News & Notices

Belleville - Hastings County is pleased to announce another "Creative Hastings" event taking
place on Wednesday, September 19th from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at Quinn's of Tweed Fine Art Gallery.
Admission is free and open to anyone interested in learning more about a growing sector of our
community called the "creative economy".
 
Presented in partnership with the Small Business Centre, Creative Hastings events are an
opportunity for creative-minded people of Hastings County to connect with a desire to build a
richer local economy.
 
"All entrepreneurs, and anyone else who wants to learn more about what we're doing to support
economic development, should consider attending", states Rick Phillips, Warden of Hastings
County. "Businesses have told us through surveys that we should be coordinating these types
of events which helps them make new connections".
 
"This will be our third Creative Hastings event this year and the first two were very well
attended", says Economic Development Manager Andrew Redden. "Attendees enjoyed learning
more about the creative talents that we already have here, and by celebrating and promoting
what we have we create the opportunity to attract more".
 
Our economy is changing. Over the past 30 years, Ontario has experienced a shift from an
industrial economy to one based on creativity, knowledge and innovation. This is set to grow by
an additional 40% over the next decade. In Hastings County, approximately one third of our
businesses are already categorized as part of the new "creative" economy.
 
On September 19th, the evening will consist of brief presentations by a number of local
entrepreneurs preceded and followed by time for networking. More information about the event
is available at investinhastings.ca