The Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce, in co-ordination with the Gravenhurst Business Improvement Association (BIA) and the town’s community economic development officer, is happy to announce the hiring of FedNor intern Michael Costantino as the chamber’s new project administrator.

While he will be working closely with the chamber, Costantino’s main focus will be on reviving the local Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) initiative, and finding ways to help local businesses realize their potential and the potential of the community.

The BR+E examines areas within the community which local businesses have deemed inadequate or in need of improvement, and attempts to remedy the problems.

During Costantino’s employment, areas such as public transportation, employer resources, market diversity and inter-business communication will be addressed through meetings with local businesses and members of the community.

Costantino has lived in Bracebridge for nearly two decades, working in his family-run business for the majority of that time and in other community-run companies.

He is a recent graduate of the Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies program at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, which has given him the background needed to examine local policies and improve them for the residents of Gravenhurst. He is enthusiastic and ready to improve things for the community.

Costantino will be around to help wherever he can. You may have already had the opportunity to meet him as he has been involved with activities such as the Santa Claus parade and Visit with Santa, the chamber’s After Hours social and the BIA’s Spirit of Christmas and tree lighting event.