ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES BLUEPRINT: PHASE II “If you always do what you always do, you’ll always get what you always got.” “Progress and change are indelibly intertwined – without change there can be no progress.” “IMAGINE is the most powerful word in the English language.” Ian Hill, Keynote speaker, 2009 Economic Development Opportunities Blueprint Launch Event
PREAMBLE: As a starting point for the various industry and municipal interviews, the following notes are developed to ensure that all relevant studies and initiatives pertaining to economic development initiatives in the County and their current state of development / evolution are known. The 2009 Economic Development Opportunities Blueprint (EDOB) identified 5 target sectors for the County, and these are used as the guiding structure for this assessment. (A 6th sector, ‘Other Opportunities’ is also noted.) The notes, therefore, are structured according to the following framework: 1. Agri-Food and Agri-Business 2. Manufacturing and Industry 3. Retail and Service 4. Tourism and Hospitality 5. Culture and the Creative Economy There were several other key sources reviewed for the identification of opportunities including the Huron Economic Development Matters Initiative Strategic Plan 2007 – 2009 (HEDM); Take Action for Sustainable Huron (TASH) (2009); Huron Manufacturing Sector Marketing Strategy (MSMS); and The State of the Huron County Economy (SHCE) (2005). As well, opportunities and initiatives from other reports are noted as well, and the sources documented where appropriate. For each sector, the notes indicate the opportunities that have been identified and developed to date, as well as the source and date of the idea or initiative. The notes also indicate the current status of each opportunity, and what is happening in comparable jurisdictions that may be similar to that initiative (and thus may be competitive to or complementary with it). In noting the opportunities, where they are specific to one municipality or set of municipalities, that is noted as well using the following coding system: ACW – Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh NH – Township of North Huron MT – Township of Morris-Turnberry HOW – Township of Howlick GOD – Town of Goderich CH – Municipality of Central Huron HE – Municipality of Huron East BLU – Municipality of Bluewater SH – Municipality of South Huron Thus far, some, 118 ‘Blueprint Opportunities’ have been identified. Some of these are private sector business development opportunities, some are public sector initiatives at the municipal or County level, and some are partnership endeavours. 1
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES BLUEPRINT: PHASE II TARGET SECTOR: AGRI-FOOD AND AGRI-BUSINESS Opportunities Noted in Previous Studies Opportunity Description 1) anaerobic digester: form co-operative group to investigate / develop anaerobic digester energy facility (manure and waste food processing for energy production) 2) pellet stove fuel: examine business case for creation of pellet bio-fuels from agricultural waste 3) encourage solar energy use on farms: develop business case for solarization and encourage County farms to adopt 4) co-operative food markets: encourage development of co-op food markets involving County producers; promote what we produce 5) co-op CANGROW fluid fertilizer facility: investigate potential for a co-op fluid fertilizer facility in Huron County 6) co-op cannery facility: investigate potential for a co-op canning facility in the County 7) County rep on HCFA: ensure that there is representation from the County Council on the Huron County Federation of Agriculture 8) labeling / branding: ensure that consumer goods produced in Huron County are labeled so as to recognize the County (e.g. ‘Grown in Huron’) 9) partnerships with school boards: develop programs that encourage school children throughout the County to have a farm experience; create agricultural experience as part of the regular curriculum 10) agricultural tourism: encourage programs that enable visitors to stay on a farm in exchange for work 11) positive communications about agriculture: develop program to ensure frequent and regular communications with the general public both within and outside of the sector, about the importance of the sector and positive developments within it 12) ‘gates open’ tour: develop and promote a ‘Gates Open’ tour (like ‘Doors Open’) where hikers could come in and experience a farm visit 13) heirloom seeds: investigate feasibility of an ‘Heirloom Seeds’ business 14) ‘Taste of Huron’ event: further develop and promote the ‘Taste of Huron’ culinary event in August 15) develop continuous farmer training programs: identify business and agricultural training needs of farmers and develop delivery mechanisms (e.g. farm succession planning; HACCP planning, etc. 16) aquaculture: investigate potential for aquaculture industry in the County 17) ethnic markets: investigate potential of ethnic markets, and match with County products 18) county cooking school: building upon the idea of ‘cooking fresh’, develop a cooking school or course in the County 19) viticulture: continue Phase 2 research into potential for establishment of a commercial grape growing and winery industry in the County
