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Volume 3, Issue 12
Weekend Weather Thursday
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
www.southpointsun.ca
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VanKesteren tours CF Greenhouses with Minister of Small Business and Tourism By Sheila McBrayne
H 22º L 9º
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Sunday
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As reported from Environment Canada www.weatheroffice.gc.ca Harrow AAFC
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Cole Cacciavillani took great pride in touring the Ontario Minister of Small Business Maxime Bernier, Member of Parliament Dave Van Kesteren and other guests around his family business at CF Greenhouses in Leamington last week. The Minister, along with MP Van Kesteren, National Post columnist Rick Spence, Leamington Mayor John Paterson and invited media guests had a chance to tour the 15-acre flower growing operation. MP Van Kesteren is not new to the greenhouse industry, as his riding of Chatham-Kent Essex has one of the largest concentrations of vegetable and flower greenhouse operations, but Minister Bernier was visibly impressed by the operation. He admitted that it was his first time in a greenhouse and his first visit to ChathamKent Essex. “I would love to return in the summer or fall and see the operation again,” he said. When asked what the government could do for greenhouse operations such as CF Greenhouses, MP Van Kesteren was quick to say, “Keep taxes low and step back, that’s what I’m hearing,” said the MP. Cacciavillani responded, “We want continuity… and yes, stay out of the way… We know we have to be regulated, but don’t give us hurdles to jump,” said Cacciavillani. The greenhouse industry is regulated by 18 different federal departments. “It’s a global economy,” explained Cacciavillani. His operation ships in and out to countries like Germany, Denmark and around the world. CF Greenhouses is a wholesale supplier of seasonal
At CF Greenhouse, from left, are Rick Spence, National Post, MP Dave Van Kesteren and Minister of Small Business and Tourism Maxime Bernier. (SUN Photos)
potted plants. CF supplies major retail chains, superstores and independent outlets across Ontario and into the United States. CF Greenhouses has grown enough potted plants in the last 10 years to cover Ontario. CF Greenhouses is a leader in growing technology. Whether it’s finding newer and better mixtures of soil and fertilizer, or more cost efficient and environmentally friendly methods of powering their operations, CF Greenhouses is always making progress. CF has received federal grants for its research and development. CF Greenhouses was founded in 1953 by Floyd Cacciavillani and has grown to encompass 15 acres of growing space, supporting year-round propagation of flowers, plants, and vegetables. Cole and family repre-
sent the fourth generation in this family business. Bernier and Spence were in the riding for a small business forum held in Chatham on Wednesday morning, April 11. “Federal loans for young entrepreneurs, the importance of innovation and working with your competition, were just three of the many topics discussed,” said Van Kesteren. “We had a great turnout; the participants came with a variety of experiences, from high school students to established business owners.” Minister Bernier discussed how the government has helped small businesses and highlighted further opportunities it can take to eliminate barriers for entrepreneurs. Mr. Spence encouraged those in attendance to be innovative when it comes to customer rela-
Cole Cacciav
illani
tions, to find different ways to keep the lines of communication open. He noted that innovation doesn’t threaten jobs but rather guarantees them. The forum was the first in a series of events the MP intends to host over the
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