Muskoka Futures

As 2008 begins to unfold, Muskoka Futures' staff and board are feverishly planning our annual symposium.

This year with sponsorship from the Town of Huntsville and Scotiabank we once again invite the decision-makers, policy creators, community leaders and business colleagues to share in the insight of Dr. Warren Jestin, chief economist for Scotiabank and hear the stories of small business triumphs in a chaotic market.

The symposium will be taking place at Delta Grandview on Thursday, Jan. 24. This is an invitation only event, but over 300 people have been invited to this 130-seat event. This year we will again challenge the thinking of our stakeholders to critically look at Muskoka, our assets, resources, human capacity and our rich history and make the statement, "Why Not Muskoka!"

Muskoka needs to continue to look at new and innovative ideas and concepts to keep Muskoka's economy vibrant and to continue to draw new residents.

Ever wonder how one community can triumph in the face of true adversity and become the Mecca for societal pursuits?  Why can't Muskoka become a Health Canada icon for hip and knee replacements? Why not a surgical tourism destination? Why do our residents choose to live here?

Through our symposium speakers we hope to share insight into why developers, retailers, artists, manufacturers and personal service businesses choose Muskoka. In addition Jestin will be providing his forecast for the global and local economies.

Additionally this year we will be focusing in on sustainable prosperity as a viable future for Muskoka. This is a common theme from last year and continues to be a goal that many organizations are working toward. What is sustainable prosperity?

Sustainable \Sus*tain"a*ble\, 1. Capable of being sustained or maintained; 2. Supplied with necessities or nourishment; provided for; 3. A system, ecological or of human creation, that utilizes renewable resources for growth and maintenance.

Prosperity \Pros*per"i*ty\, 1. The state of being prosperous, wealthy or fulfilled; 2. Advance or gain in anything good or desirable; successful progress in any business or enterprise; attainment of the object desired; good fortune; success; as, commercial prosperity; national prosperity.

Sustainable Prosperity:

1. A state of economic development, where individuals, families and communities enjoy a high standard of living and a high quality of life, while respecting and preserving the natural environment;

2. A new balance of economic competition with economic cooperation that promotes the efficient use and sharing of natural resources, technologies, knowledge and ca