HomeMy WebLinkAboutEDAC 2011-09-28ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
Se tember 28 2011 Ci of Kitchener
The Economic Development Advisory Committee met this date, chaired by
Councillor Paul Singh; the fallowing members were in attendance: Ashley Reid,
Darrin Snider, Adrian Conrad, Amr Kebbi, Councillor Bil loannidis, Councillor
Scott Davey, Shawn DeBruyn, Steven Voll, Rebecca Short, Glenn Koehler, Mark
Bingeman, Peter Benninger, Brian Bennett, Jeremy Auger
Staff in attendance: Rod Regier, Silvia Di Donato, Cory Bluhm, Tracey DeVikle,
Sandy Curzon
Approval of minutes -
The minutes of the August meeting were approved.
New Business.
2.1 Green EnergYAct Discussion__- Fo_Ilow-uA
Rod Regier led a discussion on the Green Energy Act follow up from an earlier
meeting. The committee agreed that once the Provincial election is over they will
revisit this discussion to plan on how we can align our own plan.
2.2 Economic Development Strat~Y
The committee was provided an update on The new Kitchener Economic
Development Strategy (KEDS). The objectives of this strategy is to leverage or
build on the success of the previous strategies. The significant level of private
sector investment in the downtown has meant that the city and our stakeholders
and partners can afford to establish an ambitious agenda. The 5 main themes of
KEDS II were outlined. The strategy is a synthesis of the earlier discussion
document and input that the city obtained through stakeholder discussion and the
.tune symposium.
The committee felt that the presentation .hit all the main points and it was very
exciting and innovative. Members indicated that the plan presents a great vision.
The committee stressed the importance of making sure that the KEDS is
appropriately.
Staff advised the committee that the October meeting will bring the final draft
strategy for their comment prior to being presented to Council for approval.
2.3 Re Tonal Talent Attraction Lab a date
Rebeeca Short declared a conflict since the company she works for is doing the
work for the talent attraction lab. Ms. Short left the meeting.
Silvia Di Donato provided a background on what has been happening with the
talent attraction strategy. She advised that the goal of the study is to find out
reasons people move to and stay in the region. Since we know we have to
compete worldwide what is making us different. There will be a charette
opportunity, then a final review for action.
Ms. Di Donato advised the committee that they have been working with local
companies to find people who have moved to the area.
The committee suggested that discussions with the college and universities
should occur to get the students engaged to stay a#ter they graduate.
She advised that the next EDAC meeting will provide mare information.
Information Items
Pro'ect U dates
Rod Regier provided an update to the committee and handed out the September
updates. An update on The Boathouse was also provided and the committee was
advised of the next steps
On motion the.meeting was adjourned at 5:50 pm