20) environmental farm plans: encourage all County farms to complete an Environmental Farm Plan 21) produce auction: establish a Huron County produce auction (similar to Elmira’s) 22) abattoir industry: examine ways and means to further expand and develop the County’s abattoir industry 23) bio-diesel fuel plant: investigate feasibility of bio-diesel fuel plant in the County 24) corn-based plastics plant: investigate feasibility of corn-based plastics plant
Source(s)
Municipalities Affected
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB; HEDM; TASH EDOB: TASH EDOB; TASH
all all all
EDOB
all
EDOB; HEDM; TASH
all
EDOB
all
EDOB: HEDM
all
EDOB; HEDM
all
EDOB
all
EDOB EDOB
all all
EDOB; TASH
all
EDOB EDOB; TASH
all
EDOB
all
all
TASH TASH
ACW GOD BLU CH SH all all
TASH
all
MSMS MSMS
all all
Shaw Report; HEDM
2
25) continue existing organizational initiatives: - Regional Equine and Agricultural Centre of Huron (REACH) - Water Protection Steering Committee - Huron Agricultural and Water Festival - Buy Local; Buy Fresh - Huron Good Food Box - Farm-to-Table - Huron Harvest Trail 26) organic and regular beef co-op processing facility: a recent study identified a high level of interest in this initiative, and outlined specific next steps in terms of pursuing the idea
27) specialty cheese industry: investigate potential for specialty cheese operation (e.g. Halal cheese, klahsen, ethnic cheeses) – further support by developing ‘Cheese rail Tour’ (e.g. Quebec)
HEDM; TASH
Huron County Beef Industry Development Initiative (Eagleson) EDOB; Fitoussi study
all
all
all
Current Status Opportunity 1) Anaerobic Digester 2) Pellet Stove Fuel 3) Encourage Solar Energy Use on Farms 4) Co-operative Food Markets 5) Co-op CANGROW Fluid Fertilizer Facility 6) Co-op Cannery Facility 7) County Rep on HCFA 8) Labeling/Branding 9) Partnerships with School Boards 10) Agricultural Tourism 11) Positive Communications about Agriculture 12) ‘Gates Open’ Tour 13) Heirloom Seeds 14) ‘Taste of Huron’ Event
15) Develop Continuous Farmer Training Programs 16) Aquaculture 17) Ethnic Markets 18) County Cooking School 19) Viticulture 20) Environmental Farm Plans 21) Produce Auction 22) Abattoir Industry 23) bio-diesel fuel plant
Current Status interest remains; no activity interest remains; no activity current activity; installations are going up throughout County; several local companies are involved interest remains; some activity with local abatoirs and Huron-Perth Food to Table interest remains; no activity interest remains; no activity some discussion has occurred at County Council strong interest; no activity; some discussion Huron-Perth Food to Table Committee interest remains; no activity some agri-tourism activity – mostly events and tours current activity – new County website profiles, soon to be launched HCFA website used to be Farm Hiker tour run by HCFA – no longer happening; some concerns with liability, security. Still many agricultural and food events, fairs, etc. interest remains; no activity current activity – event being expanded for 2010 (just received Premier’s Award for best Ag-Event in Ontario!) – resources to run this as an annual event are an issue (financial and HR) some activity – more opportunity development necessary some activity – more opportunity development necessary some activity – more opportunity development necessary interest remains; no activity phase 1 climate testing positive; active climate testing underway for feasibility of wind machine technology; soil testing completed and very positive many have been completed – but not all (not sure of percentage, but can find out) interest remains; no activity some activity – some positive activity with local abatoirs interest remains; no activity on bio-diesel Note: Greenfield Ethanol remains committed to Hensall ethanol facility; recently 3
24) corn-based plastics plant 25) continue existing organizational initiatives 26) organic and regular beef co-op processing facility 27) specialty cheese industry
