|
Mr. Paul Holden, President & CEO and Ms.
Catherine Boivie, Chair, Board of Directors, Burnaby Board of Trade
(BBOT) appeared before the Committee outlining the important economic
development achievements over the past year and noting the many initiatives
that have been supported throughout the City of Burnaby.
Mr. Holden provided an overview of
Vision and Mission Statements and highlighted the organization’s Strategic
Objectives.
The speaker noted that the BBOT is
playing an integral role in the City of Burnaby’s Economic Development 2020
Strategy (EDS), and many initiatives outlined in the EDS are implemented by
the BBOT. The key activities include new business recruitment; focus on
small business; Business Resource Centre; and Economic Development Portal.
Mr. Holden provided an overview of
the Economic Development Portal, noting that the Portal consolidates
information from the BBOT, City of Burnaby and other businesses and websites,
showcasing ‘one stop shop’. The Portal includes the following categories:
·
Economic
Plans and Strategies
·
Doing
Business in Burnaby
·
Education
&Training
·
Labour
Force & Demographics
·
Location
& Access
·
Key
Sectors
·
Economic
Indicators
·
Livability
The speaker further noted that the
BBOT has begun collaborating with City staff to create marketing material for
showcasing Burnaby when visiting and hosting delegations. This ‘Print
Package’ will complement the Portal, and the BBOT recommended that the City
of Burnaby approve funding of approximately $6,000 plus design work (as a
year-one cost estimate) for 1,000 high quality brochures.
Mr. Holden also noted that there is
a potential for a multi-page feature in ‘BC Business’ magazine to showcase
Burnaby as a business destination; and the BBOT would like to explore ‘Site
Selection’ magazine as another channel for focused business destination advertising.
(‘Site Selection’ magazine is an internationally circulated corporate real
estate and economic development publication reaching more than 48,000
subscribers).
The speaker highlighted the BBOT’s
involvement in the City’s Social Sustainability Strategy (SSS) – key partner
in SSS priorities. The BBOT’s Social Development Committee is currently
pooling its members to identify new areas of concerns to the business
community, such as homelessness, affordable housing, immigration integration,
family-friendly workplaces, etc. Access Student Career Development (Access)
provides senior post-secondary students with connections and tools they need
to compete in the job market, while providing local businesses with access to
top young talent. Over 100 students were mentored through this program last
year, and 60 more are participating this year.
Mr. Holden noted that the BBOT also
supports the Environmental Sustainability Strategy (ESS) by sustainable
business practices (i.e. the Burnaby Business Excellence Awards; scholarships
to become Climate Smart Certified; Green Talks; and Pledge for a Sustainable
Community initiative).
In conclusion, Mr. Holden noted the
BBOT’s working committees (Social Development, Pacific Gateway, Access,
Environmental Sustainability, Government Relations, and Membership), events
organized by the organization (i.e. Annual Christmas Luncheon, Pacific
Gateway Forum, Power Hour Networking, Business Excellence Awards,
Manufacturing Week Tours, etc.), staff, Board of Director Executive Committee
and the Board of Directors. The speaker thanked the City of Burnaby for
their ongoing support and strong working relationship with the BBOT.
The Committee requested that the
BBOT share the results of the Social Development Committee’s survey regarding
businesses concerns with the City.
Arising from discussion, Councillor Jordan
was granted a leave by the Committee to introduce the following motion:
MOVED BY COUNCILLOR JORDAN
SECONDED BY COUNCILLOR MCDONELL
THAT Council provide a grant in the
amount of $100,000 to the Burnaby Board of Trade for the yearly operation of
the City of Burnaby Economic Development Program which is to be paid in
quarterly instalments of $25,000, commencing 2015 October 01 and continuing
on 2016 January 01, 2016 April 01 and 2016 July 01.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
|