HomeMy WebLinkAboutEcon Dev Adv - 2005-05-25
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
May 25, 2005
11 :00 am - 1 :00 pm
Conestoga Room - City Hall
Attendance: Peter Benninger, Lawrence Bingeman, Ed Brooker, Howie Budd,
Manfred Conrad, Len Carter, Shawky Fahel, Jane Jantzi, Mark
Paleczny, Glen Woolner.
Shelley Adams, Valerie Bradford, Patricia, Hans Gross, Carla Ladd,
Bernadette Lowry, Janette MacDonald, Rob Morgan, Michelle Schurter,
Kathy Weiss, Councillor Christina Weylie, Silvia Wright
Regrets:
Henrik Noesgaard, Bob Denton, Mayor Zehr, Rob Browning,
John Smola, Hans Pottkamper, Shelley Adams, Patrica Bacon
Absent:
Scott Baird
1. Welcome
Christina Weylie chaired the meeting. Councillor Weylie asked everyone to think about Item #6 -
Attendance. A more in-depth discussion would take place after the lunch break.
2. Review and Adoption of Minutes of April 27, 2005
The minutes were approved.
Moved by: Glen Woolner
Seconded by: Mark Paleczny
Carried
3. Cluster Development Strategy - Michelle Schurter
Michelle Schurter gave a very detailed and informative discussion regarding the Cluster Development
Strategy. The presentation included: Overview, Background, Framework Findings,
Recommendations, Implementation and Next Steps.
Overview: To explore specific cluster areas - specifically: biotechnology, education &
knowledge creation and arts/culture
Background: Basically a three prong approach: vision, framework
(requirements/preferences) and implementation
Framework Findings: There were 5 basic themes derived from the findings:
1 . Clusters reflect the Knowledge Based Economy
2. Learning and knowledge "flow" are the lifeblood of the cluster 'ring'
/Industry Association
3. Clusters grow and develop regionally
4. Clusters are bred not constructed
5. Industry leads & Government supports
Recommendations:
There are Strategic Objectives:
1. Foster cluster development knowledge based industries, specifically
health and technology
2. Collaborate on talent issues, specifically education, training and
immigration
3. Invest in arts, culture and creative spaces to attract and retain
knowledge based workers
4. Undertake administrative role to facilitate regional cluster
development
Implementation:
Push forward, while tracking results.
Next Steps:
Public Consultation on "Framework", Implementation and ongoing work with
Partners
Members of the committee were very complementary on the presentation. It was recommended that
this presentation be taken directly to the President of Conestoga College.
4. Follow-up to Culture Plan II - Erina Harris
Deferred to June meeting.
5. Business Visitation Program follow-up - Valerie Bradford
Valerie Bradford gave a thank you to everyone who has assisted. 80 businesses have been visited
over a 6 week period. Any "red flag" issues have been dealt with. The companies have all
appreciated the time taken to visit with them and now know we are here to help them out. A
suggestion was made that all Council members be involved at the next blitz. It was discussed about
doing another "blitz" towards the end of the year. Corp calls are on-going. The following is a basic list
of concerns/questions/comments regarding visits:
a) # of quality places to eat in downtown Kitchener.
b) Huron Business Park - no sidewalks/no places to eat
c) Unsure of if Kitchener or Waterloo Region provide certain
services
d) Shortage of skilled labour
e) Integrity of person being hired
f) Expansion - servicing issues
g) Street people - not a good reflection for downtown
development
The surveys are being tallied. Over 50% of them have been entered. An invitation to the Breakfast on
June 28th will be mailed out shortly.
6. Attendance - Christina Weylie
The "Terms of Reference" have been sent to all members. It is imperative that all members be
represented every month. A failure to attend 3 consecutive meetings without authorization is
unacceptable. There are a few members who are not attending meetings. Christina Weylie will be
asking Scott Baird for his resignation, as his schedule does not permit him to attend any of the
meetings.
A motion was made by Shawky Fahel that: every committee member needs to appoint a
representative, so that if the primary member cannot attend, their second will be in attendance. This
item will be tabled to the June meeting.
7. Other Business:
Transportation issues. One of the items also discussed during the Business Retention visits was the
issue of roads in and out of Kitchener. The amount of traffic Cambridge to Kitchener exits. Lawrence
Bingeman has some concerns regarding increasing Lackner Boulevard to 4 lanes during the bridge
construction. It was requested to have someone from the Region be invited to speak at one of our
upcoming meetings.
June meeting date: Due to a conference being held during the week of June 20 to June 24th,
several key members are not able to attend. Alternate dates were June 15, June 16 and June 20 A
poll will be taken, and members advised of next meeting date.
Meeting terminated.
Bernadette Lowry, Recording Secretary
Economic Development Advisory Committee
Next Meeting: June 20th, 2005
11 :00 am - 1 :00 pm
Bingeman Funworx, Kitchener