Government officials gather to gab about how competitively advantageous we are

NEWS RELEASE

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

*************************
To promote local trade and investment opportunities and the community’s competitive advantages, the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation hosted 30 provincial government officials based in offices from around the world this week.

Representing the Ministry of International Trade, along with the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, these senior economic officers are stationed in various global markets, including China, Brazil, India, United Kingdom, Mexico, France, United States and Canada.

“This was an excellent opportunity for our city,” said Mayor Christian Provenzano, who welcomed the delegates at the opening forum on Wednesday. “Having these provincial economic development officers tour our community and learn about our competitive advantages will help with promoting Sault Ste. Marie on the world stage. I thank them for coming, and I thank the Province of Ontario and the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation for coordinating their visit.”

While here, the senior economic officers heard presentations from a number of organizations, including the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation, Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre and Port of Algoma.

With a focus on lean manufacturing (robotics), information and communications technology, and the digital economy, the delegates also toured various businesses and community sites, such as SIS Group, Heliene Canada and Millworks Centre for Entrepreneurship.

During the forum, local economic development officials and entrepreneurs also had a chance to learn about global business opportunities.

“This visit was a first for Ontario’s senior economic officers located in Canadian embassies and consulates throughout the world,” said Tom Dodds, CEO of the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation. “It was a two-way learning process where we shared our opportunities and competitive advantages, and the visiting trade and investment officials shared theirs. The end result was a common understanding that will generate solid leads for local businesses, many of which are currently being followed up on.”

Leo Tiberi, Executive Lead of the community’s Lottery and Gaming Pursuit Project, was one of the keynote speakers during the forum.

“Being able to present to this dedicated team of Ontario’s senior economic officers was a timely and wonderful opportunity to inform, network, build alliances and work together to attract world-class companies to locate in Sault Ste. Marie,” he said.

*************************