Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan - Perth County

(b) What needs to change?Focus GroupSessionCouncil andMunicipal StaffAgriculture, RuralDevelopmentEntrepreneursand ExportersManufacturingand AutomationAlternate EnergyTourismCommon/High Priority Responses from the GroupIncreased training options in new emerging industriesBetter Co-operation between municipalities; more coordination of efforts at all levelsof governmentLess red tape, rules and regulations and all levels of governmentInternal population growth – newcomers and young families returningMore use of technology and information communicationsRaise awareness of importance of buying locally and consuming local productsUpdating of rules and regulations – modernized – especially for agricultureMore funding for small farms/small businesses so they can survive and thrivePreservation of class 1 and 2 farmlands – address brownfield issueFocus on green – reforesting, organic choicesAddress one size fits all regulations re abattoirs and other food processing basedbusinessesMore regional coordination of the area – less division of municipalitiesMore support of entrepreneurism and incubation of new businesses withmentorship and financial assistanceLess reliance on imports of energy and products from outside – prevents selfsustainabilityand enables branch plant mentality – encourage locally madeapproachYear round activities in our downtownsUrban regeneration i.e. storefronts brownfields, former gas stations etc.Visionary investment leading to industries and greater cultural diversityMore regional thinking – consolidation of planning and governmentsMore focused efforts to bring good manufacturing jobs to the city – moremanufacturing incentives and R&D competitivenessDevelop more attractions to the city and area that appeal to all citizens. More offseason Festival activities.Increase awareness of manufacturing, supply chain networking – bring playerstogetherMarketing and more recognition of industry – success storiesFocus and action on greenhouse gas reduction – environmental planningMore cooperative community based renewable projectsForward thinking leadership from local politicians regarding energy planningRecycle and reuse plans on community scale – coordinated waste programthroughout the countyReduce red tape for energy projectsFocus on attracting smaller businesses rather than large onesIncreased educational offerings to retain and attract students/populationProduce bio energy from our resources – better collection and conversionHealthy, vibrant downtowns, avoiding sprawlMore collaboration across region and sectors – stop competition between smalltowns – should promote each otherProtect natural areasMunicipal support and funds for the arts with strong community co-operation andsupportProactive visionary and less reactive governance and political decision makingUtilization of current empty space, brownfields and empty storefrontsBroader definition of economic development including culture, tourism, creativeclass jobs, culinary sector, knowledge based and entrepreneurial sectorPerth, St. Marys and Stratford Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan 22 | P age