County economic development is getting a higher profile after Wellington County Council endorsed a strategic plan presented at its Nov. 29 meeting.
The $75,000 study, conducted by consulting firm Millier Dickinson Blais, was presented to council by Lauren Millier.
The study includes ways to improve economic development activity and reveals strengths and weaknesses the county faces in that effort.
It comes after extensive consultation throughout the county with about “500 stakeholders.” The stakeholders were asked for their opinions on what economic development initiatives they consider essential to attracting business to their individual municipalities and at the county level. The stakeholders included organizations involved in finding employment and studying business trends, those involved in education, skills training, and workforce development.
The areas stakeholders believe are essential for county-wide economic development include support of county involvement in efforts to attract and retain business, doing more to “create an environment that attracts both workers and business,” assistance related to business networking, workforce development and marketing, improvements to local infrastructure.
“Improvements to local infrastructure, such as building and improving high speed internet services, water, energy and the transportation infrastructure) were some of the most important issues upon which the economic development office should focus,” the study pointed out. “Along with new infrastructure, the responses clearly indicated that efforts need to be made to streamline assistance with reducing costs to operate a businesses in Wellington County.”
The study also looked at the makeup of the workforce and potential for business growth. Wellington County, with a five per cent unemployment rate, is considered to have full employment. It also found the current workforce to be skilled. However, Millier said the county has to do more to attract post secondary education opportunities in the county for trade and apprenticeship programs.
“You have a stable workforce (but) you’re in a very competitive location,” she said.
The study recommends the county put together a directory of businesses already operating here and Millier said that could include testimonials from the 25 top businesses.
It also suggested the county establish a website to include information on businesses, land available, and cultural activities within Wellington. The website, which would require regular updates of information, would be available to businesses looking to locate here and potential workers as a one-stop tool.
“One of the first priorities the county along with local municipalities should consider is the creation of an online system,” she said. “You need to identify the assets that distinguish the county as a place to live, work and play.
“I don’t see the role of the county replacing what is ongoing,” she said of economic development efforts at the municipal level. “We see the role as enhancing that effort.”
Millier said economic development will also have to include business retention efforts.
“There has to be support for small and medium size businesses (to) promote and enhance the businesses that are already here. Just because you’re rural doesn’t mean you don’t have significant opportunities.”
The study is also calling on the county to build a strong regional profile and county brand.
“A lot of people don’t know what the county is all about,” Millier said.
Better signage and a website would help in that process, she added.
The consultant said the study also includes ways to measure the success of economic development initiatives.
It’s similar to a recent report from Minto on its downtown revitalization efforts that tracked, among other things, building vacancies after the program was completed and found building vacancies had decreased in the town’s urban centre. Millier said that’s one of the ways to track economic development efforts.
Warden Chris White said the study will assist the county’s economic development committee with its plans for efforts in Wellington.
“It’s a real risk to not step up,” the warden said. “We have a global economy and we, as a council, have to protect our businesses.”
White said the county will measure efforts to ensure they reach the intended goals.
