Existing Assets and Solid Direction for CEDC

THUNDER BAY -BUSINESS – “Positioning ourselves to use our existing assets to grow and expand our existing business, and attract new ones in these areas is the CEDC’s path forward for the next three years,” said Doug Murray – CEO, CEDC. “The CEDC’s success in implementing our plan will involve working cooperatively and collaboratively with the CEDC’s community partners. We will work closely with existing city and regional businesses to assist them to succeed and expand.”

The direction for Thunder Bay’s business and economic planning was unveiled at a meeting in the city today. The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) today unveiled its new Strategic Plan. Titled Transitioning to Growth, the new plan outlines the CEDC’s priorities for the next three years.

The plan is divided into seven themes:

● Entrepreneurship
● Business Retention and Expansion and Business Succession Planning
● Innovative Manufacturing
● Training and Educational Community
● Logistics and Supply Hub
● Social Enterprise, Information, Communications & Technology, Regional Food and Film
● Mining Readiness Strategy (MRS)

The Strategic Plan notes that changes continue to occur in Thunder Bay’s economy which is allowing it to diversify, such as the establishment of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Lakehead University’s new Faculty of Law, and the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute. It represents a shift to a knowledge-based economy which creates jobs and academic opportunities.

“We at the CEDC are very proud of this new Strategic Plan,” said Roberta Simpson – Vice-Chair, CEDC Board of Directors. “It is a very thorough roadmap, and I’m excited to see the new opportunities and growth it will help create in our City.”

The CEDC Strategic Plan is available at www.ThunderBayCEDC.ca