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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEcon Dev Adv 2010-08-25 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES August 25, 2010 City of Kitchener The Economic Development Advisory Committee met this date, chaired by Len Carter; the following members were in attendance: Mayor Carl Zehr, Steven Voll, Mark Collins, Bob Denton, Bernie Nimer, Peter Benninger, and Rebecca Short The following people sent their regrets: Adrian Conrad, Ian Cook, Alan Anderson, Dan Piedra, Councillor John Smola, Councillor and Christina Weylie, The following people were absent: Howie Budd, Mark Bingeman Staff in attendance: Rod Regier, Valerie Machado, Rob Pettapiece, Rob Morgan, Silvia Di Donato, Cory Bluhm, Jeff Willmer, Tracey DeVille 1.1 Approval of minutes Approval of the June 2010 minutes has been deferred to the September meeting. New Business: 2.1 CTT – Strategic Plan and Integration with City Strategy John Jung, CEO, Canada’s Technology Triangle (CTT) provided the Committee with a presentation on the CTT Strategic Plan, investing in Waterloo Region 2010-2014. He oultined the strategic plan process, and where they want to go with partnerships. An overview was presented of the objectives of the plan and who the partners are that will be part of those objectives. Mr. Jung advised that the objectives are very specific and targeted to be as successful as possible, with a large part of the strategy to include new partnerships, project funding opportunities, an ambassador program, an employment land strategy and research programs. Committee members provided the following feedback / questions: Target industries are not all technology based so why are you called Canada’s Technology Triangle? - 22 years ago the word may have been the correct term – today the name CTT lends to people thinking that we are the technology representatives but we are not limited to that – we are international and for example, Communitech is the local technology rep – we are international. We are looking at the name and we don’t want to lose the tag line since that is how we are known. The Committee was asked to think about how we as a city can strengthen or grow our relationship with CTT as we prepare for our next Economic Development Strategy, in particular, how the work we are both doing can fit together and what should the foundation of the relationship be. Do you partner with Communitech? - Yes, we collaborate on shared visions and events. One of the wins that CTT could have is teaching people about who you are and what you do so they can come to you for your expertise, have you done this? - One of the ways we want to do that is advertising but if you have no budget it for, it is difficult to get the message out there. CTT does contribute to columns and events when the opportunities arise to help solicit interest to help grow the partnership opportunities. One of the last slides you listed the things that made the region special, if you go to other municipalities they all use the same phrases, how do you see yourselves standing out in the crowd when everyone is using the same language? - Collaboration, for example, is a lot of work and you can use the word but you need to be able to do it and prove that you are doing it. I would challenge another community to fit those points, they can use the words but it is a challenge to compete with this community, this community has trust – this community seems to have excelled in collaboration and should write the book on it. You talk about collaborative partners – what does that involve – what does it mean to have a partner? Is it financial assistance you are looking for? - We have a partner program, the point is that we can not exist without our collaborative partners; we have core funding that will pay for rent and staff but that’s it. If we want the other initiatives, like local events, we need to have resources for even bringing in delegations, we look for things that businesses can give us their service or they can give us cash. And there is a value proposition. Are you looking for any partnerships in particular? - We are always open to discussing potential partnerships, for example we don’t have an insurance company so that could be one that we may be able to fill a need. The Committee thanked Mr. Jung for his presentation. 2.2 Corporate Visitation Program 2010 Silvia Di Donato and Val Machado provided a short overview of this years program. The theme this year is broad including CleanTech, Sustainable Energy, Brownfields, and Ground Water. Staff advised they will keep the Committee informed of the process and any feedback will be greatly appreciated. 2.3 2011 – 2014 Economic Development Strategy Process Rod Regier asked the committee to think about how we can integrate our efforts with CTT and where we can take our next Economic Development Strategy. He provided an overview of the previous / current strategy and what the next steps will be for the creation of the next strategy. He advised that changes that have come since the implementation of the current strategy to the creation of the next one have created a number of opportunities for the city. For example, in the middle of our current strategy, the Province implemented the green energy act and we have now an emerging cluster in green energy and we are positioned well to take advantage of opportunities in the solar and wind industries. Rod advised the Committee that meetings will be focused on the Economic Development Strategy for 2011-2014. 2.4 Meeting Times Rod Regier advised that we would like the Committees consideration about an adjustment of the meeting time. There are once again this year budget constraints put into place as well as changing the meeting time will allow for more consistency among all advisory committees. Mr. Regier suggested that the Committee consider changing the meeting time to early morning or early evening. The members present provided the following: Bernie Nimer – 4 to 6 Mark Collins 4 to 6 Steven Voll 4 to 6 Peter – flexible Rebecca Short – 4 to 6 Len Carter – 4 to 6 3.1 Project Updates Rod Regier provided the Committee with the August Project Updates. On motion, by Peter Benninger, seconded by Steven Voll, the meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.