Joanna Parris, founder of BOSS Inc. provides soft skills and presentation skills training.

QUARTERLY HIGHLIGHTSThis report highlights business development accomplishments from April to June 2016 and provides an overview of regional economic development interactions that include, but are not limited to, outreach, consultation, trade shows, performance metrics, entrepreneurship, marketing, and international outreach by the Business Development team. Through these and other activities, the team focuses on four key areas: Business Retention and Expansion, Business Attraction, Small Business Centre and Marketing. Quarterly information reports will be provided to funders and the general public and will be posted on the Corporation’s website www.choosewindsoressex.com.

H I G H L I G H T S O F 2 0 1 6 S E C O N D - Q U A R T E R A C T I V I T I E S

B U S I N E S S D E V E L O P M E N T I N I T I A T I V E S I N W I N D S O R - E S S E X /weecdev/windsoressex /windsoressex

2015

GOLD

STARTER COMPANy TRAINING AND GRANT PROGRAM

SmALL BUSInESS CEnTRE Programs and Services for Regional Entrepreneurs

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The Small Business Centre (SBC) continues to work diligently to promote and deliver the Starter Company program to young entrepreneurs under the age of 30. In partnership with the Ontario government, Starter Company provides training, mentorship and a micro-grant of $5,000 to support the launch and expansion of small businesses across the region.

In May, the SBC launched the 5th series of Starter Company training which provides hands-on and interactive business development training in a supportive and business-friendly environment. Up to 36 hours of business instruction is provided by senior business professionals and seasoned entrepreneurs. Once an individual graduates the training they are eligible to apply for a $5,000 grant. To-date, 27 youth have been awarded funding and matched with a mentor. The SBC is currently working to support a diverse and growing cohort of young enterprising entrepreneurs.

Mona Elkadri, Founder of Fete Phoography Co. and graduate of the Starter Company program. Sabrina DeMarco, SBC, (right) presents a $5,000 grant to support the expansion of her small business.

2016 SUMMER COMPANy PROGRAM LAUNCH in partnership with Staples Canada

Sandra Vasquez, Sabrina DeMarco and Callum McGill, Small Business Centre.

The Ministry of Economic Development and Growth partnered with Staples Canada to launch a campaign throughout Ontario in over 50 cities and 68 Staples stores. Summer Company student entrepreneurs were able to showcase their products and services and network with the community.

On June 29, 2016 at the Staples Store on Walker Road, the SBC launched the 2016 Summer Company program. This year, 25 diverse entrepreneurial students were accepted into the program to launch their very own summer companies. All 25 student

entrepreneurs were on hand to showcase their goods and services as well as conduct business directly with consumers.

Since 2001, the SBC has delivered this program in partnership with the Ontario Government in order to foster youth entrepreneurship. Students involved in the program receive hands-on business training, mentorship and a $3,000 award to support the launch and operation of their very own business.

2016 Summer Company Entrepreneurs.

BUSInESS ATTRACTIon

Nick Kazakoff, WindsorEssex EcDev; Jack Adams, London EcDev and Cephas Panschow, SW Ontario Marketing Alliance are members of the Ontario Manufacturing Communities Alliance (OMCA) Hannover Messe Delegation.

The Business Attraction team participated in conjunction with the Ontario Manufacturing Communities Alliance, OMCA (formerly the Ontario Automotive Communities Alliance) in the Hannover Fair – the largest industrial trade show for the next generation of manufacturing, including Industry 4.0 /Internet of Things, Renewable Energy, Lightweighting among others. The participants had 38 pre-qualified meetings with potential investors interested in expanding their operations into Ontario/North America. EcDev met with the Canadian Trade Commissioners from Germany, Spain and with Invest Ontario’s representative in Germany to provide an update on activities in Windsor-Essex and further build relations with these partners.

TRADE SHOW: HANNOVER FAIR, GERMANy

ELECTRIC VEHICLE SyMPOSIUM, MONTREAL, QC

Lakshmi Varaha Iyer, University of Windsor CHARGE Lab booth at EVS.

The Business Attraction team attend the 29th World Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS) and Exhibition - the largest international electric vehicle conference. EVS assembles global leaders from industry, government and academia to address technical, policy and market topics in the electrification of vehicle fleets. EcDev attended EVS to seek new opportunities in the electric vehicle supply chain and to network with industry leaders, Provincial and Federal EcDev reps in promoting the region as an ideal location for the electric vehicle industry. WindsorEssex EcDev collaborated with the University of Windsor’s Centre for Hybrid Automotive Research and Green Energy Lab (CHARGE), which exhibited at EVS to showcase an important asset in the region for EV research and development.

