DURHAM REGION – THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE Durham Region is the right choice for a bright future. This is the concept the Region’s Planning and Economic Development hopes to bring to life over the next five years, through the 2017-2021 Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan. The plan offers ways to enhance economic development in our area via an integrated, aligned and multi-faceted approach. Durham Region is one of the fastest growing municipalities in the country, offering exceptional talent, innovation, and a transportation network that includes air, rail and highways, among other key points. “Through collaboration, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, we can create and sustain better economic and community outcomes for all who live, work and invest in our region,” says Kathy Weiss, Director of Economic Development and Tourism. “It is through our partnerships that we can deliver timely, competitive and varied opportunities for new and expanding businesses.” According to the plan, key economic drivers for growth include enhanced partnerships; the promotion of infrastructure readiness for regional competitiveness; capitalizing on Durham’s talent pool; fostering innovative ecosystems; retaining and expanding existing business (north and south Durham); attracting new investment; and marketing Durham Region internationally. Complementing these activities are five unique attributes that drive current growth: high-impact infrastructure projects; impressive educational opportunities aligned with business; governance models that support collaboration; established networks with the marketplace; and a multi-dimensional support system for the business and investor communities. One of the goals of this plan is retaining and expanding business in North Durham. The focus is on actively facilitating investment and growth across the region, supporting existing businesses to grow and prosper, and attracting new investment to Durham Region. This will be a coordinated approach to economic development in North Durham as outlined in the Vibrant North Durham Economic Development Plan. “One of the objectives of this plan is inspiring and supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, labour force development and expansion initiatives,” says Nancy Rutherford, Manager of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. “This will help create a stronger better connected North Durham business community.” To ensure Durham Region’s council and local businesses are aware of the plan’s progress, key outcomes are scheduled to be measured and reported each year. The plan is available on the Invest Durham website at: http://www.investdurham.ca/Publications/Index.aspx.
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