The Lumby Community Access Program is one of five sites across Canada selected by Industry Canada to take part in the eight-month Community Storefronts pilot project.

Harry Adam, CAP steering committee member, said the Lumby program was selected for the project because of the success of its Internet site. "They are looking for 40 to 60 businesses to be part of the pilot. They will get training on setting up an Internet site and the public can buy their goods from the site."

"We have 15 businesses involved now and there will be more training sessions in August. It's a really innovative, on-the-edge program."

Adam said it's impressive that Lumby has been selected along with Lanark County, Ont., Joliette, Que., Cape Breton, N.S., and Web Networks, a non-profit Internet service provider.

"It's due to a lot of work by volunteers in Lumby. We're quite tickled."

As the project begins, consumers can purchase 750 products and services on-line with 1,750 more to come.

The Community Storefronts pilot project involves Industry Canada and a consortium of private sector companies including DoP@y eCommerce Solutions, Strategic Profits, GE Capital Information Technology Solutions, and Royal Bank.