Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan - Perth County

Figure 6 – Summary of Focus Group FindingsQuestion 1 - Looking ahead five years, what would Perth County, Stratford and St. Marys be like ifyou had the power to make it any way you wanted? Perth County, Stratford and St. Marys will havebeen successful when we have the following in place…Focus GroupCommon/High Priority Responses from the GroupSessionCouncil andMunicipal StaffAgriculture, RuralDevelopmentEntrepreneursand ExportersManufacturingand AutomationAlternate EnergyTourismDiversity in employment with a variety of new industries coming to our areaAn environment which encourages our young people to return home to raise afamily and have meaningful employmentA solid base of small businesses in our community and supporting local buyingKeeping our industries including manufacturing; encourage new developmentA well trained young labour forceHealthy self-sustaining rural agricultural communitySmall abattoirs in the community to serve the need for farmers and the demand forlocal foodMore rural based small businesses serving both the local and regional marketsInvestment in further processing of food beyond primary agriculture; value addedprocessing businesses for our local foodAttract and retain young people; entrepreneurial opportunities for our youthMix of industries that would make the area self sustaining and not be vulnerable tosingle industriesCommunity of choice for professionals to operate a business in the ‘creativeeconomy’Recognized as a leader of innovation especially in digital mediaCommunity with ‘green’ alternate energy practicesVibrant town centres which encourage new business growthMore new manufacturing employers that can compete globally employing asignificant workforceSustainable industries providing gainful employmentSubstantially lower business/property taxesGreen energy focus; bio energy development; low cost energyCentre of Excellence in alternative energy including educational offeringsPromotion of clean renewable energyPolitically driven mandate driving renewable projectsLarge scale bio gas/bio digester projects on agricultural propertiesRetain existing and create new and sustainable employment throughout the Countyi.e. sales, installation, manufacturing, maintenance, design etc.Retention of agricultural landsHealthy vibrant downtown coresDesignated venue for community performing and visual artsRecognition of tourism as an economic driverParticipation in the ‘new economy’ – creative industriesMunicipal governments working togetherEmphasis on healthy living and promoting an active lifestyleSufficient family health teamsCanadian culinary destination with an educational elementPerth, St. Marys and Stratford Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan 20 | P age