Working to attract and keep businesses

In 2019, the Quinte Economic Development Commission intends to continue supporting businesses, and study the issue of people not entering the workforce.

At the Commission’s first meeting of 2019 on Tuesday, Executive Director Chris King said the commission tries to attract business, but also supports existing businesses, helping them get the next product mandate, investment in technology and improve their performances.

King tells Quinte News, “The work of the commission is two-fold, number one to attract business. We want to attract business to the region, that’s important.

But it’s equally important, in some cases more important, to retain and grow and support those existing businesses that are already here. So you’re gong to see couple of things. You’re going to see some more investments. New companies coming in, but we’re also seeing a growth of existing companies where they’re looking at making new investments in equipment, in buildings, and in people. And you’ll see that in existing companies as well.”

King emphasized, “The Bay of Quinte region in Ontario provides a great location. So for companies outside Ontario, looking for a location in North America we have a good value proposition.”

The Commission is also looking at statistics that show a fairly large number of people not entering the labour force .

King says staff is working with the local office of the Centre for Workforce Development to figure this out.