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Economic Development and Tourism 2019 YEAR IN REVIEW
Economic Development and Tourism 2019 YEAR IN REVIEW
Perth County Economic Development and Tourism Office Year in Review 2019 32 Year in Review 2019 Perth County Economic Development and Tourism Office
Discover More Brochure
35,000copies printed and distributed
across the province
Access the digital copy of this map while you #DiscoverMore in Perth County: perthcounty.ca/FarmGate
Brittlestar explored rural Perth County and created a video promoting desirable tourism destinations.
Farm Gate Map
35,000copies printed and distributed across the province
Created an engaging Perth County Tourism video that plays year-round at the Stratford Festival to encourage festival-goers to #DiscoverMore during their stay in Perth County!
Perth County created a
60 second sizzle reel featuring
opportunities for investment and growth in the region!
Perth County Economic Development and Tourism Office Year in Review 2019 54 Year in Review 2019 Perth County Economic Development and Tourism Office
10 fabulousFAM tourlocations
The Economic Development and Tourism Division hosted two busloads of key frontline staff in the Tourism industry on a one day tour across Perth County. We collaborated with 10 incredible tourism destinations!
• Stratford Perth Museum
• West Perth Demonstration Forest
• Anna Mae’s
• Organic Oasis
• Brocksden School House
• Lynn River Farm
• Shakespeare Brewing Company
• McCully’s Hill Farm
• River Valley Golf Course
• Atwood Heritage
52 attendees
Perth County hosted four groups of tourism writers and influencers in 2019.
They highlighted tourism attractions from various points of views on different online platforms.
Check out their stories and others by visiting the Media Buzz page: perthcounty.ca/en/discover/MediaBuzz.aspx
Social Media Influencers
Rogue Trippers - Anna Mae’s
Goat Roti Chronicles - Huckleberry Hives
I’ve Been Bit :: A Travel Blog - Wildwood Conservation Area
4 groups of
writers
Perth County Economic Development and Tourism Office Year in Review 2019 76 Year in Review 2019 Perth County Economic Development and Tourism Office
Perth County created 6 thematic itineraries that allow tourists and locals alike to ‘Plan Their Trip’. Keep your eyes peeled for guides such as:
• Perth County Golf Trail
• Farm to Table Discovery
• Shopping Spree
• Hike & Bike Outdoor Adventure
• Culture & Heritage Loop
• Relax & Restore
• Buggies, Bonnets and Buttertarts!
Tourism Itineraries
Developed several pre-arranged local tours with 519 Tours – find the Perth Activity Tour, Millbank Tour, Rural Farm Tour, Antique Tour, and more at www.519Tours.ca/Tours
Do you want your business featured in 2020?
Contact [email protected]
12 Business Tours
• Woodcock Brothers
• Atwood Heritage
• Anna Mae’s
• Organic Oasis
• EFS Plastics
• HLA Attachments
• GABEL Electric, Plumbing and HVAC
• Continental
• River Valley Golf Course
• Millbank Hardware
• Boshart Industries Inc.
200+ Business Visits
Gabel Electric, Plumbing & HVAC - North Perth
Continental Tires - West Perth
Woodcock Brothers - Perth South
River Valley - Perth South
Millbank Country Hardware - Perth East HLA Attachments - North Perth
Perth County assisted in hosting a historic car rally in partnership with the Stratford Perth Museum.
Car Rally
businesses & organizations involved
30 cars
18+
Perth County Economic Development and Tourism Office Year in Review 2019 98 Year in Review 2019 Perth County Economic Development and Tourism Office
For current postings, visit opportunityliveshere.ca/jobs
Jobs posted
980
@PerthCoJobs
WODF Announcement with Vic Fideli, Minister of Economic
Development, Job Creation and Trade
Foreign Direct Investment Missions
Erwin Hymer Job Fair
400JOB SEEKERS
6 international trade shows attended
Number of committees and organizations we
participate in
4 regional job fairs
London Job Fair (Spring & Fall)
5,000 JOB SEEKERS
NCP Job Fair
350JOB SEEKERS
16
(Nov 2018 - Nov 2019)
Applications submitted
1,107
Investment Readiness
403 QEW
401
400
7/8
6
4
8
86
23
7
4
21
402
401
40
St. Marys
Stratford
Owen Sound
PERTHCOUNTY
Guelph
London
Lake Ontario
Hamilton
Toronto
KitchenerWaterloo
Goderich
Barrie
Listowel
Lake Erie
Lake Huron
Lake St. Clair
SarniaPort Huron
WindsorDetroit
MichiganUSA
Niagara Falls
Buffalo
New YorkUSA
Milverton
Mitchell
Grand Bend
to Ottawa
LEGEND
Rail
Highway
International Border Crossing
Port
Airport
Perth East is centrally located in mid-western Ontario – 30km north of highway 401, the main transportation artery in Ontario. A geographically large area with a diverse landscape, Perth East is the ideal place for businesses in any sector – from agriculture to fabrication to innovative technology.
