A Strong Manufacturing Sector Thrives in the Bay of Quinte Region.
THE BAY OF QUINTE region’s diversified economy provides a wide range of employment opportunities for the residents in the area. The ability to earn an adequate income and maintain an attractive lifestyle all while living in a picturesque environment is a rare find. The BoQ’s strong and advanced manufacturing cluster is a driving force for the economy in the region and the support from municipal economic development and organizations such as the Quinte Economic Development Commission and the Quinte Manufacturers Association help to create on-going career opportunities for the growing population.
A number of factors have cultivated this fertile ground for employment and lifestyle satisfaction. The regional chambers of commerce consist of members who represent a wide range of expertise. From technology and industrial to hospitality and retail, both the private and public sectors are represented. Community groups and non-profit organizations engage and support the communities and other partners like Loyalist College and the East Central Ontario Training Board work to prepare a strong new workforce.
Here are three personal accounts that show how an ideal work/life balance is easily achievable in the Bay of Quinte region.
Casey Richardson
The Machining Center
Having lived in Trenton his entire life, Casey Richardson has worked at The Machining Center, or TMC for short, for the past 28 years. With experience in the automotive industry, Casey saw a strong connection between his skills and the work done at TMC. And so, his avid and persistent interest in the company was mutually beneficial for both himself and TMC.
At work there is never a dull moment for Casey. He mentioned “I get bored easily and with TMC that is never really a problem. We do work for many local businesses but we also provide services to anyone just walking in off the street. Those are my favourite challenges. We also do some work off site and I truly enjoy representing TMC for these projects making sure customers are happy.”
Casey is also proud to see his son following in his footsteps fulfilling a welding apprenticeship with TMC.
Working and living in the Bay of Quinte region has served Casey well. A big positive for him is living close to home so that he can maintain balance between work and family. He spends much time with his family outdoors fishing and camping. He especially enjoys ice boating along the Bay of Quinte and says: “It is a real rush when you lay in that small boat and the wind pushes you across the ice sometimes going as fast as 50 mph.” To add to the excitement, Casey had the opportunity to ice boat with Rick Mercer while he was visiting the area.
Casey is fortunate to find fun and work at his fingertips and says himself “it just doesn’t get any better.”
Ken George
Procter & Gamble
In the mid nineties, Ken George was selected from the University of New Brunswick to work for Procter & Gamble. He and his wife, Valerie, moved to Belleville shortly thereafter. They have lived here ever since.
The transition from Newfoundland to Ontario was a welcomed climate shift as living in Belleville allows Ken and Valerie to enjoy the four seasons. They take advantage of the wide range of activities available to them—“For the outdoor enthusiast, the Bay of Quinte enables water activities. The countryside makes camping, hiking, cycling and horseback riding some of our favourite things to do outside work.” Over the last decade, Ken has witnessed an exciting restaurant scene emerge which has added to his positive experience in the region. One of his favourite places is Toro Sushi.
Being an employee at P&G has been a rewarding experience for Ken. He values the fact that employees have the opportunity to rotate their roles every three years—“this keeps the work very fresh and challenging every day.” And, working in the BoQ region allows the George family to travel between Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto easily while keeping Ken close to the workplace.
Rudy Bishop
Vantage Foods
Rudy Bishop has lived in Belleville for over 47 years. He is proud to be a part of Vantage Foods since its opening six years ago.
As a deaf employee, being part of Vantage Foods has been a rewarding experience. He received the support and training necessary to be a part of the team and follow work safety practices. He told us that “Vantage Foods was eager and willing to integrate a deaf employee into the workplace.” Since a number of his colleagues are deaf, Rudy has found an opportunity to socialize inside the workplace which is important since Vantage Foods holds annual social events that he himself loves to attend.
Rudy is proud to be a part of a company that produces product sold at a local level. Adhering to strict guidelines of quality and safety makes it easy for him to represent the company as their brand ambassador and with a commitment to employee involvement to unlock potential it would seem Rudy has found the perfect environment to work in.
Outside the workplace, Rudy can be found outdoors camping with his family or taking friends and visitors to social events held by the Belleville Association for the Deaf. For Rudy, Belleville is a growing community that maintains a small town feel. “There are opportunities for advancement and growth for career driven citizens but still allows residents to enjoy the benefits of rural landscape, conservation areas and provincial parks in close proximity to Belleville.”
