These are not articles2010 ICCI Applications Extended Until October 26thThe application deadline for the federal government's Invest Canada - Communities Initiative (ICCI) has been extended to October 26th for projects taking place between January 1, 2010 and December 31st, 2010. To apply for ICCI funding, communities must register here with the Virtual Trade Commissioner service, which can take 48 to 72 hours. Once registered, communities will have access to an online application and information management system. Communities still interested in applying should note that the online application and information system will be unavailable from 9 p.m. on October 23rd until 6 p.m. on October 25th. Creativity in the Rural Economy: Challenges and Opportunities With all the talk of the creative economy and the rise of the creative class, a new report by Millier Dickinson Blais, AuthentiCity, Dr. Greg Spencer and the Martin Prosperity Institute (MPI) details the successes and challenges of a region aiming to grow a creative rural economy – Eastern Ontario. So why does the creative economy matter to rural regions? In the words of Kevin Stolarick, Research Director at MPI, there are two main reasons. Firstly, a high proportion of creative class jobs – high-autonomy occupations where workers are paid to think like managers, scientists and designers – has been shown to be strongly related to higher wages and economic growth. Secondly, creativity is important to all industries. While some members of the creative class work in creative industries like web design or music, most work in more traditional industries like manufacturing or agriculture, adding value through creative problem solving and innovation. The report entitled Canada’s Creative Corridor: Connecting Creative Urban and Rural Economies Within Eastern Ontario and the Mega Region focuses on the importance of collaborative strategies and actions, provides unique insights and demonstrates the importance of a regional lens on economic development and wealth creation in a creative age. To read the report, click here. New FedDev Agency for Southern Ontario Announces Project Funding, Outlines Organizational StructureFedDev, the newly created Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, has announced the availability of $40 million in initial economic development funding. Economic development organizations, municipalities, educational institutions, aboriginal communities, business associations and even select businesses are eligible for project funding, with applications due by December 1, 2009. Projects must be carried out by March 31, 2010. This funding is available to communities in 37 Census Divisions in Ontario (identified here), and will cover up to 50% of capital costs and up to 75% of non-capital costs. Priority will be given to projects from communities of less than 500,000 persons. Full guidelines can be found here, while application forms can be accessed here. The announcement coincides with some public presentations lifting the veil off the structure and operations of the new organization. FedDev’s President Dr. Bruce Archibald has made a number of recent presentations on the role and direction of the agency. For some real insight into the organization, the Power Point slides from a recent presentation in Guelph, ON can be found here. Niagara Workforce Planning Board Produces Innovative Green Collar Jobs Strategy The Niagara Workforce Planning Board, based in St. Catharines, ON, has produced a far-reaching and innovative new strategy for labour force training and development in their region. Focused in large part on understanding opportunities in the emerging “Green Collar” economy, the report breaks new ground in terms of targeting, identifying and describing the kinds of jobs that will dominate Canada’s emerging economy. Although focused on opportunities in the Niagara region, the report’s depth and exciting analysis will likely help many communities considering a green shift in their economic development work. Full copies of the report may be downloaded here. Employment Development Index September 2009 According to recent numbers released by Statistics Canada, the national unemployment rate fell in September. For a visual representation of changes in regional employment figures over time, take a look at our Employment Development Index. |
Client Corner  The County of ElginOn the heels of its success at the 2009 Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) Conference Marketing Awards, the County of Elgin has received a national marketing award for its branding guidelines - Progressive by Nature - in the $200,001 to $600,000 category at the recent Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) Conference in Vancouver. Millier Dickinson Blais has worked extensively with the County in the development of its Economic Development Strategy and Marketing Plan and most recently in the development of a Tourism Strategy and Marketing Plan. To see all of the 2009 EDAC Marketing award winners, click here. Resource Review2009 Annual National Salary Survey On September 20th at EDAC’s annual conference in Vancouver, Millier Dickinson Blais’ second Annual National Economic Development Salary Survey was presented to conference participants. The firm is committed to supporting initiatives that enhance the economic development profession with research and best practices from all areas of the country. The 2009 Salary Survey is a practical tool that those in the field of economic development can use as an industry benchmark when determining their departmental structures and budgets. The Salary Survey involved responses from 147 practitioners from all provinces and territories covering a wide range of community sizes and governing structures. The five main positions surveyed were Directors of Economic Development, Economic Development Officers, Business Development Officers, Tourism Development Officers and Economic Development Researchers. In addition to average salaries, data is available on staffing levels on a province by province basis. New to the survey this year was the level of contribution to retirement plans, annual vacation time, health benefits and bonus structures. The average maximum salary of each position was determined to be: For the complete 2009 Salary Survey report click here. Our goal for 2010 is to have an even greater response from a broader range of communities and encourage your participation. We welcome your comments and suggestions for 2010 and hope that this report will help you as you plan for your year ahead. Out and aboutMembers of the Millier Dickinson Blais team will be participating in these upcoming events: October
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Brock Dickinson has been re-elected to the