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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBusiness & Ind - 1997-07-09BIAC\1997-07-09 BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1997 Present: Carl Zehr (Chair), Linda Kieswetter, Peter Cook, Mike Hiscott, Atso Saarkoppel, Susan McConnell, John Bingeman, Councillor Tom Galloway, Jeffrey Morris, and Valerie Gibaut Also Present: Doug Brock, Chair and Members of Team Kitchener: Jim Haller, Wayne Hussey and Carla Ladd Recorder: Cristine Kao 1. Team Kitchener Discussion Team Kitchener posed some questions to BIAC members. Primarily with regard to Kitchener's position internationally and what areas need to be improved upon to attract new business. Mike Hiscott commented that he believes Kitchener is well situated compared to some other municipalities. Local business needs are met through work of Economic Development Division and a great change in focus is not necessary. Atso Saarkoppel added that Kitchener should first serve the needs of local businesses. After organizing the structure of the community and helping the businesses grow, other businesses will be attracted here. Kitchener will also grow through either expansions or spin-off companies. To create an international profile is not necessary il' local companies are successful. The shortage of industrial land has restricted our sales efforts. Valerie Gibaut reminded the committee of an incident last year when a Japanese company was relocating, Kitchener was considered but did not have an adequate selection of property to offer. The company decided to relocate in Guelph. Another problem Kitchener is facing is the skilled labour shortage as Mrs. Gibaut commenteck It is evident now and will damage the work force within the next 5-10 years. It is important to get information from the employers to decide where the shortages are. Data is being obtained through a skill shortage survey BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE - MINUTES to 1300 companies in CTT generated by Economic Development and Conestoga College. Wayne Hussey from Conestoga College who is also on Team Kitchener, noted that Conestoga College already have an advisory committee composed of staff and local employers to revise the curriculum every year so that the graduates meet the needs of the market. Peter Cook commented that apprenticeship and skills training programs, such as the one implemented by Conestoga College will help reduce the shortage, but the problem will worsen once the older skilled generation retires. The traditional skills which are less used in industry now are being replaced by machines, hence the skills training program should recognize that and integrate both methods. Results of the skills shortage survey will be published in September and will give more specific data~ Another obstacle for Kitchener to overcome is more political than physical. Members of the committee recognize that the political structure is interfering with Kitchener's success. Mr. Hiscott noted that Kitchener cannot survive alone: it needs help from its surrounding municipalities such as Cambridge, Waterloo and Guelph. As Carl Zehr commented that the government structure and economic development are conflicting with each other, but il' all four regions are combined for economic development purposes perhaps similar to the Toronto Mega City, the focus will be more unified_ Mr. Hiscott suggested that the ideal makeup for a committee such as CTT would be broader representatives driven by the private sector -- a set up similar to that proposed by the Chamber of Commerce not by public or governing bodies. He asked Team Kitchener to consider this in their report. Tourism is another area in which Kitchener needs to improve. Mr. Hussey suggested that Kitchener should generate an image with a specific theme...perhaps featuring educational excellence just as Disney has done which can attract sponsors such as a bank to award a scholarship or a computer company to give out computers to outstanding students. He also mentioned that Kitchener doesn't have many well known events. The only one organized event on a large scale in the Kitchener-Waterloo area is Oktoberfest which has brought in a lot of revenue for the cities and created a better image for Kitchener. Economic Development Division July 9, 1997. BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE - MINUTES Linda Kieswetter, on behalf of Team Kitchener, asked what the factors were that were keeping local businesses from expanding as both Mr. Hiscott and Mr. Saarkoppel emphasized that serving the local businesses better will attract more new business. Mr. Saarkoppel responded from his personal experience that taxes are too high for expansion, both provincial and municipal taxes, property taxes, and corporate taxes. Mr. Zehr noted that taxes are changes which cannot be made in the near future but there are actions that can be taken immediately, such as the shortage of staff in the Economic Development Division. Many functions cannot be performed due to the lack of resources. Minutes of June 11, 1997 Minutes of June 11, 1997 were approved and adopted CTT Status Mrs. Gibaut reported that there was a recommendation made by David Creech to employ a director for CTT who will work 3 days a week to promote CTT. The ideal candidate, as Ms. Kieswetter suggested, should be someone in a senior role who is capable of making the strategic plans and implementing them. Mr. Zehr noted that more coordination between these organizations is needed since a lot of responsibilities are overlapping. Mr. Zehr invited John Gazzola and Mayor Christy to join the committee to discuss more about the role of the CTT Director. Future of Industrial Land Deferred to the meeting of August 13, 1997. Waterloo Regional Airport Jeff Willmer was not present. A w~'itten report was distributed~ Meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m. Next Meeting Wednesday, August 13, 1997 Economic Development Division July 9, 1997.