Hamilton awaits funding to boost economy

[SteelTown]

Hamilton awaits funding to boost economy

The Hamilton Spectator
Jun 23, 2008

Ontario's minister of economic development and trade will be in Hamilton today to deliver a funding announcement.

Sandra Pupatello will speak at a Hamilton Chamber of Commerce luncheon about leveraging Ontario's competitive advantages to attract investment and fostering economic growth before announcing the funding.

The money is coming from Ontario's Communities in Transition initiative

The program made a $250,000 grant in Chatham-Kent last week.

Ministry officials would not reveal the level of Hamilton's funding ahead of the announcement. The city will use the funding to support the following initiatives:

* A new multi-year economic development strategy.

* A comprehensive economic development marketing plan.

* An economic impact and land needs analysis for Hamilton airport.

* Research into eco-friendly business parks.

* The Hamilton Economic Summit, held May 1.

"Hamilton has put forward a comprehensive plan that builds on the city's diverse industry clusters and economic strengths," Pupatello said in a news release.

"Our government is partnering with communities like Hamilton to help attract jobs and investment."

Local MPP Sophia Aggelonitis will take part in the announcement, as will Mayor Fred Eisenberger.

The $2-million-a -year Communities in Transition initiative provides assistance to Ontario communities and industry sectors facing economic development challenges including plant closures, significant job losses and industry-wide restructuring.

[SteelTown]

Ontario Supports Economic Growth In Hamilton
McGuinty Government Partners With City To Create Jobs And Opportunity

TORONTO, June 23 /CNW/ - NEWS

The provincial government is helping Hamilton respond to challenges in the manufacturing sector and diversify its economy.

The City of Hamilton will use $386,000 in government funding to improve economic planning through the following initiatives:

- New multi-year economic development strategy
- Comprehensive economic development marketing plan
- Economic impact and land needs analysis for Hamilton Airport
- Research into eco-friendly business parks
- Hamilton Economic Summit (held May 1, 2008).

QUOTES

"Hamilton has put forward a comprehensive plan that builds on the city's diverse industry clusters and economic strengths. Our government is partnering with communities like Hamilton to help attract jobs and investment," said Minister of Economic Development and Trade Sandra Pupatello.

"The McGuinty government is doing everything it can to help the Hamilton region succeed, whether it's investing in local infrastructure, partnering with local companies, or supporting the city's education and healthcare facilities. Today's announcement is another step in our partnership for long-term growth," said Hamilton Mountain MPP Sophia Aggelonitis.

"Hamilton is making large strides in diversifying its industrial base with initiatives like the McMaster Innovation Park and a growing biotechnology sector, in addition to creating a Brownfield Office to reinvigorate our older industrial areas. This support will help our city continue to develop its high-potential industry clusters and remain competitive in a knowledge-based economy," said Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger

[Boomtown_Hamilton]

Wow! $386,000. Not even sure if you can even buy a Tim Horton's franchise with that money.