Organizers of the upcoming Eureka Exchange held a social gathering at Meaford Hall on Thursday designed to provide more details about the March 20 event.
Attendance at what was billed as an “Info-Social” was certainly not helped by the snowy weather and poor driving conditions, however approximately 25 people braved the elements to attend the information session.
With great emphasis on their slogan of finding ways to allow small businesses to “To better with less,” Lynn Johannson of E2 Management and goingforthegreen.net explained the ideals behind the Eureka Exchange, and why Meaford was selected as the location for the launch of the initiative.
“We want to excite people about thinking green,” said Johannson, “If you breath, then you are part of the green revolution.”
Johannson told the gathering that a conversation with Barb Kay of The 100 Mile Market about alternative disposal methods for food scraps had a hand in her deciding to work with Meaford to launch the Eureka Exchange. She realized that simple solutions like the Green Cone food digester - a device similar to a home composter – are available but not necessarily known about by those who could most use them.
Once Meaford was under consideration for the Eureka Exchange, Johannson discovered one of Meaford's gems- Meaford Hall.
“This is an extraordinary facility,” offered Johannson when speaking to the gathering in the North Gallery at Meaford Hall, “And it goes beyond the 240 people that will be in the hall. New technology allows us to involve thousands more.”
The goal of the Eureka Exchange is to gather creative thinkers, and small business people to explore solutions to every day issues that would allow small business to find cost effective solutions that can increase productivity while at the same time lessening the impact on the planet of their business activities.
“Innovative thinkers are everywhere,” said Johannson, “How will you be there?”
The all day event on March 20th will take place both in the Opera House at Meaford Hall, and in a virtual setting with people from around the globe able to purchase a ticket to participate online.
Organizers have secured CBC television personality Bob McDonald to host the Eureka Exchange, and the Eco-fair component of the event will showcase green businesses including the makers of the Green Cone.
“Meaford has a great facility, and we want to show the world that you don't need to be in a big city to gather great thinkers,” said Johannson, “We will have the opportunity to bring the world into the room.”
Those who attended the information session were clearly impressed.
Richard an Jane Elzby, owners of Sunniside Honey in Meaford were inspired by the presentation.
“I thought that the presentation was very good, and informative, and gave me a desire to be involved on March 20,” said Jane.
“I am looking forward to seeing something tangible come out of this,” added Richard Elzby.
Meredith Cowan, maker of Meredith's Ginger Syrup, and winner of the Dragons' Den Meaford competition in the fall of 2009, was impressed that even in the brief information session she had already had her eyes opened to solutions to an issue that she has been grappling with in her own business.
“For me it was exciting to see the video about Steam Whistle Brewery and how they have approached bottling. I am working through some of the same challenges. To learn about this recycling program is exciting,” said Cowan.
And that is exactly the type of positive interaction the organizers of Eureka Exchange are hoping to facilitate. Business helping business, and people helping people in the sharing of ideas and solutions.
“The common thread among all businesses is that they are run by people,” Johannson told the group.
Meaford Mayor Francis Richardson was also impressed.
“I thought the presentation was fabulous. It shows what can be done, and you don't need to be in a major centre. You can be anywhere. I'm hoping that a lot of people will participate,” said Richardson.
Meaford CAO Frank Miele who has been instrumental in bringing the Eureka Exchange event to Meaford in support of driving new economic development in the municipality, told The Independent that he has been pleased with the progress in getting the project off the ground.
“The planning has gone like clock-work,” beamed Miele, “We are inviting federal and provincial Cabinet Ministers, planners, clerks, mayors, and CEO's from across the country to participate. Everyone in Canada will know about this, they will know where Meaford is.”
Miele is hoping that this event and the national and international profile it will provide the municipality will be a turning point in fostering new economic growth in Meaford.
“We want to put Meaford on the map, and on the world stage.”
Eureka Exchange will take place at Meaford Hall on Saturday March 20th. Tickets for the event are available at Meaford Hall, and for online participation tickets can be purchased by visiting goingforthegreen.net.
The eco-fair component of the event will be open to the public and free of charge.