approx
6 millionpeople within
250 km
“The community is incredibly loyal and supportive. When you walk down the street, people smile and talk to you.”KATIE BUSINESS OWNER
trade area
900,000 +residents
POST SECONDARY within a 1.5 hour drive
Map area represents a 2.5 hour drive radius
403 QEW
401
400
7/8
6
4
8
86
23
7
4
21
402
401
40
St. Marys
Stratford
Owen Sound
PERTHCOUNTY
Guelph
London
Lake Ontario
Hamilton
Toronto
KitchenerWaterloo
Goderich
Barrie
Listowel
Lake Erie
Lake Huron
Lake St. Clair
SarniaPort Huron
WindsorDetroit
MichiganUSA
Niagara Falls
Buffalo
New YorkUSA
Milverton
Mitchell
Grand Bend
to Ottawa
LEGEND
Rail
Highway
International Border Crossing
Port
Airport
North Perth is centrally located in mid-western Ontario – 30km north of highway 401, the main transportation artery in Ontario. It offers a perfect blend of rural and small town living within a short drive of city amenities and the natural wonders of Lake Huron and Ontario’s cottage country.
approx
6 millionpeople within
250 km
“The people here are extremely supportive and fiercely loyal – it’s an entrepreneur’s dream”JEANNINE BUSINESS OWNER
trade area
900,000 +residents
POST SECONDARY within a 1.5 hour drive
Map area represents a 2.5 hour drive radius
403 QEW
401
400
7/8
6
4
8
86
23
7
4
21
402
401
40
St. Marys
Stratford
Owen Sound
PERTHCOUNTY
Guelph
London
Lake Ontario
Hamilton
Toronto
KitchenerWaterloo
Goderich
Barrie
Listowel
Lake Erie
Lake Huron
Lake St. Clair
SarniaPort Huron
WindsorDetroit
MichiganUSA
Niagara Falls
Buffalo
New YorkUSA
Milverton
Mitchell
Grand Bend
to Ottawa
LEGEND
Rail
Highway
International Border Crossing
Port
Airport
Perth South is centrally located in mid-western Ontario – 30km north of highway 401, the main transportation artery in Ontario. Innovation abounds in the businesses and entrepreneurs that call this largely rural community home.
approx
6 millionpeople within
250 km
“I love the small town vibe combined with the vast rural landscape. It’s the perfect spot to raise a family.”RAMONE MASTER CHEESE MAKER
trade area
900,000 +residents
POST SECONDARY within a 1.5 hour drive
Map area represents a 2.5 hour drive radius
403 QEW
401
400
7/8
6
4
8
86
23
7
4
21
402
401
40
St. Marys
Stratford
Owen Sound
PERTHCOUNTY
Guelph
London
Lake Ontario
Hamilton
Toronto
KitchenerWaterloo
Goderich
Barrie
Listowel
Lake Erie
Lake Huron
Lake St. Clair
SarniaPort Huron
WindsorDetroit
MichiganUSA
Niagara Falls
Buffalo
New YorkUSA
Milverton
Mitchell
Grand Bend
to Ottawa
LEGEND
Rail
Highway
International Border Crossing
Port
Airport
West Perth is centrally located in mid-western Ontario – 30km north of highway 401, the main transportation artery in Ontario. Comprised of rolling farmland, quaint villages and bustling towns, West Perth is a popular destination to live, work, play, and invest.
approx
6 millionpeople within
250 km
“In West Perth, you can have a great job, but what’s more is that you can have such an incredible life here.”CHRISTINA BUSINESS OWNER
trade area
900,000 +residents
POST SECONDARY within a 1.5 hour drive
Map area represents a 2.5 hour drive radius
4property spec
templates
Rural lifestyle with global connectionsHigh-speed wireless and broadband service is available to over 99% of residents.