Joe Goncalves, EcDev; Belgian Ambassador Rauol Delcorde; Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens; Rakesh Naidu, EcDev.

The Business Attraction team hosted a breakfast meeting with local businesses, political leaders and Ambassador Delcorde of Belgium. The Ambassador’s speech focused on the many benefits that CETA will have for businesses in the Windsor Essex region. The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between EU and Canada, is by far Canada’s most ambitious trade initiative – broader in scope and deeper in ambition than the historic North American Free Trade Agreement. It will open new markets to our exporters throughout the EU and generate significant benefits for all Canadians.

BELGIAN AMBASSADOR VISIT TO WINDSOR-ESSEX

Left to right: Helena Ventrella, Inner Seasoning Int’l; Pawel Iracki, PBF Krasnik; Andrzej Maj, Warden of Krasnik; Rakesh Naidu, EcDev; Richard Kusmierczyk, Delegate.

During the Robotics Competition in Windsor, the Business Development team hosted a delegation from Krasnik County, Poland and were welcomed by Warden Tom Bain and Leamington’s Mayor John Paterson. As their key sectors include agri-business and industry, tours were conducted at four greenhouses, the Institute for Diagnostic Imaging Research (IDIR) and the Ford Centre for Excellence in Manufacturing.

IN-BOUND TRADE DELEGATION, POLAND

BUSInESS RETEnTIon & EXPAnSIon

SELLICK Equipment Groundbreaking – Harrow, Ontario.

Since 2015, the Business Development team has worked with Sellick Equipment on their $15-$20 million private investment expansion (120,000 sq ft). Business Development support included site location, funding options, resource and training information.

SELLICK EXPANSION

CANADA MAKES

Additive Manufacturing Forum and Tour.

Canada Makes with the support of EcDev hosted an event in Amhestburg to showcase PTooling’s new DMG MORI Lasertec 65 3D equipment, the first North American installation of this new technology.

Chuck Curtiss, President, AIS Automation, Gauge & Fixture; Shelley Fellows, Vice President, Radix.

Active Industrial Solutions (AIS) acquired Radix, which took a working relationship and the combined strengths of both companies and merged their technology and manufacturing. Rakesh Naidu, CEO (Interim) brought congratulatory remarks on behalf of the Board and Corporation.

AIS ACQUISITION OF RADIX

Rakesh Naidu, CEO (Interim) brings congratulatory remarks.

EcDev clients Caxton Mark Inc. and MGI Ltd. of Leamington announced the amalgamation of their companies. The Business Retention and Expansion team supported these companies throughout this process. Over 40 new employees have been hired, with plans to hire additional employees within the next year.

AMALGAMATION OF CAXTON MARK INC. AND MGI LTD.

Hon. Deborah Matthews, MPP (London North Centre) and Deputy Premier announces funding.

Seven companies will receive support through the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund to help create jobs and diversify the economy by encouraging businesses to be innovative and pursue new markets. Four of these companies are EcDev clients and were supported in identifying and securing this government funding. They are: Astrex Inc., (a joint venture of Can Art Aluminum Extrusion and Constellium) will invest $28.4 million and create 62 new jobs; Essex Weld Solutions will invest $4.5 million and create 20 new jobs; JD Norman Canada will invest $48 million and create 14 new jobs; Lakeside Plastics will invest $12.8 million and create 55 new jobs.

ONTARIO INVESTS OVER $7.8 MILLION TO SUPPORT LOCAL JOBS

Canada’s Music Incubator’s Liam Killeen presents to local participants.

The WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation hosted a bootcamp that was delivered by music industry experts from Canada’s Music Incubator to 10 successful Music Artist Managers and Self-Managed artists.

The bootcamp consisted of a customized curriculum, tailor-made for the applicants and fully funded by the Ontario Ministry of Sport and Tourism. Feedback from the bootcamp participants was positive; they rated the program 9.6 out of 10 overall. The next steps include an event on September 14, 2016 that will foster a new level of collaboration in our region’s unique music industry.

