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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBusiness & Ind - 1995-04-13BIAC\1995-04-13 BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 1995 PRESENT: Mike Itiscott (Chair), Carl Zehi; Richard Lewchuk, Dan Beach, Elliott Currie, Bob C~qHckshank, Councillor Mike Wagner, Councillor Berry Vrbanovic, Councillor Chi%tina Weylie, Councillor Tom Galloway, David lqYeure and Penny Hillier-Ward (representing l,inda Kieswetter) ALSO PRESENT: Valerie Gibaut~ and Jane Jantzi REGRETS: John Tibbits, Martha George, Tito Gughelmi, Wayne Hussey, Atso Saarkoppel RECORDER: George Borovilos In the absence of the Chair and Vice Chah; Valerie Gibaut chaired the meeting 1. Economic Development Reports Valerie Gibaut tabled the 1994 Annual Report~ 1995 Marketing Plan and the Strategic Plan for the committee to review and comment. The issue of economic development pm~ormance measurements, forecasting and monitoring the results of literature distribution was brought up by several of the committee members with the intention of how to develop more effective marketing strategte~ After some discussion, economic development staff indicated that quantitative measurements have not been established for economic development and that it k dilTicult to measure certain objectives such as image advertising and business retentio~ Staff did explain that literature dishqbution and effectiveness k monitored on a regular basis in order to assess result~ It was suggested by Staff that by next meeting a draft outline be prepared to explore possible economic development performance measures. U.S. Based Consultant Valerie Gibaut indicated that she was in receipt of a proposal from Phil Jacob, of the Jacobs Group, a consultant based in Buffalo. The proposal called for retaining his services for a thi'ee month period, one day per week, to find strategic business opportunities for Kitchener BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE - MINUTES companies and initiate discussions with various organizations in either the Buffalo, Rochester, or Syracuse area to establish economic twinning. Councillor Mike Wagner made the motion for BIAC to endorse this initiative. It was pointed out that the remuneration package has to be clarified and finalized. Seconded by Bob Cruickshank and carried. 3. Downtown Task Force Valerie Gibaut updated committee regarding the Downtown Task Force and the Economic Development Division's input to the Task Force. She indicated that on May 8th, the task force will be submitting theh' report to Council Councillor Tom Galloway indicated that Council has allocated over $9,000,000. for the Downtown over a five year perio& In the interim basis, Staff continue to provide a support role in providing statistical and market inlbrmation and are awaiting the report to determine any additional duties and responsibilitie~ Mike Hiscott entered the meeting and assumed the Chah' Economic Development Division April 13, 1995. BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE - MINUTES Development Approvals Process Dan Beach suggested that it might be useful for the Committee to be led thi'ough the development approvals process by actually tracking a chent thi'ough the site plan and building permit process He indicated that this would provide committee members with an opportunity to appreciate the costs and time commitment involved in the approvals process Councillor Wagner also pointed out that it would provide a useful inlbrmation exercise. Mike Hiscott added that we could deal with reahties of the approvals process The committee agreed that this would be useful and suggested that Staff bring a potential project to be discussed at the next meeting and that Valerie Gibaut invite Planning staff to the meeting to report on the progress to date. Review of Development Activities Staff intbrmed committee of the following development activitiesc Land sales to ACI (Adjusters Canada) and Grerei Investments to construct an office building for Ernst & Young in Lancaster Corporate Centre. Offer to Purchase has been presented by a local plastics manufacturer in for appro×imately 8 acres Huron Business Park Triple J Tooling have experienced many frustrations and delays in attempting to reconcile the requirements of the development approvals process - landscaping and water quality issues The resulting changes to plans has extended their budget for the project to the point and the company is asking for relief from City development charges After discussion, Committee agreed that staff should make every attempt to placate the company in order to keep the investment in IGtchener. Potential offer on a vacant site in Bridgeport Business Park by a local tracking company. Economic Development Division April 13, 1995. BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE - MINUTES 6. WEDC Meeting Mike Hiscott indicated to committee that he has left numerous messages with the chah' of the Waterloo Economic Development Committee. Unlbrtunately there has been no return calls to date. The Chair will continue to follow-up and report back next meeting. Future Agenda Items Role of Committee (perceptions and how to improve) Zoning in Huron Business Park re. extension of uses - restaurant and other Future of indust~qal land supply in Kitchener Meeting adjourned 1:~0 pm Next Meeting: Thursday, May 11, 1995 11:00 mm. - 1:00 p.m. Council Lounge, ~nd Floor Kitchener City Hall Economic Development Division April 13, 1995.