GTA HotNews

Summer 2007

Stay Connected!

Archives 2006

2007 Issues

January February/March April May June

A publication of the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance, the GTA HotNews is an e-Newsletter designed to keep you current on the GTMA’s programs and initiatives. It also promotes the activities and regional economic development efforts of our public and private sector partners.

On behalf of the GTMA Board and staff we would like to wish all of our readers A HAPPY AND SAFE SUMMER. We appreciate your continued interest in the GTMA e-newsletter and value you continued editorial contribution. HAPPY VACATIONING!

SUBMIT NEWS! We welcome your news items and will make every effort to publish all responsible submissions in a timely manner. If you have an interesting news item, announcement or event that you would like to promote in the next edition of the GTA HOTNEWS, please contact Tony Romano, Director, Corporate Affairs at or . Copy deadline for the September 2007 Edition is September 21.

GTMA Activities & Announcements:

Karen Campbell, President & CEO, Bids Farewell to the GTMA
Novae Res Urbis – One-on-One interview with Karen Campbell
We Want Your Opinion about the ICT Sector in the GTA!
DSEA Members Make Sustainability Connections in the Nordic Region

GTA News:

Milton Applies for Grant for High-Speed Broadband Service
Husky Acquires Moldflow’s Manufacturing Solutions Division
DSEA Fosters Renewable Energy Investment in Durham Region
Proposal Call for Advanced Manufacturing Investment Strategy (AMIS) Funding
Moscow Tops in Cost of Living; London Close Behind
Roxul Plans New Facility in Milton
Alexandria Lands on MaRS
Durham Region’s Economic Development and Tourism Department Gets a New Online Look
Xpedx Enters Canada: Company is One of Largest U.S. Distributors
Contact Toronto 07/08: Directory of Top Employers and Executives in the Toronto Region

People News:

Karen Thorne-Stone Leaves City of Toronto

Upcoming Events:

Waterfront Trail Celebration • September 19 - 20
Government of Ontario - Showcase Ontario • September 24 - 26
Connections 2007: The Technology Cluster Advantage in Canada • September 24
Burlington Mayor’s Networking Luncheon • September 27
JETRO Bizmatch @CEATEC Japan 2007 • October 2 - 4
XChange Tech Innovators Show • October 7 - 9
BDC - SME Tradeshow and Symposium • October 14 - 20
SIOR's 42nd Annual Fall Seminar• October 18


GTMA Activities & Announcements:
1		Karen Campbell, President & CEO, Bids Farewell to the GTMA After seven years as President & CEO of the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance, Karen Campbell announced that she will step down on August 31. Karen’s involvement and leadership with the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance stems back to the mid-1990’s when she Co-Chaired the Task Force that conceptualized and launched the GTMA as the lead regional marketing agency for the Greater Toronto Area. She initially joined the GTMA in 1998 as Vice President of Business Development and assumed the responsibilities of President & CEO in 2000. During her stewardship, the GTMA has established a foothold in markets around the world and developed a solid reputation for providing exceptional client service to potential investors. Her knowledge and expertise in the field of economic development are well respected and recognized both at home and internationally. Lou Milrad, Chair, GTMA Board commenting on Karen’s decision stated, “her leadership, dedication and commitment to the GTMA have provided the organization with the direction to establish itself as an innovative and successful public-private partnership. While we know she is eager to move on to new personal and professional challenges, I want to take this opportunity on behalf of the Board of Directors, staff and friends from across the GTA to wish Karen all the very best success in her future endeavors.” Lou Milrad today also announced the appointment of John G. Jung as Interim President and CEO of the GTMA effective September 1, 2007. In making the announcement, Lou Milrad stated, “John is a tremendous asset to the organization who brings over 30 years of experience as an economic development professional, urban designer and urban planner. We are pleased to have someone of John’s experience to take the reins of the GTMA and provide guidance during this transition as we move the organization forward.” The Board has initiated a process to search for a permanent President and CEO. John Jung has served as Vice President, International Marketing since the inception of the GTMA in 1998. He will now oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization, and working with the Board will be responsible for the overall management and delivery of the GTMA’s mandate. John brings to the position a wealth of experience in both international marketing and as a global speaker on economic development related issues. John is also Co-Founder and Chairman of the global think-tank called the “Intelligent Community Forum” (ICF) headquartered in New York City. "I am extremely pleased to have been afforded this opportunity. I look forward to continuing to strengthen our working relationship with the Board of Directors and our public and private sector partners promoting the region to the international investment community,” said John Jung.

2		Novae Res Urbis – One-on-One interview with Karen Campbell Novae Res Urbis (NRU) recently had the opportunity to speak with Karen Campbell, the highly respected President & CEO of the Greater Toronto marketing Alliance about her accomplishments and her plans for the future. Read the full text of the interview which appeared in the July 20th Toronto edition.