CANADA’S MUSIC INCUBATOR MUSIC BOOTCAMP

VW Mexico delegation tours Omega Tool.

EcDev partnered with Global Affairs Canada to arrange a “Choose Canada” seminar for the incoming APMA delegates from India, China and Mexico. In addition to highlighting “Why Canada is a good place to invest,” Rakesh Naidu, Interim CEO of EcDev, presented “Why Windsor-Essex is a great place for business.”

Additionally, nine plant visits and tours were held, including University of Windsor’s Centre for Engineering Innovation and St. Clair College’s Ford Centre for Excellence in Manufacturing. Meetings were held with local company reps, coordinated by EcDev in partnership with Global Affairs Canada, Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade, Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure, Canadian Association of Mold makers and Export Development Canada.

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (APMA)

MINISTRy OF LABOUR INFORMATION SESSION

Chris Vasey, Ministry of Labour, presents to participants.

In June, more than 50 attendees participated in a session hosted by WindsorEssex EcDev in collaboration with the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC) and presented by the Ministry of Labour. Topics presented were Health & Safety Inspection Blitzes and Initiatives, and the Safe at Work Ontario campaign. Companies requested future sessions on these topics.

mARKETInG & CommUnICATIonS

The 2015 AGM M.C., Tony Doucette, Host of CBC Windsor Morning, with Rakesh Naidu, CEO (Interim) WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation

The Marketing team developed and produced the 2015 Annual Report. The report highlights initiatives and accomplishments of the Business Development teams in 2015. The report is used by the Business Attraction team and is provided to prospective investors and stakeholders. The Annual Report was distributed at the Annual General Meeting and is available online at: http://www.choosewindsoressex.com/annualreports

The 2015 Annual General Meeting was held on June 8th at the Ciociaro Club in Tecumseh. Over 190 people attended the

2015 ANNUAL REPORT AND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)

AMHERSTBURG ESSEX KINGSVILLE LAKESHORE LASALLE LEAMINGTON PELEE ISLAND TECUMSEH WINDSOR

ECDEV

2015ANNUALREPORT

AGM, representing stakeholders, government officials, strategic partners, and business leaders from the Windsor-Essex region. Event management was also the responsibility of the Marketing team and included development of the program and agenda, speaking remarks and media relations.

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (APMA)

MEDIA CONFERENCE: CAXTON MARK AND MGI LTD.

Industry Experts: Bernard Swiecki, CAR; Jim Vurpillat, Stratasys; Rakesh Naidu, EcDev; Jill Urbanic, University of Windsor; Dave Muir, National Research Council of Canada; Mark Stevens, CAR

As the Windsor-Essex region establishes itself as a light-weight material and additive manufacturing hub, EcDev once again partnered with APMA and Center for Automotive Research (CAR) to present the Light-Weighting and Additive Manufacturing session as a part of the APMA 2016 Annual Conference held at Caesars Windsor. Marketing, along with the partners, coordinated the expert industry panelists. The session engaged over 80 APMA delegates from the automotive and industrial manufacturing sectors. This was a very popular topic for discussion for the APMA delegates.

Warden Tom Bain presents a congratulatory plaque to Mark Bradley, MGI and Nick Poole, Caxton Mark.

The Marketing team supported the Business Development team and their client to announce the amalgamation of the two operations. Marketing helped develop and distribute the media release, developed the event program/agenda and provided support on media relations during the event. Marketing also partnered with the Marketing Manager at the Municipality of Leamington to coordinate the participation of Mayor John Patterson. Warden Tom Bain and Rakesh Naidu, EcDev CEO (Interim) also presented at the event.

PROMOTIONAL VIDEO FOR THE SMALL BUSINESS CENTRE (SBC)

COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC & TRADE AGREEMENT ROUNDTABLE

The Marketing team worked with a local film company to produce a video that highlights the services and programs of the SBC. The video includes interviews with volunteer mentors from the business community who advise entrepreneurs. Also featured are a number of client testimonials who have accessed the SBC as they embarked on starting their own businesses. The video will be launched in the fall and will be used in marketing campaigns throughout 2016.

A media scrum with His Excellency Raoul Delcorde, Ambassador of Belgium to Canada.

In an effort for WindsorEssex EcDev to keep local businesses informed about preparing for CETA, the Marketing team supported the Business Attraction team in hosting a breakfast roundtable with Ambassador Raoul Delcorde, Ambassador of Belgium to Canada, to meet with companies from the region and discuss opportunities that will come with the ratification of CETA.