Perth County is comprised of four member municipalities that work together to provide a supreme quality of life and to support business investment.
© 2019 Corporation of the County of Perth Photos TerryManzo.com Design CreativeFeats.com Sep19/CP/400
Perth County Economic Development & Tourism Office1 Huron Street, Stratford, Ontario, Canada, N5A 5S4t 519-271-0531 ext 150e [email protected]
• Agriculture
• Manufacturing
• Construction
450+ businesses in the healthcare industry
Median House Price
Greater Toronto
Provincial Average
Perth County
$286,478 $534,848 $1,015,067
“Businesses in Perth County succeed because they service the whole area and beyond. The customers are very loyal and very diverse; we have clients ranging from agriculture granaries to industrial factories.”BLAIR INDUSTRIAL MECHANIC MILLWRIGHT
69.8%64.7%
67.0%59.9%
4.0%7.4%
Labour Force Participation
Participation Employment Unemployment
Perth County
Ontario
Average household income
$102,060
Reach out to us today. Your business is our pleasure!
Population ... 76,811Average age ... 41.6
perthcounty.ca
Over 9,000 businesses ranging from major multi-nationals to small start-ups and medium enterprises.
Top 3 Sectors
Average commute
10 minutes
We invite you to contact Perth County’s economic development and tourism office. We can provide you with the guidance you need to locate and grow in Perth County.
U.S. $997
Ontario $360
(Thousands USD)
Employer health costs per year for a typical firm are one-third the cost of the U.S. average.
403 QEW
401
400
7/8
6
4
8
86
23
7
4
21
402
401
40
St. Marys
Stratford
Owen Sound
PERTHCOUNTY
Guelph
London
Lake Ontario
Hamilton
Toronto
KitchenerWaterloo
Goderich
Barrie
Listowel
Lake Erie
Lake Huron
Lake St. Clair
SarniaPort Huron
WindsorDetroit
MichiganUSA
Niagara Falls
Buffalo
New YorkUSA
Milverton
Mitchell
Grand Bend
to Ottawa
LEGEND
Rail
Highway
International Border Crossing
Port
Airport
With a regional population of over 76,796, Perth County is conveniently situated in the heart of southwestern Ontario with the North American market at our doorstep. The county’s neighbouring regions are fast-growing areas with over 1 million people, leading colleges, universities, and research institutes that represent a substantial market for labour, goods and services.
approx
6 millionpeople within
250 km
“I love the family feel in Perth County, the fresh air, the picturesque green fields, and the abundance of fresh food grown by local farmers. When you work and live here, you have a direct impact on the community.”LOUISA CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT
POST SECONDARY within a 1.5 hour drive
Map area represents a 2.5 hour drive radius
DISTANCE TO MAJOR URBAN CENTRES
Toronto 150 km 93 miOttawa 582 km 362 miBuffalo 210 km 130 miDetroit 243 km 151 miNew York 821 km 510 miChicago 685 km 426 mi
trade area
900,000 +residents
5data summary
investment sheets
created
5investment
package folders
Perth County Economic Development and Tourism Office Year in Review 2019 1110 Year in Review 2019 Perth County Economic Development and Tourism Office
Our Youth Engagement Intern, Rachel, focused on youth engagement community-wide and continued to work on the #ProsperInPerthCounty campaign!
Youth Engagement Intern
#ProsperInPerthCounty
Rural communities everywhere are often known as the place young people move away from, and here at Perth County, we want to change that. Young professionals can live their dream lives in rural Perth County!
Visit perthcounty.ca/en/doing-business/prosper-in-perth-county.aspx to view the latest Prosper In Perth County content!
