OPEN FOR BUSINESS. Investment Readiness Plan

Transcription

1 January 15, 2014 OPEN FOR BUSINESS Collaboratively ensuring we are a prime destination for diverse growth and prosperity that respects our natural assets. Objectives Welcome Businesses Create Effective Marketing Diversify the Business Base Forge Strong Relationships and Partnerships Promote Demographic Diversity Encourage and Promote Sustainable Development Create.. Enable Grow Welcome..

2 1.0 Introduction The Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands Economic Development Investments Readiness Plan is designed to set current priorities for economic growth for the Township for the next three to five years. It is based on a culture of anticipating and meeting needs, creating and enabling programs and development while respecting our natural environment for growth. 2.0 Goals The goals of this plan are as follows: 1. Provide a vision, objectives and strategies to guide economic development 2. Focus, review and measure our economic development efforts 3. Facilitate community and stakeholder involvement by sharing, providing and documenting objectives and strategies 4. Ensure that strategies and objectives are realistic, planned and focused. 3.0 Economic Development Strategies The following strategies are designed to achieve the six objectives identified as the top priorities to focus on over the next three to five years. The Economic Development Committee and Township staff, in consultation with community stakeholders, will develop and define a work plan with specific actions, timelines, risk assessments, financial implications, responsibilities, deliverables and measures associated with this plan. 1 Welcome Businesses Set up a seamless development protocol and process map Set up incentives for businesses and residents on main streets in villages to improve facades and property standards Identify areas for future growth and work toward build ready status Build a public relations campaign to highlights benefits of economic development to the people of this community. Anticipate... Create.. Enable Respect.. Grow 2

3 2 Create Effective Marketing Articulate target markets and work with our partners to reach them Develop a marketing plan Develop an effective website Become market-ready, marketing effectively and efficiently with partners and regional organizations, leveraging resources and expertise inside and outside of the Township, ensuring appropriate revisions to planning documents. 3 Forge Strong Relationships and Partnerships Work closely with surrounding municipalities and the County to share information and collaborate on mutually beneficial projects. Encourage regional partnerships for economic development Develop close relationships with village organizations, Chambers of Commerce and business / tourism associations Proactive communication with businesses, developers and real estate agents. 4 Promote Demographic Diversity Develop target marketing plans to attract new residents Enhance appropriate recreational, cultural and social community assets Encourage foreign-direct investment into the Township Anticipate... Create.. Enable Respect.. Grow 3

4 5 Encourage and Promote Sustainable Development Be proactive and encourage appropriate development that anticipates the needs of residents, business, tourists and the environment Facilitate residential growth by targeting specific areas within or close to existing high-potential hubs, for higher-density residential and/or mixed-use developments Promote sustainable successes Provide services and infrastructure that anticipates the diverse needs of our residents and businesses as part of the revised OP and multi-year capital plan Develop resources that encourage sustainable initiatives. 6 Diversify the Business Base Gather and analyze baseline data and statistics for indicators of current strengths and potential growth Research sectors with the highest potential for success Create sectorial development and attraction plans for each sector identified With partners, develop a business readiness/awareness toolkit, including incentives for small businesses and key sectors 4.0 Monitoring of Plan An annual review and progress report will be conducted by staff and the Economic Development Committee. Annual budget approval and endorsement of priorities will be required from Council. Input from the public and stakeholders will be invited. Quarterly progress reports will include tracking of performance measures. Anticipate... Create.. Enable Respect.. Grow 4

5 5.0 Background The Township has an Economic Development Committee and a Committee of Council with a mix of community representatives. The Economic Development Committee, under the direction of Council, creates an environment which supports the expansion of business opportunities and the enhancement of economic growth within the Township. The Committee, along with Council members, Township staff and stakeholders held a facilitated strategic planning exercise in July 2013 at which a number of economic development priorities were identified. Stakeholders included business community representative(s), community group representative(s), both chamber of commerce representative(s), Frontenac Arch Biosphere representative(s), and medical representative(s). The committee then used priorities identified at that session to develop this plan. The committee further consulted the public in developing the Vision Statement through public input solicited at two 2013 Townhall meetings and an on-line survey. Anticipate... Create.. Enable Respect.. Grow 5