HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-11-13 EDAC MinutesNovember 13 2019 City of Kitchener
A meeting of the Economic Development Advisory Committee was held at 11:05 am this date,
chaired by M. Bingeman, and vice -chaired by B. Whittaker, with all members present, except
A. Head, B. Lowry, and Councillor Johnston.
STAFF:
C. Bluhm, Executive Director of Economic Development
B. Bennett, Manager of Business Development
V. Boyle, Economic Development Assistant
L. Chlumsky, Economic Researcher
Information Items
1. Mayors Mission: C. Bluhm
C. Bluhm provided an update and overview of the recent international Mayors mission.
The mission was arranged by the Waterloo Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
who organize economic development initiatives on behalf of the region. The mission
included the Mayors from Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge as well as one economic
Development representative from each and the two representatives from Waterloo
EDC.
C. Bluhm explained that the majority of the companies that were met with already have
an office or are looking to the region as an option for a new location. The goal of the trip
isn't about reaching out to new companies but instead about maintaining relationships.
C. Bluhm explained that while in California the companies they met with described
many difficulties they are currently having in San Fransico due to the talent war between
companies. The metaphor discussed was by the time a new employee knows where the
washroom is they are moving on to their next job. The cost of this constant employee
turnover is tremendous. The companies discussed how talent in the KW area tends to
stick around longer and other benefits that the region offers including shorter commute
for employees, the availability of high quality the junior talent, and favorable Canadian
immigration laws. The challenges flagged about the region were senior talent
availability, and the poor connection to Pearson and Toronto. The advice they gave for
improvements that could be made and things to keep in mind included affordable
parking and transportation, raise urban credibility as a city, and developing/offering
some type of community onboarding to help new employees develop roots to the
community faster.
November 13,2019___,, Cit of Kitchener
. Make it Kitchener Update: L. Chlumsky & C. Bluhm
C. Bluhm provided an overview of the City strategic plan and explained how the
Economic Development Strategy or Make it Kitchener related to it and compliments the
actions that are set out by the Strategic plan specifically focusing on the vibrant
Economy section of the plan,
L. Chlumsky provided the committee with an overview presentation on the engagement
techniques used for Make it Kitchener. Explaining how the different consultation
methods from the survey, stakeholder round tables, Ideas of the Brave community
symposium, and the EDAC feedback came together to uncover 7 emerging themes.
Become a leader in health innovation, develop a significant creative industry, become a
leader in social and environmental innovation and Green technology, build workforce
capacity for the new economy, provide a high quality affordable lifestyle, become a city
with a distinct night time experience and community vibe and reimagine the grand river
as a major destination.
The committee was then given the opportunity to participate in discussions surrounding
three of the emerging topics Affordability, Health Innovation and Workforce Capacity.
The committee was presented with the current economic development tools and invited
to discuss what else is needed in order to move forward with any of the themes and
initiatives. Finally the committee was then invited to discuss the intersection between
economic development and community issues as well as discuss the language used
both for the emerging themes and the guiding principles to better portray a foundation
focused on economic development.
Meeting adjourned @ 1:03pm.