the community who are looking to expand estimate having to increase their floor plan by 5,231 sq. ft., on average, or by 22,006 sq. ft. in total. (FP12)

• 60% of business owners in the community intend on using federal or provincial programs or services in support of their expansion projects. (FP13)

• 90% of business owners in the community would like to receive information on federal or provincial programs and services in support of their expansion projects. (FP14)

• 56% of business owners in the Russell Township say that the community could help facilitate their expansion by helping with the hiring and recruitment of employees, various processes to obtain building permits and access municipal services, by providing advice and by ensuring better access to financing. (FP16)

• 60% of business owners in the community indicate that it would be helpful to have access to appropriate spaces for rent and immediately enhanced water and sewer services to prevent or facilitate their potential relocation. (FP7)

FUTURE PROJECTS - SWOT

THREATS

• 50% of business owners in the community are having difficulty planning their expansion project. (FP15)

• Business owners who are currently experiencing issues with the planning stage say that barriers are related to financing, delays in obtaining building permits, lack of commercial spaces, and unavailability of water and sewer services. (FP15)

• Business owners in the community who are thinking of potentially relocating say that their decision to do so would mainly be based on the lack of appropriate commercial spaces for rent, the lack of larger commercial spaces for expansion and high business costs. (FP5)

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05 MAJOR FINDINGS and CONCLUSIONS

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ACTION PLAN06

MAJOR FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1

2

3

Business plan: Compared to the UCPR, 42% of business owners do not have a business plan. A large majority of owners who have a business plan updated it in the last year.

Employment: Over the last three years, almost all business owners hired new employees or made no changes to their existing employee base (263 new jobs were created).

Hiring: Employers in the Russell Township are currently experiencing issues in regard to hiring and availability of qualified workers, compared to the UCPR.

Employee retention: 87% of employers do not have any issues with employee retention.

Participation: Almost one out of two business owners would like to receive additional information on co-op, internship or apprenticeship training programs.

Business climate: 83% of business owners have a good or excellent perception of the community as a business centre.

Three main community advantages: Small community, good business climate and convenient location.

Three main community disadvantages: Difficulty accessing public and municipal services, numerous barriers to investment and small business community.

Resource organizations: 14 out of 15 resource organizations available to the business community are not being consulted.

Expansion: One out of two business owners is currently having a difficult time planning his expansion project. Nonetheless, 40% of business owners are planning on expanding within the next 18 months.

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SWOT Actions Authorities Partners Priority* 1 to 3

Deadline

W1. 94% of businesses in the Russell Township are owned and operated locally and regionally. It would be beneficial to see diversification on national and international markets. (BI9)

• Potential subject for a conference lunch. • Economic Development • Export company 3 • 2019–2020

W2. The percentage of businesses who have been in operation for over 35 years (10%) is lower than the regional average. This could indicate a problematic with owners' ability to complete succession planning. (BI6)

• Potential subject for a conference lunch. • Economic Development • Business succession

specialist 3 • 2019–2020

W3. 60% business owners who are leasing a property in the Russell Township will need to renew their term in the next three years, and some fear a significant rent increase. (BD8-B)

• Research on opening a coworking centre. • Economic Development • Yvon Pellerin 3 • 2020–2022

W4. 41% of employers in the Russell Township rate the community’s ability to attract new employees as fair to poor. (WF2)

• Inform employers of Employment Ontario services to help fill vacant positions with qualified workers.

• Economic Development • Employment Ontario 2 • 2019W5. Difficulties that businesses are

having in regards to the workforce are, by importance, the lack of appropriate skill sets, insufficient number of candidates and lack of relevant experience. (WF3)

W6. Cost of land was rated as fair. (BC3)

• Develop a community profile and a quick facts document to highlight affordable land available near the industrial park (close to Highway 417). The drone project is completed.

• Economic Development Completed

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Deadline

W7. Development charges were rated as fair. (BC3)

• Launch an advertising campaign to demonstrate how development charges are used in the community.

• Building and Planning 2 • 2019

W8. Road and street repairs were rated as fair. (BC4)

• Repairs will take place on various roads and streets (11,760 metres at a cost of $980,000).

• Public Works 2 • 2018

W9. 39% of business owners in the Russell Township are having issues with Internet speed (18%), cost (11%) or access (10%). (BD5)

• Connection problems have been resolved in the business park (Embrun).