Produced
11 Youth
Profiles
Supported
2 Youth Action
Councils
Spoke on CBC Morning
6 stations province-wide
Created Homegrown in
Perth County blog
Developed
5professional
company videos featuring local
youth
Developed and delivered youth
engagement packages to 6 schools across
Perth County
Perth County Economic Development and Tourism staff hosted a youth networking event at Listowel Golf Course in July. The event was free to all Perth County residents aged 19-29 and allowed participants to enjoy 9-holes of golf and food to follow! With 45 youth in attendance, we discovered why they have chosen to #ProsperInPerthCounty!
45 youth
attendees
1 Youth
Network EventSip & Swing
Tyson (right) spent the summer as our awesome Tourism Summer Student. He explored all the best tourism assets in the County in order to promote them to visitors, delivered Farm Gate maps and Discover More brochures around Southwestern Ontario, created marketing materials, and assisted with Perth County Tourism projects and events.
Economic Development & Tourism had the joy of taking on Nicholas (left) as a CO-OP student this year. Nicholas conducted valuable research, assisted with special projects, and provided administrative support.
2 Spectacular Students
Perth County Economic Development and Tourism Office Year in Review 2019 1312 Year in Review 2019 Perth County Economic Development and Tourism Office
Huron County ImmigrationPartnership
Welcome. Connect. Respect.
Are you a new immigrant to Huron or Perth County?
The information in this brochure is supported by:
© 2019 Perth County and Huron County. Information is correct at time of printing but is subject to change. All photos used with permission. Design by creativefeats.com CP/00/MAR
Huron County is made up of small towns and villages along Lake Huron. There are many services. To find more information go to MakeHuronHome.ca
Perth County Historic architecture, unique shops and rural landscapes provide the ultimate backdrop to build your life here. To find more information go to OpportunityLivesHere.ca/newcomers/
• Cultural Connections• Diversity & Sensitivity• Recognizing Cultural
Diversity
Professional welcoming videoshowcasing all the opportunity and growth in our region
6 Workshops hosted
‘Welcome to Perth County’ brochure created in partnership with Huron County
WelcomingCommunity
• FDI Best Practices
• Tourism Itineraries
• Tourism Farm Gate Signage
• Newcomer Job Matching
Hosted
65business owners and community
members
4sessions
University of Waterloo
projects
4
4Supported interactive student events with Avon Maitland District
School Board & Huron Perth Catholic District School Board
2Hosted Community Economic Development
Training sessions delivered by OMAFRA
• ICCI (Investing In Canadian Communities Fund): $7,500
• RED (Rural Economic Development Program) Welcoming Communities Project: $16,250
• SEP (Summer Experience Program): $3,650
• ROI (Rural Ontario Institute) Youth Engagement Intern: $8,000
thanks for another
incredible year!
Perth County Economic Development and Tourism Office Year in Review 2019 1514 Year in Review 2019 Perth County Economic Development and Tourism Office
• Libro Prosperity Grant: $30,000
• RED Grant (2) $38,750
• SEP Program: $3,650
• Canadian Experiences Fund: $106,340
• LIP (Local Immigration Partnership): $623,085 (over 5 years)
Ashley BrockelbankE [email protected] 519-271-0531 x152C 519-301-5611
Sarah FranklinE [email protected] 519-271-0531 x151C 519-301-3787
Meredith ForgetE [email protected] 519-271-0531 x150C 519-301-1962
$801,825new funding applications
$35,400funding received
Rachel SuffernE [email protected] 519-301-3582
Economic Development and Tourism Office1 Huron Street, Stratford, Ontario, Canada, N5A 5S4 t 519-271-0531 ext 150 e [email protected]
Reach out to us today.Your business is our pleasure!
perthcounty.ca1 Huron Street, Stratford, ON N5A 5S4T. 519-271-0531 x150E. [email protected]
Economic Development and Tourism OfficeReach out to us today. Your business is our pleasure!perthcounty.ca
1
Opportunities
Your look at Cultivating Opportunity in Perth County WINTER 2019
pg 7
On January 15, 2018 it was announced by EDCO (The Economic Developers Council of Ontario) that Perth County’s Economic Development and Tourism Division were finalists in three separate categories for the Awards of Excellence. The Awards of Excellence are handed out annually at the EDCO Conference. These awards represent the best of the best in economic development work happening across the province.
