View - The Municipality of Lambton Shores

elates to agriculture and food processing and value added agriculture. The staff
mandate this summer is to visit at least two farms per week to gain a better
understanding of the agricultural industry here.
The business directory is available online. S.L.E.P. looks at international trends, federal
and provincial priorities and capabilities of existing companies that are here. They
consider what sites are available for repurpose. This area is unique as it wants support
for the chemistry industry. S.L.E.P. looks at what are the federal, provincial levels
offering and where the local municipality fits in, in regards to programming, people
working in foreign offices, companies they’re targeting, and policies.
Templates geared to economic development are available. Mr. Mallay stated that we
need to focus on our strengths.
S.L.E.P. markets through their website ihatetraffic.ca. Marketing in the GTA and
focusing on why people move here, property values and the great value of moving here.
There are banner ads on the TTC and ads in Forever Young magazine and seminars
for financial planning.
S.L.E.P. offers support for students who develop a business plan and operate the
business for the summer. S.L.E.P has knowledge of grants for students.
An interesting book titled Small Towns Big Ideas was recommended to read and Mr.
Mallay will send the link to the book. It showcased the ingenuity that exists in small
places to make things work.
Mr. Mallay will provide a copy of his notes regarding the old strategic plan. The old
strategic plan is on the usb handed out to the members at the previous meeting.
4.2 Marshall Kern – Tourism Sarnia Lamton (T.S.L.)
Chairman of the Board, Mr. Kern explained that Tourism Sarnia Lambton’s mission is to
bring more people to our area, get them stay here longer, spend more money and
insure that their experience will bring them back. The vision is to foster a spirit of
partnership within Sarnia Lambton to enhance tourism through programmes, ideas and
initiatives that will grow the tourism industry, resulting in a greater tax base for the
municipalities with in Sarnia Lambton.
There are three key strategies. First to lead and assist tourism partners in development
that integrates and generates economic renewal. Secondly, to establish a unified brand
and greater awareness about our home. Finally, to grow sustainable long-term funding
for Tourism Sarnia Lambton and our destination marketing management initiatives.
The review of T.S.L. accepted in 2010, included a long list internal development and
external marketing being within the scope of T.S.L. Internal development includes to
identify hard development, to improve support for business as to how to get signs up on
highways and county roads, and to promote community events.
29