2011 Municipal Study - City of Brantford

Municipal Study 2011Business Retention & Expansion ProgramsSt. ThomasThe St. Thomas E.D.C is active in encouraging and supporting business development through methodssuch as corporate visitation, the provision of aid with expansion planning, domestic and internationalmarketing, business recruitment and site location.The St. Thomas E.D.C. has formed an association with Aylmer, Ingersoll, St. Marys, Stratford, Tillsonburgand Woodstock called the Southwestern Ontario Marketing Alliance (SOMA). SOMA aggressively marketsthe region internationally to potential investors and actively supports business interests.There are no Industrial Development Charges in the City of St. ThomasThunder BayThe Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) promotes businessdevelopment, retention and expansion, entrepreneurial support, opportunity promotion and collection andassessment of key business data.The Thunder Bay & District Entrepreneur Centre located within CEDC’s administration office providesseminars, workshops and free and confidential business counselling services for new and existing smallbusinesses.Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) finances new businesses and expansions,provides business services and referrals and funds economic development projects in the Thunder bayCensus Metropolitan Area.Physician Recruitment—Through significant investment made by the City of Greater Sudbury, a revitalizedapproach to physician recruitment was implemented in 2008. In partnership with the Northern OntarioSchool of Medicine, Health Sciences North and the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, the City hasutilized modest incentive packages and a spousal support network to position itself as a desirable locationto work, live and play for physicians.TillsonburgEconomic Development Advisory Committee - offer input and guidance on the needs of business andindustry, ensuring information on development opportunities and industrial land are available and up-todate.They assist in the preparation of promotional materials, ensure the website is current, and provideguidance on investment attraction initiatives.Corporate VisitationPhysician RecruitmentEconomic Development Programs359