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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEcon Dev Adv 2008-02-27 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES February 27, 2008 City of Kitchener The Economic Development Advisory Committee met this date commencing at 11:10 once a quorum had been reached, chaired by Adrian Conrad; the following members were in attendance: Ian Cook, Peter Benninger, Jeremy Auger, Councillor John Smola, Mark Collins, Len Carter, Councillor Christina Weylie, Glen Woolner The following people sent their regrets: Howie Budd, Dan Piedra, Lawrence Bingeman, Bob Denton, Don Zehr, Gerry Remers, Sherryl Petricevic, Steven Voll The following people were absent: Staff in attendance: Kathy Weiss, Janette MacDonald, Rob Morgan, Tracey DeVille, Cory Bluhm, Terry Boutilier, Valerie Bradford, Silvia Wright, Jeff Willmer 1. Discussion Items 1. Minutes & Agenda 1.2 Approval of Minutes On motion by Len Carter Seconded by Glen Woolner 1.3 Downtown Advisory Committee – Update Glen Woolner provided an update on DAC and the Ambassador Program, downtown streetscape, vitality strategy and the continuation of the vitality of the downtown, the projectors that will be installed in the downtown this year (2 on City Hall – one mobile), updated on new businesses in the downtown. 2. Business Arising 2.1 CTT 2008 Business Plan John Tennant and Bill Elliot provided a presentation on the 2008 Canada’s Technology Triangle Inc (CTT) Business Plan. Mr. Tennant provided copies of the presentation as well as other documents for the information / interest purposes of the Committee. Mr. Tennant provided background information on CTT, the current economic trends of Kitchener and the Region today and where both the Region and Kitchener are headed in terms of growth, talent attraction, business retention and economic development for the future. Comments: ? Great to see what CTT is and has been delivering to Kitchener and the Region and where CTT has been able to take the area over the last 20 years ? MTD stats may be incorrect please check to see that those numbers are correct ? What numbers and information do you receive back from the Corporate Visitation Program – we helped with the approach and the questions, we maintain regular contact and involvement with the program and assist in any situations that may require assistance ? With the closures of businesses etc., many people are finding that they are now having to apply for new jobs or they are having to close, not much succession planning is being done – we have identified that we can not stand still and we need to stay on top of the changes that are happening, there is no question that there is a problem solving ability here, lower turn over here, adaptability on work ? Bill advised on the German Marketing Group and the work that is being done with them to attract business to this area ? In terms of talent attraction, what are you doing to foster that – we maintain strong partnerships with local businesses and firms to ensure that everyone is aware of what is needed and they help provide guidance with the what is needed etc., we do not do this in isolation but we do take in the message from the local community ? Wind technologies what about the solar needs as well – yes we are focusing on both since they are both excellent prospects for this area ? Alternative energy is a huge area and we are seeing a growing interest in this area Discussion on the next steps that CTT is working on – wind turbines, food processing plants for example. 2.2 Grand River West Business Park Kathy Weiss provided a brief history of the Grand River West Business Park. She advised that through the completion of the purchase of the lands, the City was able to make a profit; the project has also proven to be extremely successful. 2.3 Surplus Lands Mr. Robert Morgan provided an information update on what lands will become available as a result of the Consolidated Maintenance Facility. He provided an overview of each site and discussed the possible plans for sale of the lands. He did not that the Bramm Street lot future has not been determined as of yet. Business Cases will be completed to determine how the disposition of the lands will happen. Comments – ? With the shortage of larger parcels, why would consideration of severing into smaller lots be considered? Those answers will be determined through the completion of business cases. ? Is the intended use of the Strasburg Road site still being looked as a purely industrial / commercial – it depends on the outcome of what the Region wants, the City’s planning department etc. On motion by Len Carter Seconded by Peter Benninger Meeting adjourned at 1:00 pm.