Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutEDAC - 2014-01-22 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES January 22, 2014 City of Kitchener The Economic Development Advisory Committee met this date, chaired by Jeremy with the following members present, Philip Jones, Cory Ernst, Johanna, Steve Sachs, Thusenth Dhavaloganathan, Councillor Bil , Scott Davey, Mark Bingeman, Kevin Fergin, Ashely Reid, Paul Singh, The following people were absent, Jamie, Rebecca, Adrian Staff in attendance: Rod Regier, Brian Bennett, Tracey Murray, Cory Bluhm, Chris Farrell 1. 2014 Round table Rod Regier present the committee with background information on the strategic initiative issue paper, which outlines the potential projects that Economic Development could take on in the future. Subject to an allocation of new operating dollars by City Council. The committee members were advised that the issue paper is divided in our core areas of focus. The group went through the paper. The committee provided the following:  There are huge partnership opportunities with the DML in Silicon Valley and Communitech to build a partnership office in the valley.  The California office should be at the top of the list - there is a presence but we need to leverage that the further and we have the chance to be the first at the trough.  The projects are all very similar but they will hit at different times and rather than earmarking funds for a specific item then we should have them as a group and have the ability to pull the funds when the projects come up. –  Marketing for innovation district this has been an important item for EDAC. We should also consider physical signs / markers on the street.  The committee raised concern that it is important to focus on clusters outside of the downtown as well, and Mr. Regier responded that while it may appear that the focus is on the downtown, that is where the concentration of the cluster formation is since most companies are now starting to look for space within the downtown. 2. Project Updates Rod Regier provided an update on the Regional Economic Development Strategy and the process moving forward. The committee was advised that there are some areas that need to be adjusted (land and the region). Our strategy is in step with regional planning policy. Moving forward for 2014, the committee asked that a brief survey be sent out to determine a dialogue for a work plan discussion at the next meeting, with the survey results being sent out along with the agenda. include suggestions that came out of the symposium - challenges the city is currently having - structure value - break out groups should we do that or something - different (good but needs to fine tune some items) March Meeting: Development Charges by-law is up for renewal in June and a new one in - – place by July 1 discussion / presentation requested Next meeting - Regional economic development strategy feedback / preparation small group discussions in the first hour then do a round table On motion the meeting adjourned at 1:00 pm.