Our Organization

Meet the North Simcoe CFDC

Arthur Barrows

General Manager

In 2002, Arthur graduated with a Honour’s Degree in Public Administration and Governance (Ryerson University). In 2005, Arthur graduated with a Master’s in Business Administration (University of Guelph). After completing his academic studies, Arthur relocated from Oakville to Ottawa and began working for the Government of Canada.

In 2013, Arthur moved to the Town of Inuvik, a small, isolated Indigenous community near the Arctic Ocean, to work as the Loans Officer for the Western Arctic Business Development Corporation (WABDC). In 2015, Arthur was promoted and became WABDC’s General Manager.

During Arthur’s WABDC tenure he helped several Inuvialuit, Gwich’in, and Métis entrepreneurs obtain business loans, government contributions, and government contracts. He also successfully helped many immigrant entrepreneurs (recent Canadian immigrants).

Last December, Arthur moved to Midland, Ontario and became the North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corporation’s (NSCFDC) new General Manager. Arthur is extremely excited about his new position and looks forward to helping the NSCFDC’s clients.

Positive Media Coverage

Meet Bobby Ross: Homeless just 3 years ago, he’s about to start his 2nd business (CBC Article)

Beaufort business development remains steady in spite of slow economy (Inuvik Drum)

Richard McLeod – Successful Indigenous Business Owner (Tusaayaksat Magazine)

Lois Irvine

Client Care Coordinator

Email Lois

Janet Metcalf

Office Assistant

Email Janet

Lois has been helping local entrepreneurs realize their business dreams for 20 years. Born and raised in Tiny, Lois returned to the North Simcoe area to raise her family after completing her education in Economic Development (University of Waterloo). With additional training in Client Management, Business Counselling, and Succession Planning, Lois can support you through every step of your business journey. Whether you are looking for local market research, are developing a business plan, or wanting to grow your connections, Lois is here to help you achieve your goals. Lois is pleased to offer these services in both official languages.

Janet was raised in rural Adjala-Tosorontio then moved to Midland in 1988, where she and her partner Brian enjoy boating on Georgian Bay.

With a life-long aptitude for technology and mathematics, Janet studied Electronics Engineering Technology at DeVry in Toronto. Her career as a technician began at Rogers Cable in Toronto, then, after moving to Midland, as an Installer at Huronia Alarms.

Janet later transitioned into the role of Office Assistant at Huronia Alarms then to Office Manager at MTN Communication Systems, where her technical background meshed well with her talents for customer service and bookkeeping. Returning to Huronia Alarms in 2015, Janet was promoted to Accounting Supervisor and Billing Coordinator.

Janet looks forward to helping people realize their business aspirations as the Office Assistant at NSCFDC.

Our Volunteers

The North Simcoe CFDC depends on the strong leadership and talents of our volunteer Board of Directors and Loan Review Committee members to provide guidance and governance in the delivery of our services. Our volunteers offer their skills and expertise to help local entrepreneurs achieve their goals and help shape our local communities.

Board of Directors

Incorporated in 1986 as a not-for-profit corporation in the Province of Ontario, our volunteer Board of Directors meets monthly to direct the work of the North Simcoe CFDC. Board members represent our service area and bring various skills to the table, including small business experience, leadership, and expertise.

Chris Johnston, Chair
Midland | Manufacturing

Alain Mayer, Vice-Chair
Tiny | Large Retail Sector

Dan Laurin, Treasurer
Penetanguishene | Professional Services, Medical

Louise Maurice, Director
Tiny | Professional Services, Legal

Tim Dunlop, Director
Midland | Professional Services, Financial

Roma Czech, Director
Midland | Professional Services, Medical

Loan Review Committee

The role of the Loan Review Committee (LRC) is to make decisions on the applications submitted by entrepreneurs applying for business loans. The first step in the loan review process is for a member of our team to interview the client. Next is an application review, followed by a decision by our volunteers at an LRC meeting. LRC volunteers have business experience and represent the diversity of our communities. Our Board members also provide their expertise as LRC members, along with other volunteers from our service area.

Ron Asselin, Committee Member
Penetanguishene | Insurance Sector

Ralph Lynn, Committee Member
Penetanguishene | Marketing Sector

Ernie Black, Committee Member
Midland | Financial Sector

Steve Jones, Committee Member
Tay | Agricultural Sector

Help Grow Your Community

Are you interested in offering your skills as a volunteer member of our Board of Directors or Loan Review Committee? North Simcoe CFDC confirms our volunteer positions during our Annual General Meeting. Contact us to discuss how your contribution can help grow our local economy.

VOLUNTEER WITH THE NORTH SIMCOE CFDC