Southern Georgian Bay - Economic Development

Southern Georgian Bay Wants Your Business

From its idyllic setting to its strategic location 90 minutes from Southern Ontario's 10 million residents, Southern Georgian Bay is a community offering a perfect business setting. Adding to its attraction is a growing local population base, a modern and expanding manufacturing sector and the realization it's a community poised to grow and ready to meet the challenge with full services, competitive - and stable - taxation rates, abundant housing and a co-operative atmosphere. Strong transportation links - three routes to nearby Highway 400 - 2 deep water ports, and modern airport all connect the region to national and international markets.
Located on the shores of Georgian Bay, Southern Georgian Bay is the commercial and population hub of North Simcoe. The region is prized throughout Southern Ontario as both a historical centre and a cottaging and boating paradise. Over the years, it has developed from its early days as southern Ontario's playground, with a summertime economy, to a community supporting high-tech industries, manufacturing plants and a wide range of retail outlets. It's a top choice for those able to work from home; especially people who have attained a position where they can balance business and pleasure.
As the region expands, so have existing businesses. Major industries, such as Baytech Plastics, CCL Container Aerosol Division, SCHOTT (formerly Day Specialties), ELCAN Optical Technologies, Kindred Industries Limited, New England Business Systems (NEBS), Weber Manufacturing Technologies, have all grown. The majority of its industries have achieved the highly-sought ISO/QS rating, giving it an international reputation. A number of new outlets - of particular interest, grocery stores and restaurant outlets, give their direct ties to an increased population - located in Southern Georgian Bay.
As opportunities go, Southern Georgian Bay is one whose time is here. The combination timing and location make it attractive to business operators.
For more information contact:

Town of Midland
Wes Crown, Director of Planning & Development - 705-526-4275

Town of Penetanguishene
Eleanor Rath, CAO - 705-549-7453

Township of Tay
Mara Burton, Director of Planning & Development - 705-534-7248

Township of Tiny
Shawn Persaud, Planner - 705-526-4204

PUBLICATIONS

CHARTING OUR PROGRESS

• Charting Our Progress 2008
• Charting Our Progress - 2007
• Archive issues available upon request

COMMUNITY INFORMATION BOOKLET

• Community Information Booklet

INDUSTRIES DIRECTORY

• Industries Directory

Quick Links

• Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of
Commerce
• North Simcoe Community Futures
Development Corporation Centre
• Federal Government Assistance

What Existing Business Leaders Say!

ELCAN Optical Technologies
President and CEO of ELCAN Optical Technologies Joseph DeRemigis said, the company is committed to "long-term sustainability" and finds the area a good place to thrive. Transportation networks, a solid local workforce and the ability to attract needed specialists based on the region's desirability all favour the town, he says. DeRemigis says the area has much to offer to executives and business owners. "We very much enjoy the attraction of waterfront home. And, it's a good community for kids. Once people get here, they tend not to leave."

Techform Products Ltd.
Doug Ewen, Vice-President of human resources. "When it started, it was a small operation with a few people." the company's growth, he says, was fuelled by "reputation, aggressive sales, and products innovation." For Techform, a key advantage of operating in Southern Georgian Bay is the quality of its workforce. "They're fabulous," said Ewen, adding some employees come from Barrie and Orillia but most live in the Midland-Penetanguishene area. "When customers come through, they regularly compliment our people. They're friendly and outgoing.