HomeMy WebLinkAboutEDAC - 2014-11-26
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
November 26, 2014 City of Kitchener
The Economic Development Advisory Committee met this date, chaired by
Jeremy Auger with the following members present, Adrian Conrad, Jamie Yantz,
Philip Jones, Ashely Reid, Darrin Snider, Councillors Bil Ioniadias,
Staff in attendance: Rod Regier, Brian Bennett, Tracey Murray, Thom Ryan,
Chris Farrell
The minutes of the October meeting were approved.
1. Round Table Discussion The Next KEDS
A roundtable discussion was held regarding the individual group discussions the
committee members had regarding the next KEDS.
The following is a summary of their discussions:
- Improve the identification of the Innovation District to allow for greater
branding opportunities and promotion of the area, including such things as
signage and art, street crossing painting, create the feel that you in a
different / special district
- Outline who should be in the district, including but not limited to
technology and advanced manufacturing while maintaining a lifestyle
component
- Creating the district as a destination with programming, by-law
adjustments, etc.
- Potential naming opportunities for the multi-modal hub
- Understand what draws companies to the district
- Anchor retail in the area
- Density development potential
- Start-up branding needs marketing support
- Supporting the culture of entrepreneurship
- Should the start-up sector be transferred to the Waterloo Region
Economic Development Corporation
- Leverage what already exists
- Identify location for Start-Up City
- Can we become support city for this sector
On motion the meeting adjourned at 1:00 pm.