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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY AND UPDATE
H. Kirolos, Director of Business Development provided an update regarding Economic Development Activity. He outlined the results of a breakfast held with local manufacturers to review accomplishments and plans for the future. He noted that staff are investigating creating a partnership with the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium to share assets such as directories and portals. He stated that plant tours are on-going and that an outreach program is being developed to recognize challenges and opportunities faced by businesses and to receive regular feedback. Mr. Kirolos noted that the Business Development Department had hosted a manufacturer from Ohio and coordinated meetings with five local manufacturers. He explained that the City of Barrie and a number of local companies will be participating in the Global Petroleum Show to be held in Calgary. He noted that the Train in Trades event is being reviewed. Mr. Kirolos stated that the annual Mayor's Business Progress Breakfast is scheduled for April 17th. He reviewed the Business Development Department's participation on the Physician Recruitment Task Force, work with stakeholders such as the County and Georgian College and collaboration with the regional entrepreneurial centre in Markham.
C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer provided an update regarding the Business Ambassador Program. She explained that this was an initiative identified through the Ideas In Motion exercise. Ms. Ladd commented that the Business Ambassador's Steering Committee will consist of 10 representatives from five different sectors of the business community. She noted that the steering committee will create sub-committees that will review training components for local businesses, exporting and government supported programs to expand companies.
Committee Members provided updates concerning matters related to business development and asked a question related to the informat...
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