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WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation Annual Report 2015 Amherstburg Essex Kingsville Lakeshore LaSalle Leamington Pelee Island Tecumseh Windsor CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 Life Sciences Hub Bill Marra, Vice President External Affairs, Innovation & Philanthropy Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare. The WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation and Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare signed a Memorandum of Understanding to officially launch the “Cross Border Life Sciences Hub” on May 22, 2015. The intention of the Hub is to improve patient care, advance clinical research, increase development of new products, attract high-value trade and investments and create desirable careers in our region. The Hub will help develop the Life Sciences sector in the region by capitalizing on our distinct advantages and strengths. Guest speakers included: Brian Lewis, President & CEO, MEDEC; Gary Switzer, CEO, Erie St. Clair LHIN; Jason Field, President & CEO, Life Sciences Ontario; and Steve Bartol, Chief Medical Officer, Henry Ford Innovation. Lightweight Materials Session at APMA Matthew Marks, American Chemistry Council Plastics Division; David Anderson, Steel Market Development Institute; Jeff Bladlow, Kaiser Aluminum & Aluminum Transportation Group. In partnership with the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA) and the Center for Automotive Research (CAR), EcDev produced and sponsored the Lightweighting Keynote and Discussion Forum at APMA’s Annual Conference. The keynote speaker was Marcello Grassi, Head of Composite Strategy, Chief Technologist, McLaren Automotive. As the region expands into a lightweight and additive materials hub, plans are in place to hold another session in 2016. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Partnerships Through membership in the Ontario Food Cluster (OFC) and Ontario Automotive Communities Alliance (OACA), EcDev participated in two FDI attraction missions in 2015: the Private Label Trade Show in Chicago (with OFC) and eCarTec Trade Show in Munich, Germany (with OACA). INFO GATHERING/ KNOWLEDGE The Business Development team participates in conferences, seminars and workshops to gather information relevant to local interests and useful to economic development. These included: • Economic Developers Council of Ontario Annual Conference • Manufacturing Day 2015 • CME Roundtable with Valiant • Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority Industry Days • Ministry of Citizenship Immigration International Trade Roundtable • MEDEC Conference • CAR Management Briefing Seminars • CAR Automotive Communities Partnership • The Battery Show • Canada-Korea Business Opportunities • CMTS-Medical Manufacturing Innovation Series • UM/ULI Michigan Real Estate Forum (Exhibitor) 14
WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation Annual Report 2015 Amherstburg Essex Kingsville Lakeshore LaSalle Leamington Pelee Island Tecumseh Windsor Small Business Centre (SBC) 2015 highlights Committed to Helping Entrepreneurs Succeed The Small Business Centre (SBC) has provided thousands of entrepreneurs with the training and support necessary to start and grow successful businesses and is a one stop source – providing guidance and professional advice from concept, through start-up and early growth stages of business. SBC operates as a department of the WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure. Belonging to a network of offices that serve Ontario’s small business community, SBC is your local source for small business support services. SBC offers two locations: one in Windsor and a satellite office in the town of Essex. In partnership with the Ontario government and seasoned business professionals, SBC offers more opportunities for small business owners and entrepreneurs to access counseling, mentoring, seed funding and networks. SBC continually strives to bring relevant and impactful programs and services to support the needs of new and existing small business in the region. Key Projects & Initiatives Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market Showcase Over the past year, SBC has significantly increased outreach efforts across the region through a variety of initiatives including speaking engagements, events, strategic marketing and social media campaigns. SBC is the entry point to help the small business owner, to start, grow, and prosper. It offers customized counseling, micro-financing, and network opportunities. Through a unique resource network, SBC provides the tools to help entrepreneurs along the path to success as a small business owner. SBC also works with numerous community partners to bring programs to as many people as possible – most notably, by celebrating Small Business month annually in October to recognize entrepreneurs and small business. Youth entrepreneurship continues to be a vital component of the SBC strategy in order to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and inspire our next generation of small business leaders, business owners and innovators. Workshops, Seminars and Networking Opportunities In 2015, 110 business development workshops were held for over 5000 attendees. (l-r) Anahita Hassanpour, HarmoScent; Noah Walker, Germs Be Gone The SBC team participated with their Summer Company program student entrepreneurs at the Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market to showcase and sell their products and services. During the year, the SBC facilitated and hosted a variety of dynamic workshops and seminars – all designed to create opportunities for small business clients to connect, develop and network among their peers and with experienced leaders in the business community. Topics ranged from business fundamentals to more advanced business topics delivered by business professionals and entrepreneurs. 15
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