partnered with company to produce bio-degradable washer fluid (Hensall site is being considered) interest remains; no activity current activity – resources are an issue (financial and HR) REACH is major opportunity but needs further development and promotion some activity – some positive activity with local abatoirs Study and investment prospectus complete; strategy for attraction of investors and cheese makers necessary - resources are an issue (financial and HR). Funding is being sought later in 2010 to further develop opportunity. Some local and regional cheese maker are interested Specialty sheep cheese operation being built near Blyth
4
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES BLUEPRINT: PHASE II TARGET SECTOR: MANUFACTURING AND INDUSTRY Opportunities Noted in Previous Studies Opportunity
Source(s)
Municipalities Affected
1) solar power: encourage manufacture of solar power equipment locally 2) pellet stove: encourage manufacturers of pellet stoves 3) active business retention program for existing manufacturers: develop and implement an active manufacturing business retention program 4) local outsourcing: opportunities for large County businesses to outsource to smaller County businesses should be identified and developed 5) annual diversification fair: where smaller businesses from elsewhere are invited to see the resources of the County (in co-operation with HMA and others as appropriate) 6) co-op programs between industry and education: identify more opportunities for co-op programs between the manufacturing sector and the education sector 7) online learning: work with manufacturing sector to identify more opportunities for skills upgrading through online learning 8) diversified casting opportunities: work with Wescast to identify new casting opportunities 9) ‘green economy’: identify ‘green economy initiatives’ and determine ways and means of attracting them into Huron County (or developing locally) 10) mentorship program: develop mentorship program where leaders in older established firms could be paired up with start-up and smaller firms to provide them with advice and guidance; explore potential of ‘virtual mentor’ portal 11) encourage collaboration: identify ways to facilitate and encourage collaboration between manufacturing and tourism, agriculture, government, education 12) enhanced training: identify training and skills upgrading needs of manufacturing base, and identify funding to access such training programs 13) industry training centre: develop a centralized training facility where such training could be provided (possibly through existing community college system) 14) develop ‘Manufacturers in Transition’ program: develop specific sessions for manufacturing sub-sectors to discuss issues related to transition, diversification opportunities, etc. 15) value-added processing: investigate opportunities for additional value added processing throughout the County (especially local agricultural products) 16) research and development: investigate opportunities for additional value added processing throughout the County 17) additional incubator facilities: investigate need for additional incubator facilities in County 18) retooling plants: develop information and tools to support existing manufacturing operations that may want to re-tool and upgrade 19) manufacturing infrastructure investment: identify types of infrastructure investment needed by Huron County manufacturing base in order to enable them to grow and develop 20) health care: market the County to health care professionals to attract them into the County 21) career fairs in County and elsewhere: HMA should be more aggressive in attending career fairs within the County and in surrounding areas 22) promote location: re-vamp communications messages to focus more upon locational advantages of the County 23) skills inventory: need to undertake an up-to-date jobs and skills inventory for the County 24) guidance counselors: need to ensure that guidance counselors are aware of the job opportunities available in the County 25) ‘mentor inventor’ program: develop a program to encourage and mentor inventors in the County 26) ethanol plant: encourage the growth and development of ethanol plane in Hensall 27) encourage rezoning to enable home-based manufacturing business: (e.g. as in Thames Centre) 28) sculpture casting: use facilities at Wescast to encourage fine arts sculpture casting 29) youth skills camps: develop specific camp experiences devoted to honing job-relevant skills of youth
EDOB EDOB
all all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB; HEDM
all
EDOB
all
EDOB; TASH
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB; MSMS
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB; MSMS
BLU
EDOB; TASH
all
EDOB
all
TASH
all
5