MarketingStrategies

Communications

Public Relations Plans

Social MediaAd

vert

isin

g

Business Development

Media RelationsEvents

TwitterEngagement

Facebook

ContentOnline

Mobile

Support

Management

MARKETING THE REGION

In addition to daily management of on-line assets, the following strategies and plans may be implemented to support Business Development activities: event management, media/public relations, communications, integrated marketing and advertising plans and marketing tools and key sponsorships. In Q2, Marketing support included facilitating business development events, tradeshows, trade missions and the creation of strategic ad campaigns to promote the region to local, national and international audiences. The choosewindsoresssex.com website, for example, received 7,632 visitors in the 2nd quarter, with 72% of these visitors new to the site. The top visiting countries were Canada, USA, China, United Kingdom and India.

PERFORMANCE METRICS

InFoRmInG: We provide the most current and relevant information and data on site selection, market research and available government funding.

GUIDInG: We provide answers and advice on general business practices, expansion planning, multi-national branch planning and exporting, as well as training and educational resources.

ConnECTInG: We help organizations cut through red tape and we connect them directly with key decision makers, potential partners and funders.

The WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation advances economic development and prosperity in our region. We

are the region’s lead economic development agency and a dedicated catalyst for business growth and expansion. We attract new businesses to our region, help strengthen existing businesses and support entrepreneurship in three key ways:

REGIONALLAbOuR mARkEt

INDICAtORS

WHAt WE DO

note: The above figures reflect all of Windsor and Essex County, comparing Q1 2016 to Q2 2016. Source: Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey custom tabulation.

REGIONAL ECONOMIC INDICATORS

330,800

198,900

6.2%

60.1%

64.1%

13,100

212,000(15 yrs. +)

PERFORMANCE METRICS

Total number of new jobs created through attraction, smallbusiness creation, and retention and expansion.

NEW JOBS FACILITATED

business expansions facilitated

building permitsnew investment facilitated

Attraction files that are more than likely to be secured andconfirmed in the immediate future.

PRIORITY FILES

Includes both businesses attracted to region and ones startedby regional entrepreneurs through the Small Business Centre.

BUSINESS STARTUPS

SESSIONS

Sessions facilitated to help enhance, strengthen and educate regional businesses.Providing awareness and preparedness on key issues and imminent opportunities.

ATTENDEES

BUSINESS RESOURCE SESSIONS

Total amount of new investment to the region, throughboth public and private investment streams.

Total value of building permits issued (industrial, commercial and institutional permits) to date.

Total number of new jobs created through attraction, smallbusiness creation, and retention and expansion.

NEW JOBS FACILITATED

business expansions facilitated

building permitsnew investment facilitated

Attraction files that are more than likely to be secured andconfirmed in the immediate future.

PRIORITY FILES

Includes both businesses attracted to region and ones startedby regional entrepreneurs through the Small Business Centre.

BUSINESS STARTUPS

SESSIONS

Sessions facilitated to help enhance, strengthen and educate regional businesses.Providing awareness and preparedness on key issues and imminent opportunities.

ATTENDEES

BUSINESS RESOURCE SESSIONS

Total amount of new investment to the region, throughboth public and private investment streams.

Total value of building permits issued (industrial, commercial and institutional permits) to date.

PMS286 PMS432

7

11

24

68

3

2300

01

02

03

04

05

10

15

InformationCommunications

TechnologyAdvanced

Manufacturing Agri-Business Logistics & Warehousing Life Sciences

S E C T O R S

PRIORITY BUSINESS ATTRACTION FILES

choosewindsoressex.comSPONSORED BY BORDER BUILDING INC.

TOP BUSINESS PRIORITIES

$53,390,831

28

365

$59,100,000

298

11

34

10

5

13

1 1

ESSEx COUNTY – ELECTRICITY ANd NATURAL GAS SUPPLY

ENERGY COSTS

INFRASTRUCTURE FUNdING FOR MUNICIPALITIES

FEdERAL & PROvINCIAL REGULATORY & LEGISLATIvE POLICIES: TPP, CLIMATE ChANGE ACTION PLAN (CAP & TRAdE), ORP/CPP FINAL LEGISLATION

BUSINESS IMMIGRATION ANd CROSS BORdER LABOUR MOBILITY