NEWS RELEASE
COUNTY OF SIMCOE
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The County of Simcoe, the cities of Barrie and Orillia, Grey County, Bruce County, Georgian College, Nottawasaga Futures Community Development Corporation and South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre have been recognized for their collaborative efforts by the International Economic Development Council with the Business Retention & Expansion Initiatives Award - Population 200,000-500,000.
In 2018, this group of municipalities and organizations conducted in-depth analysis of the current economic climate for agricultural/agri-food businesses in our region.
In total, more than 270 interviews collecting over 800,000 data points were conducted with a view to create a regional action plan for the area that could assist with local economic development efforts.
Through this extensive engagement, area partners gleaned vital insights into the expansion plans of local agricultural/agri-food businesses as well as the main driving factors and barriers to business expansion in our region. Findings from the study were announced in November 2018.
On Oct. 15, 2019, area partners were recognized for the successful 2018 Simcoe, Grey and Bruce Agriculture and Agri-Food Value Chain Business Retention & Expansion Study by the International Economic Development Council at their Annual Conference in Indiana.
To learn more about the Agriculture and Agri-Food Value Chain Business Retention & Expansion Study and for a copy of the Final Trends Report, please visit simcoe.ca/agri-foodstudy.
Quotes
“It’s an honour to be recognized on an international stage, and we’re proud to have helped lead this important study with our municipal partners. The data we have gained from this study is essential to help the County plan and deliver targeted funding, develop programs for local businesses and boost our growing economy. Eighty-three per cent of the respondents to the study had a good or excellent overall impression of doing business in their local municipality—so we know that we’re on the right track to generating more made in Simcoe County success stories.” - County of Simcoe Warden George Cornell
“Project partners should be incredibly proud to once again be recognized for the passion and energy put into the Business Retention and Expansion Study. Agriculture and food have deep roots in Grey County and continue to play a pivotal role in our regional economy. Congratulations to everyone involved in this valuable project.”- Grey County Warden Selwyn Hicks
“This is a well-deserved award for the project team and partners involved in the Agriculture and Agri-food project. Barrie is home to food and beverage processors and distributors, and several micro-breweries who benefit from the strength of the surrounding agricultural community. This award highlights how important collaboration is to our success.”- Mayor Jeff Lehman, City of Barrie
“The City of Orillia is proud to be a partner in this important project. Many of our local businesses depend on the regional agricultural sector for their survival and are part of agri-food business value chain. The data from this study will continue to drive future decisions that will further enhance this sector. Congratulations to all involved in the Business Retention & Expansion Study, and on a job well done!” - Mayor Steve Clarke, City of Orillia
Partial funding for this project has been provided by the Province of Ontario through the Rural Economic Development Program. Additional funding for this project has been provided by the County of Simcoe, Grey County, Bruce County, the City of Barrie, the City of Orillia, Georgian College, Nottawasaga Futures Community Development Corporation and South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre.
About the International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 5,000 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind.
Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities, by creating, retaining and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban and local to international, IEDC’s members are engaged in the full range of economic development experience.
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