30) Huron Newcomers Program: a program welcoming newcomers and that assesses their skills levels and attempts to match them with local job opportunities 31) opportunities associated with the airport: identify and pursue opportunities associated with the airport 32) meat packing plant: a niche market meat packing plant in Brussels, identified in the MSMS study 33) auto sector restructuring opportunities: identify and pursue opportunities that result from the restructuring of the auto sector in Ontario 34) machine shop growth: identify opportunities to help small machine shops throughout the County grow and expand 35) ‘complementary cluster promotion’: attract companies that complement existing clusters of strength / expertise in the County: - machine shops - trailers - hardware - boilers - construction machinery - industrial machinery - architectural products - prefab housing components - mobile homes - foundries - metal fittings - agricultural machinery - commercial service machinery - canned vegetables - salad dressings / mayonnaise
36) prefabricated homes: investigate feasibility of low-cost prefabricated home components (possible with IKEA)
TASH
all
TASH
ACW; GOD; NH
MSMS
MT; all
MSMS
all
MSMS
all
MSMS EDOB
all
MSMS
all
Current Status Opportunity 1) solar power 2) pellet stove 3) active business retention program for existing manufacturers 4) local outsourcing 5) annual diversification fair 6) co-op programs between industry and education 7) online learning 8) diversified casting opportunities 9) ‘green economy’ 10) mentorship program 11) encourage collaboration 12) enhanced training 13) industry training centre 14) develop ‘Manufacturers in Transition’ program 15) value-added processing 16) research and development 17) additional incubator facilities 18) retooling plants
Current Status strong interest; working with companies and site selectors as opportunities arise interest remains; no activity some activity – more opportunity development necessary some activity – more opportunity development necessary some activity – more opportunity development necessary current activity – HMA industry tours for high schools; more opportunity development necessary for co-ops some activity – more opportunity development necessary interest remains; no activity (Wescast sourcing new markets) very strong interest; working with companies and site selectors as opportunities arise; some local development occurring some cross-sector activity (initial meeting) – more opportunity development necessary interest remains; some activity – more opportunity development necessary some activity – more opportunity development necessary some activity – more opportunity development necessary interest remains; no activity interest remains; some activity – more opportunity development necessary interest remains; some activity – more opportunity development necessary some activity – more opportunity development necessary (incubator concept being discussed) interest remains; no activity 6
19) manufacturing infrastructure investment 20) health care 21) career fairs in County and elsewhere 22) promote location 23) skills inventory 24) guidance counselors 25) ‘mentor inventor’ program 26) ethanol plant 27) encourage rezoning to enable home-based manufacturing business 28) sculpture casting 29) youth skills camps 30) Huron Newcomers Program 31) opportunities associated with the airports (Goderich, Wingham) 32) meat packing plant 33) auto sector restructuring opportunities 34) machine shop growth 35) complementary cluster promotion’ 36) prefabricated homes
interest remains; no activity – EDOB to identify and recommend current activity – Health Kick Program working well; new doctor being recruited; Seaforth based Gateway Rural Health Research Institute is a major opportunity some activity (annual Huron-Perth Career Fair) – more opportunity development necessary current activity – new County websites, publications, etc. interest remains; no activity interest remains; no activity interest remains; no activity Greenfield Ethanol remains committed to Hensall ethanol facility; recently partnered with company to produce bio-degradable washer fluid (Hensall site is being considered) interest remains; no activity (PPS, planning issues may arise) interest remains; no activity interest remains; no activity current activity – Huron Immigration Project underway for development of new recruitment strategy current activity – Goderich seeking funding to lengthen runway; Study recently completed for Wingham Airport for potential “fly-in” sub-division development (some planning issues) some activity – some positive activity with local abatoirs interest remains; no activity (Wescast is pursuing new markets) some activity – expansion occurring with Maitland Welding (40 new jobs) some activity – more opportunity development necessary interest remains; no activity
7