Perth County were finalists for the following projects:
1| #ProsperInPerthCounty – A series of Youth Profiles, Videos, as well as Career Cards
2| Perth County Community Profile Series featuring each of the member municipalities
3| 2018 Perth County Tourism Familiarization Tour
We are so excited that we won for our youth retention project #ProsperInPerthCounty and the Perth County Tourism Familiarization Tour creating community champions initiative.
“We were thrilled to make the list of finalists for each of these projects. To win for two awards is absolutely amazing and was just icing on the cake!” said Meredith Forget, Manager of Economic Development and Tourism. “We’re a small team working hard for our member municipalities each day.”
Perth County Economic Development and Tourism wins two Provincial Awards
pg 12pg 3
1 Huron Street, Stratford, ON N5A 5S4T. 519-271-0531 x150E. [email protected]
Economic Development and Tourism OfficeReach out to us today. Your business is our pleasure!perthcounty.ca
1
Opportunities
Your look at Cultivating Opportunity in Perth County SPRING 2019
pg 6
Perth County is excited to announce the launch of the new Perth County local food Farm Gate Map. There is a growing trend in agri-tourism and interest in sourcing local food across the province. This project aims to connect both locals and visitors with the abundance of locally grown produce and products across rural Perth County.
According to the Ontario Ministry of Food Agriculture and Rural Affairs’ (OMAFRA) 2016 Census of Agriculture, Perth County is home to over 200,000 hectares of prime agricultural land.
Over the last year, County staff have been hard at work collecting information from local farms. The map features over 60 farm gate locations with descriptions and icons to indicate the offerings available. The printed map will be available locally at a variety of locations including each of the farm gate locations and municipal offices in North Perth, Perth South, Perth East and West Perth.
In addition to the hard copy printed map, we are also excited to launch an interactive digital version of the map available online through Perth County’s GIS platform.
“Perth County has a rich agricultural heritage, and we are pleased to be able to promote the diverse range of locally grown products available across the County,” said Sarah Franklin, Economic Development / Communications Officer. “The goal is to encourage residents and visitors to explore, discover and support these amazing local businesses.”
To view the digital version, please visit www.perthcounty.ca/farmgate. To request a hard-copy, please email [email protected]
pg 9pg 15
Perth County Launches New Farm Gate Map
1 Huron Street, Stratford, ON N5A 5S4T. 519-271-0531 x150E. [email protected]
Economic Development and Tourism OfficeReach out to us today. Your business is our pleasure!perthcounty.ca
1
Opportunities
Your look at Cultivating Opportunity in Perth County FALL 2019
pg 12
Each year Perth County Tourism hosts several travel writers (bloggers, influencers, etc.) to come to our region and create online content promoting Perth County as a desirable tourism destination. This summer we had Goat Roti Chronicles, Justin Plus Lauren, and I’ve Been Bit Travel visit us! Check out some of the great experiences they had here, and find even more by visiting our new Media Buzz page at perthcounty.ca. Next up? RogueTrippers will be visiting us in the fall!
“There’s something to be said about country roads, beautiful farm fields and the sun shining down on you. If that’s painted the perfect picture for you, then you’ll love a visit to Perth County! This is seriously one underrated Ontario destination you don’t want to miss out on.” I’ve Been Bit Travel
pg 3pg 19
Tourism Media Buzz #DiscoverMore
“If you’re ever in Perth County with or without kids I would highly recommend visiting Huckleberry Hives for one of their tours. The owner, Jodi, is so passionate about what she does and takes the time to answer every single question that you may have.” Goat Roti Chronicles
Quarterly Newsletters
Visit PerthCounty.ca/Newsletter to subscribe!
Perth County Economic Development and Tourism staff won two awards from the Economic Development Corporation of Ontario.
They received the 2018 Promotional Award - Branding and Advertising for the #ProsperInPerthCounty campaign and the 2018 Promotional Award – Special Events for the Familiarization Tour!
Economic Development Association of Canada awarded Perth County Economic Development and Tourism staff with the 2018 Promotional Event Award for our Tourism Familiarization Tour.
EDAC AWARD1
EDCO AWARDs2
© 2019 Perth County SP/Nov19/300