• Bell Completed

W10. The lack of commercial spaces for rent in the Russell Township prevents businesses from expanding their operations. (FPI-B)


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Deadline

O1. 87% of businesses in the Russell Township are locally owned and operated in one or more locations. While this percentage is similar in other municipalities of the UCPR, the Township would benefit from attracting more national or international business branches or divisions. (BI1)

• Implement a drone project to make national and international businesses aware of the industrial park.

• Economic Development • FauxPop Media Completed • September 2018

O2. 38% of business owners in the Russell Township are currently having recruitment difficulties. (WF3)

• Inform businesses of Employment Ontario services to fill vacant positions with qualified workers.

• Economic Development • Employment Ontario 2 • 2019

O3. 45% of business owners who do not use co-op, internship or apprenticeship training programs say that they would like to receive additional information in this respect. (WF6)

• Potential subject for a conference lunch or news release with additional information.

• Economic Development• Employment

Ontario and nearby schools 3 • 2019–2020

O4. Advertising regulations are too strict. (BC3)

• Launch an advertising campaign to explain fundamental elements of regulations.

• Regulations Department 2 • 2019

O5. Support measures that would be most helpful for businesses in the Russell Township are workshops on electronic commerce, social media and Web content, as well as workshops on networking and marketing efforts for cooperative advertising. (CD5)

• Potential subject for a conference lunch or news release with additional information.

• Economic Development• Prescott-Russell

Chamber of Commerce 2 • 2019–2020

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Deadline

O6. 90% of business owners in the Russell Township would like to receive information on federal and/or provincial programs and services in support of their expansion project. (FP14)

• Conference lunch held on March 22, 2018. • Economic Development

• Business Development Bank of Canada

• Employment Ontario


• United Counties of Prescott and Russell

• National Research Council of Canada

• Ontario Centres of Excellence

• Export Development Canada

• Prescott and Russell Entrepreneurial Academy

• Ontario Investment Office

Completed

O7. 60% of business owners indicate that access to appropriate spaces for rent and immediate enhancements to water and sewer services would help prevent or facilitate their relocation. (FP7)

• Obtain financing for the installation of water and sewer services in the industrial park.

• Public Works 1 • 2019–2022

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Deadline

T1. 42% of business owners in the Russell Township do not have a business plan. (BI4 A) • Potential subject for a conference

lunch. • Economic Development

• Prescott-Russell Community Development Corporation or Prescott Russell Chamber of Commerce

2 • 2019

T2. 54% of business owners in the Russell Township do not properly assess availability of qualified workers. (WF2)

• Inform businesses of Employment Ontario services to fill vacant positions with qualified workers.

• Employment Ontario 2 • 2019

T3. Availability of developed land was rated as poor. (BC3)

• Shortly develop a new construction phase in the Vars industrial park as well as a commercial park in Embrun.

• Economic Development and Building and Plan-ning 2 • 2019–2020

T4. Availability of spaces for rent and for sale was rated as poor. (BC3)


T5. Business owners in the Russell Township who are thinking of moving say that their decision would mainly be based on the lack of adequate spaces for rent, lack of larger spaces for expansion and high business costs. (FP5)

T6. The process for building and land development permits was rated as poor. (BC3)

• Launch an advertising campaign to explain critical steps that cannot be avoided.

• Building and Planning 2 • 2018–2019

T7. 14 out of 15 resource organizations devoted to the business community are not being consulted. (BC4)

• Send a bulletin to businesses to address this matter. • Economic Development 1 • 2018–2019

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Deadline

T8. Services from the department in charge of planning, engineering, zoning and issuing building permits were rated as poor. (BC4)

• Launch an advertising campaign to improve the department’s communication practices.

• Building and Planning 2 • 2019

T9. One out of two business owners is currently experiencing difficulties planning is expansion project. (FP15)

• An open day was held on February 8, 2018. • Building and Planning Completed • 2018

T10. Public transportation was rated as poor. (BC4)

• A feasibility study was completed. Changes to services were made in July 2018. The Express Service was implemented. Free weekly coupons were available in August and September.

• Economic Development 1 • 2018

*Priority levels: 1 – Urgent, 2 – Prioritized, 3 – Less prioritized.

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THREATS(CONT'D)

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NOTES (CONT'D)NOTES

www.OPRO.ca ECONOMICDEVELOPMENTAND TOURISM

Building tomorrow’s

businesses

Documents

FINAL REPORT - United Counties of Prescott and Russell · The concept for “Business Retention and Expansion” (BR+E) is a structured community approach for economic development,