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Page 2 of 10 <br />impacting the automotive and advanced manufacturing sectors or changes <br />to the duty free & sales tax threshold impacting our local retail sector; <br />• In addition, the Chamber has been a welcomed avenue of support with <br />respect to the implementation of Bill 148 and the numerous, rushed <br />regulatory changes creating challenging impacts for municipalities and <br />businesses across the province. <br />For eight years running, I have had the honour of being able to present my <br />thoughts and perspectives on the state of affairs across the County of Essex, and <br />as we come to an end in a term of office it is important and timely to reflect on <br />what was planned, what was accomplished and what work still needs to be done. <br />am proud to share that a renewed sense of vitality has taken root across Essex <br />County. The region is showing an increase in growth, productivity and output. <br />The creativity, innovation and determination of Essex County residents and <br />businesses, as well as our passionate and dedicated communities and the <br />willingness to collaborate for a positive impact, have all been equally influential in <br />this significant change. <br />The eternal Optimist says "the glass is 1/2 full", the Pessimist says its/2 empty", <br />but my wife says "why don't you use a coaster" <br />This might also be the time to toss in my sports joke — Mayor Paterson, I hope <br />you're listening! "What do the Detroit Red Wings and the Titanic have in <br />common? Whenever they come in contact with ice, they both sink!" <br />Now, it's no secret that I have a profound passion for harness racing and that <br />am a long-time member of the Lakeshore Horse Racing Association. So, I would <br />be remiss if I didn't take this opportunity to mention that one of the greatest <br />examples of community collaboration, perseverance and determination <br />accomplished of late was the record-breaking last day at Leamington Raceway <br />last season. Under a looming threat, organizations and the community came <br />together, signaling a demonstrative and overwhelming message, that Essex <br />County residents are full of fervor and show not only tremendous support for one <br />another, but also for the good of their communities. <br />Speaking of tremendous support, I think of the time Mayor McDermott went to <br />the School to pick up his grandson. When he got to his son's place he took the <br />boy inside. I think he's really sick, he said - he's never stopped crying since <br />