Community Futures 2011 Business of the Year Award for North Hastings was presented October 21, 2011 to Highlands Service operated by Jon Anderson.

Jon was working as a millwright for a company in Pembroke but due to the economic downturn had to find new employment. Faced with having to move to a larger centre or having to commute even further from his growing family Jon was forced to make an important decision. Jon wanted to stay in the area where he was raised and has roots but as employment in his field was not available, he decided that he would have to produce his own job.

Jon did his research and found a need in the community, waste removal. Suddenly self- employment became a viable option. Jon Anderson originally opened his business as part of the Ontario Self Employment Benefit program which is funded through Employment Ontario and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities with training and guidance provided though the Community Futures office in Bancroft. This program provides eligible applicants with entrepreneurial skills development support to help them develop and implement their business plan and become self- employed while providing them with financial assistance. This program has been offered through Community Futures since 1995 and has a greater than 80% success rate. Jon completed his training and started his business in May 2009 and opened Highlands Service, which provides dumpster service to the area.

Jon started out small with one dumpster and truck and worked hard to grow his business. Jon’s professionalism and work ethic stood out and word of mouth referrals have been his main type of advertising. This has worked so well that he has expanding his business to 15 bins!!! He services 8 local businesses on a regular full time basis as well as offers bin rental services as needed to construction sites, residences, and businesses.

You have probably seen his bright red bins around town and at construction sites. Most recently they could be seen at the railway station project here in Bancroft. This type of business is highly regulated and Jon had to obtain various permits and licences before he could get this business off the ground. Jon recycles and donates when possible to reduce amounts going to the landfills.

Jon is available for all types of properties, such as residential, commercial and industrial. Jon believes that this business will continue to expand as population grows and regulations tighten regarding the handling of waste. Even in these tough economic times he has shown that with a good idea the right support and a strong work ethic you can make your own success.

Community Futures Development Corporation is a not for profit organization run by a local board of Directors. With financial assistance from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, Community Futures offers a variety of products and services to promote small business growth and community economic development. Primary among those are: Community Economic Planning & Implementation, Investment in Local Business, Business Development and Counseling Services.