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES BLUEPRINT: PHASE II TARGET SECTOR: RETAIL AND SERVICE Opportunities Noted in Previous Studies Opportunity 1) inventory / directory: develop and inventory or directory of all local retail and service businesses in County, by good or service provided 2) buy local campaign: develop campaign to expand local awareness and encourage County residents to buy local 3) internet training for businesses: provide training to local retailers to encourage them to build better websites, sell over the internet, use e-marketing, inventory maintenance, etc. 4) ‘former residents’ target market: identify former residents of the County and, where appropriate, market goods and services to them 5) service promise: develop service standards and identify local merchants and service providers who provide service to that level (with sticker showing service pledge) 6) marketing DVD: produce DVD (with testimonials) showing services available throughout County 7) unique services and business products: identify and profile truly unique products and services available in the County and nowhere else 8) local product in local stores: encourage local retailers to carry locally-produced products 9) business mentorship program: develop business mentorship program specifically geared to retail and service businesses 10) business hours: ensure that hours of operations are aligned to needs of residents and visitors 11) community currency: develop and use community currency as a means of promoting County businesses 12) retail passport: develop and sell retail passports / books with discount coupons, etc. 13) retail service business recruitment strategy: identify gaps in retail / service provision in County (or areas within County) and develop recruitment strategy to encourage new businesses 14) retail maps: develop retail service maps for each community 15) social networking: identify County businesses that are using ‘social networking’ as a means to market and promote, identify best practices, and promote to other businesses throughout County 16) mentorship program: develop mentorship program for retail / service businesses with retired business persons, complementary businesses, etc. 17) retail / service incubator facility: develop an incubator facility for new and start-up retail and service businesses 18) business retention and expansion: develop and implement BR&E programs in key communities throughout County
Source(s)
Municipalities Affected
EDOB
all
EDOB; TASH
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
HEDM; TASH; MSMS
all
Current Status Opportunity 1) inventory / directory 2) buy local campaign 3) internet training for businesses 4) ‘former residents’ target market 5) service promise 6) marketing DVD 7) unique services and business products
Current Status current activity – powerful new centralized database completed; new shopinhuron.ca on-line business directory being launched; new Local First Campaign underway current activity – new Local First Campaign underway – being received well by businesses, Chambers, BIAs current activity – workshops offered annually through Huron Small Business Enterprise Centre some activity – more opportunity development necessary some activity – OTEC Customer Service Program launched in 2009 – on-hold due to lack of staff resources to delivery (system in place – just needs resourced) current activity – new promotional video work underway for web and DVD development current activity – part of new shopinhuron.ca on-line business directory and new Local First Campaign 8
8) local product in local stores 9) business mentorship program 10) business hours 11) community currency 12) retail passport 13) retail service business recruitment strategy 14) retail maps 15) social networking 16) mentorship program 17) retail / service incubator facility 18) business retention and expansion
some activity – more opportunity development necessary some cross-sector activity (initial meeting) – more opportunity development necessary some activity – more education necessary some activity – some Chambers and BIAs have programs current activity – part of new shopinhuron.ca on-line business directory and new Local First Campaign some activity – some Chambers and BIAs have completed resident surveys, BR+E studies identifying gaps – more communities need to undertake similar studies (focus of new RED Application) some activity – most Chambers and BIAs have retail/service maps some activity – more research necessary some cross-sector activity (initial meeting) – more opportunity development necessary interest remains; no activity several communities have completed flagship OMAFRA BR+E– more communities need to undertake similar studies (focus of new RED Application)
9
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES BLUEPRINT: PHASE II TARGET SECTOR: TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY Opportunities Noted in Previous Studies Opportunity
