Bounty of the County Trade Show A Big Plus for South Essex

By Bill Gay

Its been said on occasion that Canadians seem to have a permanent inferiority complex, especially in comparison to our enthusiastic friends south of the border. We have much to be proud of and the recent Bounty of the County annual trade show is the type of event that builds confidence and points the way to future success. Make no mistake, our solution to remake our battered economic is found in two sectors, agriculture and automotive. The Bounty of the County put on by organizers at the Essex County Associated Growers highlight to industry watchers and the public in general the advances in the greenhouse industry that will keep Leamington number one in North America. I'm tired of MBA educated witch doctors who advise our senior politicians and encourage wrong decisions like reneging on providing the power the area needs to bring increased prosperity and strengthen our local food production.

Our farmers are the most productive, most open to new ways of doing business than any other. What we need is a voice along the lines of former agriculture minister Gene Whelan, to tell the world just what we can grow here. Groups like the Essex County Federation of Agriculture are on the move with initiatives like the Buy Local campaign guiding consumers to buy directly on the farm. Farmers markets in downtown Windsor and Amherstburg are first class success stories. Farm tours give urban residents the opportunity to see just how sophisticated our farming community is. Supporting our local farmers is good for our the local economy and makes life better for everyone. However, many times when farm groups show senior levels of government problems that need to be addressed the response is "Lets park that idea for a while and get back to it later". Later often never comes.

Our automotive industry is coming back splendidly. Have you ever wondered why our Big 3 automakers get such a rude reception by people in high places? Author Arthur Hailey in his best selling novel Wheels gives this description of the automotive capital of Canada. "on the Canadian side, across the river, grimy Windsor matches in ugliness the worst of its U.S. senior partner." Enticing, isn't it? The media also suffers on close analysis. Despite posturing that always comes with a contract year, too much attention is given to incidents like the recent exchange between Chrysler Chairman Sergio Marchione and the Canadian Auto Workers leadership. Make no mistake an equitable collective agreement will be reached and there will be no strike. Demand for Chrysler's hot selling line-up, like the Windsor built minivan, is just too good to fool with. Back in another time of trial for the automakers, then Chrysler chairman Lee Iacocca went on television with the message that North American manufacturers can build quality to compete with foreign makers. Iacocca looked America right in the eye and stated, "if you can buy a better car, buy it." Locally about the same time, I was at an organizational meeting for the "Buy the cars your neighbours help to build campaign." This initiative was common sense thinking then, even better economic strategy now. There is something invigorating to see an industry get its act together with a benefit to all.  To read more go to www.leamingtonpostandshopper.com.