HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-04-24 EDAC Minutes
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
April 24, 2019 City of Kitchener
A meeting of the Economic Development Advisory Committee was held at 11:02am this date,
chaired by M. Bingeman, and vice-chaired by B. Whittaker, with all members present, except
M. Blunt and L. Stojanoski.
STAFF:
H. Abel, Manager of Downtown Community Development
B. Bennett, Manager of Business Development
C. Bluhm, Executive Director of Economic Development
V. Boyle, Economic Development Assistant
V. Bradford, Business Development Officer
K. Cooper, Manager Strategic and Business Planning
T. Ryan, Senior Business Development Officer
Information Items
1. Regional Tourism: M. Schneider, Chief Executive Officer Waterloo Regional Tourism
Marketing Corporation
M. Schneider provided an overview of the Waterloo Regional Tourism Marketing Corporation.
A non-profit organization that aims at marketing the region as a dynamic year round
destination for visitors. M. Schneider discussed the process of completing a Destination Next
assessment which explored the regions demand generators. The demand generators were (1)
Sports, (2) Knowledge & Tech, (3) Festivals, Events and Attractions, and (4) Urban outdoors.
These demand generators are what the Waterloo Regional Tourism Marketing Corporations
strategy will focus on in the upcoming strategies.
M. Schneider gave a brief overview of the Municipal Accommodation Tax which is being
implemented in Waterloo Region. M. Schneider explained that fifty percent of the collected
amount would go to regional tourism which will increase their budget from $800,000 to over
$2,000,000. M. Schneider explained that they want to make an impact with this budget
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
April 24, 2019 City of Kitchener
focusing on building the Arts and Culture Hub, putting out bids for large events, and a larger
marketing budget.
Discussion Items
2. Tourism Discussion
The committee discussed tourism in the region and provided ideas and opinions to M.
Schneider surrounding attracting partners, open licensed events, sports tourism, brewery
tourism, scooter tourism and conference tourism.
3. Chief Administrative Office Draft Strategic Plan: K. Cooper, Manager Strategic and
Business Planning, City of Kitchener
K. Cooper provided a brief overview of the Chief Administrative Office’s Draft Strategic Plan. K.
Cooper asked the committee for feedback regarding a couple major points of the draft
surrounding a Vibrant Economy, Inclusive Community, and Great Customer Service. The
committee provided K. Cooper with feedback surrounding improving community connectivity,
blending arts and culture with future development, waste reduction, city owned lands plan, and
affordable housing.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:06pm.
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