Source(s)
Municipalities Affected*
1) shuttle buses: investigate feasibility of inter-County shuttle bus system for visitors 2) increased municipal communication and collaboration: encourage sharing of information and co-operation between visitor booths and tourism promotion efforts between municipalities 3) social media in tourism promotion: ensure increased use of social networking media in visitor and tourism promotion 4) improved tourism marketing and information provision: develop more on-line information available to tourists, video, you tube, dynamic websites, micro-sites, etc. (tell authentic stories!) 5) quality of life videos/testimonials: greater on-line promotion of tourism, lifestyle – double as attraction tool for creative workers; real estate, you tube 6) industry and agricultural tours: develop industry and agricultural tours as attractions (e.g. salt mines, evaporator plant, Exeter furniture, Iceculture) 7) cycle lanes: develop more cycle lanes throughout County, and promote as key bicycle tour destination – (pilot program: Blyth to Clinton) 8) architectural tours / heritage walks: identify and develop opportunities (e.g. behind the bars at the Gaol) 9) farm tours: identify and develop opportunities 10) marine heritage: identify and develop opportunities
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
11) nightlife: need for more nightlife opportunities 12) develop ‘Haunted Huron’ tour: assess feasibility of this potential opportunity 13) boat cruises: investigate opportunity for development of boat cruises 14) ecotourism opportunities: prepare an ecotourism development and marketing plan for the County 15) walking trails: develop new walking trails throughout County (e.g. new Bayfield to Clinton trail) 16) Goderich Performing Arts Centre: implement recommendations of proposed Goderich Performing Arts Centre Study and promote as tourism asset
EDOB EDOB EDOB Ian Hill presentation HEDM
all SH; BLU; CH; GOD; ACW all all BLU; GOD
EDOB
HEDM
all CH GOD
Current Status Opportunity 1) shuttle buses 2) increased municipal communication and collaboration 3) social media in tourism promotion 4) improved tourism marketing and information provision 5) quality of life videos/testimonials 6) industry and agricultural tours 7) cycle lanes 8) architectural tours / heritage walks
Current Status interest remains; no significant activity (one off shuttles for specific events) current activity – HTA and County Tourism coordinate and facilitate information sharing programs; resources are an issue (financial and HR) current activity – new promotional videos work underway for web and DVD development; sustainability of resources is an issue (financial and HR) current activity – many award winning publications, promotions, events; new enhanced website design underway (ontarioswestcoast.ca); promotional video work underway for web and DVD development; sustainability of resources is an issue (financial and HR) current activity – new promotional video work underway for web and DVD development; sustainability of resources is an issue (financial and HR) interest remains; no significant activity (some ag-tours exist; not industrial) interest remains; some discussion with County Roads Department; cycle/walking path being discussed between Goderich and Point Farms Provincial Park (similar to Grand Bend to Pinery) current activity – many self-guided tours/brochures already available; some guided events also occur throughout the year; more opportunity development necessary 10
9) farm tours 10) marine heritage 11) nightlife 12) develop ‘Haunted Huron’ tour 13) boat cruises 14) ecotourism opportunities 15) walking trails 16) Goderich Performing Arts
used to be an annual Farm Hiker tour run by HCFA – no longer happening; some concerns with liability, security. Still many agricultural and food events, fairs, etc. Also some farms offering tours – but not as many as in the 1990’s current activity – much work has been done in Goderich for self-guided tours/brochures along the waterfront; more opportunity development possible interest remains; no significant development activity – other than existing pubs, bars and taverns – and some events current activity – event being expanded for 2010 – resources to run this as an annual event are an issue (financial and HR) interest remains; no significant development activity interest remains; no significant development activity current activity – new trails have been developed in the last several years; new County-wide Hiking Guide has just been launched; hikehuron.ca website planned current activity – Goderich has recently released Phase 2 Study for the development of such a centre; much work still required with community consultation, fund-raising, financing, etc.
