Invest WindsorEssex/Media Release
This international initiative will highlight local efforts to promote economic growth and prosperity in every community over the course of May 8 to May 12, 2023
WINDSOR-ESSEX, ONT. (May 8, 2023) – The Invest WindsorEssex Business Retention and Expansion team, together with the City of Windsor, Town of Amherstburg, Town of Essex, Town of Kingsville, Municipality of Lakeshore, Town of LaSalle, Municipality of Leamington, Town of Tecumseh and Township of Pelee are hitting the streets this week to actively promote Economic Development Week (EDW) 2023 and the programs and services available to the local business community.
Created in 2016 by International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the largest international professional trade association for economic developers, Economic Development Week aims to increase awareness for local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities, and improve the quality of life in communities everywhere.
Invest WindsorEssex and economic development officers and representatives from partnering municipalities will visit several businesses across Windsor-Essex between Monday, May 8 and Friday, May 12, 2023. The purpose of this initiative is to provide information on resources and to promote taking a regional economic development survey investwindsoressex.com/EDWSURVEY2023) to generate insight into the Windsor-Essex business community and broader programming and supports needed.
The annual regional survey was developed in partnership with Workforce WindsorEssex and ecosystem partners and will be promoted and distributed throughout Essex County to ensure maximum participation across all industries. The survey will remain open for the entire month of May. The assimilated data collected helps the City, County and region identify specific issues and challenges faced by Windsor-Essex companies and helps to ensure continued collaboration and teamwork among the partners. The data generated from the survey will also be effective when advocating for programs and supports for business to all levels of government.
A social media campaign will accompany these efforts providing links to the regional survey as well as specific contact information and resources for each municipality and economic development partner. The campaign will also highlight the local activities taking place throughout EDW 2023.
Quotes
“It is fantastic to see our region united through Invest WindsorEssex, Workforce WindsorEssex and the other stakeholders involved in International Economic Development week this year. Economic development does not happen in a vacuum, and the results of the surveys taken through this initiative will help local businesses reach their full potential and access resources to achieve success. From manufacturing, to the industrial sector, to construction and real estate, Windsor alone is seeing the best economic indicators of any in the nation. Large-scale projects are fueling development across the entire region. As we experience unprecedented growth and evolution for our local economy, population, community, identity and geographic location, it’s more important than ever for us to work together to keep investing in our strong future. Understanding the opportunities and challenges we face is a key part of it all.” – Drew Dilkens, Mayor, City of Windsor
“Essex County and Windsor are primed for growth, and Economic Development Week is the perfect time to focus on making sure we are ready. The doors are open to opportunities that will provide a good future and quality of life for residents. Local programs that support business development, job creation and career advancement will ensure we make the most of exciting investments, like the NextStar Energy plant, the Gordie Howe International Bridge and a world-class new regional hospital. We look forward to the results of the annual regional economic development survey, which provides us with the feedback that is so vital to our success.” – Hilda MacDonald, Warden, County of Essex
“Economic Development Week is an opportunity to turn our attention to what we can do to attract more responsible small business operators to Pelee Island. Identifying barriers and opportunities through a regional economic development survey will better prepare us to create policies that make space for investment while maintaining a unique quality of life for our residents and small business owners.” – Cathy Miller, Mayor, Township of Pelee
“We are pleased to participate once again in the International Economic Development Week and collaborate with the region’s economic development organizations. It’s our goal to encourage businesses across Windsor-Essex to take the 2023 regional survey and make them aware of the programs and resources available. This survey is a valuable tool that provides insight into the needs of our local businesses and our role in supporting them to ensure continued economic success. – Stephen MacKenzie, President and CEO, Invest WindsorEssex
About Invest WindsorEssex Invest WindsorEssex is the lead economic development agency for the Windsor-Essex region. The focus of the organization is to develop and execute strategies to retain, expand, attract and help new businesses start-up in Windsor-Essex. Invest WindsorEssex is led by a board of distinguished community leaders. A team of professional staff will assist you with all your location and investment decisions by working one-on-one with businesses, to facilitate the process of starting, growing or locating in Windsor-Essex. investwindsoressex.com
About International Economic Development Week Economic Development Week is an event created by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) to celebrate economic development among communities around the world. The event will occur from May 8-12, 2023. Communities and organizations can join the celebration by visiting iedconline.org/edw
About the International Economic Development Council The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,300 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities, by creating, retaining and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IDCs members are engaged in the full range of economic development experience. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in a wide variety of settings including local, state, provincial and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities and a variety of other institutions. IEDC’s members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life in their regions. iedconline.org
Media Contact
Gina Meret-Dybenko, Director, Marketing and Communications
Invest WindsorEssex
Mobile: 519-791-6223
Email: gmeret@investwindsoressex.com