HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-01-24 EDAC Minutes
Economic Development Advisory Committee
Committee Minutes
January 24, 2024, 12:00 p.m.
Electronic Meeting
Present: Chuck Howitt, Chair
Councillor A. Owodunni, Member
B. Whittaker, Member
L. Rodriguez Reyes, Member
M. Lam, Member
M. Krushack, Member
P. Kreutner, Member
J. Curto, Member
M. Bingeman, Member
A. Akbar, Member
Councillor M. Johnston, Member
Staff: K. Remus, Committee Admnistrator
Brian Bennett
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1. Commencement
A virtual meeting of the Economic Development Advisory Committee was held at
12 p.m. on January 24, 2024. Chaired by Chuck Howitt.
2. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
No pecuniary interests disclosed.
3. Delegations
None
4. Discussion Items
4.1 Business Development Outreach Program- Brian Bennett, Manager of
Business Development
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The committee shared ideas of what questions staff should ask in the meetings
as well as what kind of information is important to gather. The committee also
spoke to information that would be helpful for the City to share with businesses.
4.2 2024 Draft Workplan & 2023-2026 Strategic Plan- Chuck Howitt
A draft 2024 workplan was shared with the committee and it was noted that the
timing of some topics may change. The workplan will be circulated to the
committee via email.
The Chair and Vice-Chair of EDAC attended the All-Advisory meeting held in
November 2023. The primary purpose of the meeting was to introduce the new
2023-2026 Strategic Plan and to facilitate a discussion where committee
members could explore how their committee's work aligns with the strategic
actions outlined in the plan. A document was created and circulated to the
committee to gather areas of interest for further involvement by, or collaboration
between committees, related to the strategic actions. All feedback will be
compiled and shared with committee administrator to be shared with the
committee.
5. Information Items
5.1 Land Strategy Update- Brian Bennett, Manager of Business Development
Brian Bennett shared that the City-Owned Land Disposition Framework is going
to Finance and Corporate Services Committee on January 29, 2024. The
purpose of the report is to establish a framework to guide Council and staff when
considering the disposition and acquisition of land. The Finance and Corporate
Services agenda and report can be found on the City of Kitchener website.
5.2 2024 Outlook Roundtable
The committee shared their 2024 outlook for their respective industries.
6. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 1:01 p.m.
Katelyn Remus
Committee Administrator
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