11
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES BLUEPRINT: PHASE II TARGET SECTOR: CULTURE AND THE CREATIVE ECONOMY Opportunities Noted in Previous Studies Opportunity 1) promote affordable housing opportunities: actively promote the affordable housing available in Huron County to artists and creative professionals 2) establish artist co-operatives: investigate feasibility and develop / renovate facilities for artist co-operative(s) 3) ensure permissive planning standards: to enable housing / studio spaces, possibly commercial operations, out of residences 4) public art: commit 1% of County budgets for buildings to public arts program throughout County 5) Huron County Arts Council: create County Arts Council to advise County government (and possibly municipal governments) on arts/culture/creative economy matters 6) Arts Foundation: create a County-wide arts foundation to help fund new arts / culture / creative economy initiatives and commercialization of cultural enterprises 7) facilities: explore market and need for new arts facilities in the County 8) youth Creative centres: develop ‘youth creative centres’ in key communities, as outlet for creative talents (note: potential model in Bracebridge, Ontario) 9) coordinated marketing: need coordinated marketing plan to inform local community about what is available in terms of arts / culture / creative activities 10) public transit: develop public transit system to ensure access to those without cars (many of whom are artists) to other communities 11) satellite museums: investigate feasibility of series of satellite museums (featuring local and family heritage / genealogy in each municipality throughout County 12) communications website / hub: develop communications website where arts community as well as general public can obtain information on resources, activities / events, etc. 13) quarterly newsletter: develop quarterly newsletter for arts community to focus on activities / events; who’s doing what; government funding available, etc. 14) co-op programs: develop co-op programs between school and County arts / culture / creative community 15) creative business incubation centre: examine feasibility of incubator facility specifically for creative and art-related businesses 16) arts & creative economy ambassadors: identity and designate key individuals as ‘County ambassadors’ for arts and culture 17) shopping loyalty program: develop and implement shopping loyalty or passport program for locally produced arts and crafts 18) Huron County Cultural Plan: implement the 2008 Huron County Cultural Plan 19) local tourist program: develop a promotional campaign oriented towards County residents that encourages them to become ‘local tourists’ 20) legacy attachment program: develop and market ‘legacy attachment’ program with a ‘come home’ element 21) local branding / signage: develop a local branding and signage campaign that provides attractive identification and direction to cultural activities in the County
Source(s)
Municipalities Affected*
EDOB; HEDM
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
EDOB
all
Current Status Opportunity 1) promote affordable housing opportunities 2) establish artist co-operatives
Current Status current activity – new promotions regarding real estate, lifestyle for web are being planned and launched in 2010; sustainability of resources is an issue (financial and HR) current activity – Goderich Co-op Gallery is a great example; also a few other examples in the County (Made in Huron) 12
3) ensure permissive planning standards 4) public art 5) Huron County Arts Council 6) Arts Foundation 7) facilities 8) youth Creative centres 9) coordinated marketing 10) public transit 11) satellite museums 12) communications website / hub 13) quarterly newsletter 14) co-op programs 15) creative business incubation centre 16) arts & creative economy ambassadors 17) shopping loyalty program 18) Huron County Cultural Plan 19) local tourist program 20) legacy attachment program 21) local branding / signage
planning matter – feasibility depends on scale of business interest remains; no significant activity – political decision current activity – Huron Heritage & Cultural Partnership may eventually evolve into an Arts Council; some discussions are occurring interest remains; no significant activity interest remains; no significant activity (except for Goderich Performing Arts Centre) interest remains; no significant activity current activity – new promotions regarding creative economy/opportunities for web are being planned and launched in 2010; new website creativehuron.ca will promote creative industries; sustainability of resources is an issue (financial and HR) current activity – Transportation Plan being developed by County interest remains; no significant activity current activity – new promotions regarding creative economy/opportunities for web are being planned and launched in 2010; new website creativehuron.ca will promote creative industries current activity – HCP producing newsletter interest remains; no significant activity (some work through local theatres and organizations – e.g. Young Company Theatre) interest remains; no activity interest remains; no significant activity current activity – part of new shopinhuron.ca on-line business directory and new Local First Campaign current activity – underway with implementation of Plan; sustainability of resources is an issue (financial and HR) current activity – stay vacation marketing campaign no activity current activity – new County Tourism Sign Program launched in 2009/2010 – new welcome, community and tourism directional signs
13