Grimsby taps biz leaders to help attract new investment
The
Town of Grimsby
has tapped 10 distinguished business leaders to help boost investment in the community.
'I believe what I offer and what (the town) is intending is our perspective in working with companies around North America to possibly bring them to Grimsby,' said Grimsby resident David Arkell, who is president and chief executive officer of 360 Energy Inc. in Ancaster and one of the first group of
business ambassadors
recently announced by the town.
'The objective of the program is to actually help Grimsby grow in a very thoughtful way.'
Arkell said his company works with businesses across North America and Europe, helping them reduce energy costs, lower their carbon footprint and purchase energy more efficiently.
'My background and experience can help support not only bringing people here, but what else can be done to enhance our current situation here in Grimsby,' Arkell said.
He said Ontario's energy grid plus the town's proximity to the QEW and the American border are all selling points for Grimsby.
'Most Canadians don't know Ontario has one of the cheapest and cleanest energy grids and I'm talking about electricity, natural gas and water,' Arkell said. 'That's something we take for granted; other people around the world don't and they're looking for that.'
Arkell noted high tech businesses are good targets to bring to the area.
'The world's changing,' he said. 'It's not all heavy industry.'
Arkell said he will be making a presentation to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on July 2 in Luxembourg about energy security and how Canada can support that.
'How Canada can be very helpful, not only bringing people here to help out in that but bringing companies from Europe because maybe they don't have secure energy in Europe,' Arkell said.
The other ambassadors are:
'When I was approached to submit an application to possibly become a business ambassador for the Town of Grimsby, I thought if I could be of assistance to our community, then why not,' Bain said.
'The quality of life, wonderful people and access to markets make it a top contender for business looking to expand their footprint.'
Bain said he will be looking at business plans and watching for opportunities during his travels around North America and beyond.
'Whenever there is opportunity, I will wave the Grimsby flag and share what our town has to offer, hopefully connecting them with Town staff and the economic development office who will provide specific information and opportunities,' Bain said.
'With a full complement of ambassadors from different sectors, there will be plenty of communication which can lead to opportunities for the town. If we don't share what we have to offer, people will make choices to set up shop elsewhere.'
Mayor Jeff Jordan said the business ambassadors are passionate leaders who connect businesses, spark opportunity and champion the town as a place to live, work and invest.
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