3		We Want Your Opinion about the ICT Sector in the GTA! The Toronto Board of Trade, Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance and several other technology-related organizations in the GTA are working collaboratively to better understand and serve the ICT community in the region. The Toronto region has the third largest tech sector in North America, behind only San Francisco and New York. With nearly 3,500 medium and large ICT companies employing 150,000 people and generating $35 billion annually in direct sales, ICT is a significant part of the Toronto region’s economy but few people outside the sector realize just how large and important this is. Please take the time to respond to a short survey at www.whatsyouropinion.ca which will help us to better understand the current state of the ICT sector in the region and its unique needs, thereby better able to serve industry leaders and those companies working in ICT-related industries. Simply visit www.whatsyouropinion.ca, enter “ICT” in the field marked Survey Code and follow the easy steps through this short questionnaire. If you agree to participate, we’ll aggregate the results of the opinions and thoughts provided through the survey and share them with you in a report to be released this fall. Meanwhile, for providing us your feedback, you’ll be entered to win a video iPod (donated by Workopolis) or tickets to upcoming Toronto Board of Trade’s Technology Innovators Breakfasts at the Toronto Board of Trade. Thank you for your commitment to the local ICT marketplace and for helping to champion a competitive and vibrant Toronto area

4		DSEA Members Make Sustainability Connections in the Nordic Region Eleven representatives of the Durham Strategic Energy Alliance (DSEA) recently returned from a successful energy and sustainability business mission to Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands. The mission took place from June 9 – 22, 2007 and was organized by the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance and the Region of Durham to explore best practices, business opportunities and build relationships in the Nordic region. “These countries offer tremendous learning and partnership opportunities for Durham and Ontario,” said Michael Angemeer, President and Chair of the DSEA and President of Veridian Corporation, who participated in the mission. “They put their sustainability policies into practice, spawning business ventures that are selling their technologies and expertise around the world. Spurred on by the oil crisis in 1973, their communities have viewed energy and transportation in a holistic way and they are far advanced in areas such as district heating; clean energy from all forms of waste; wind power; and cleaner transportation systems involving biogas and electrification.” more…

		back to top
GTA News:

5		Milton Applies for Grant for High-Speed Broadband Service The Town of Milton has recently applied for a provincial grant in an effort to bring broadband service to rural Milton. The Rural Connections…Ontario Municipal Rural Broadband Partnership Program is a one-time initiative that aims to help bring high-speed Internet to rural areas in Southern Ontario. “Council believes it is important that the whole community has access to today’s technology,” said Mayor Gord Krantz. “Broadband service is a useful tool for residents to access government services and resources, and for small or home-based businesses to participate in the current market on an even playing field.” Broadband, or high-speed Internet service allows users to use the Internet at much higher speeds than the traditional dial-up service allows. Bringing this service to rural Milton would meet the initiative outlined in the Town’s strategic plan, Destiny Milton 2, to “encourage communication service providers to make Milton a more connected community to facilitate commerce and involvement in civic affairs and community activities.” Through the Rural Connections…Ontario Municipal Rural Broadband Partnership Program, the Ontario government is funding up to one third of the cost of qualifying broadband projects up to a maximum of $1 million. Municipalities and any project partners are required to provide the remainder of the funding. The Town will learn this August whether it has qualified for funding. Funding is granted if applicants can demonstrate that they are working in partnership with community stakeholders and other partners to develop and implement a plan from a county or regional perspective that is designed to reduce broadband gaps. more…

6		Husky Acquires Moldflow’s Manufacturing Solutions Division In late June 2007, Caledon-based Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd. signed an agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Moldflow Corporation’s Manufacturing Solutions Division for $7 million. Husky is one of the largest suppliers of hot runners and tooling for the injection molding industry. Through this acquisition, Husky will expand its product offering, adding temperature controllers, process management and data communication software to its leading hot runner and machine portfolio. “This transaction brings to Husky an experienced team, a wealth of technology expertise and a highly complementary set of innovative products,” said Keith Carlton, Husky’s Vice President of Hot Runners and PET Molds. “As a result, we will offer our customers greater value while continuing to grow this strategic area of our business.” “The acquisition of Moldflow’s Manufacturing Solutions Division is consistent with our strategy of building a portfolio of leading products and services to better serve our customers,” said John Galt, Husky’s President and CEO. “By leveraging our industry leading service and sales network and our strong position in tooling, we will be able to deliver these innovative products to an expanded range of customers.”

7		DSEA Fosters Renewable Energy Investment in Durham Region The Durham Strategic Energy Alliance (DSEA) is encouraging its energy-industry partners to take up the challenge of filling Ontario's order for up to 1,000 MW of energy from renewable sources like solar, wind, biomass and small hydro-electric over the next 10 years. On March 21, the Ontario government announced it will "lead the way in using clean, renewable electricity by setting a standard price" for small projects feeding into the provincial grid. The Standard Offer Program will set a fixed price of 11 cents per kilowatt-hour for wind, biomass or small hydroelectric and 42 cents per kilowatt-hour for solar power. DSEA chairman Michael Angemeer says the Government's announcement provides small businesses a unique opportunity. Durham Region, he adds, can provide the conditions for those businesses to thrive. "Durham provides an ideal home base for small manufacturers and generators through the synergies created within the current energy cluster," Mr. Angemeer says. "In Durham Region, there is a symbiotic relationship built on a thriving energy industry, progressive local government and energy-focused research and training at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. UOIT is the first Canadian university with a school dedicated to energy systems and nuclear engineering." With its historic links to Ontario's electricity production, Durham offers the physical infrastructure and the human resources to support fledgling projects. "The energy industry is at home in Durham Region," says Mr. Angemeer. "We have supportive local government and a supportive community. Through DSEA we have pooled the strengths of the private, public and education sectors to create a support network for businesses looking to create innovative solutions to the province's energy challenges."

8		Proposal Call for Advanced Manufacturing Investment Strategy (AMIS) Funding The province has issued its fourth round of requests for proposals for the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Strategy. The $500-million program provides repayable loans interest free, for up-to-five years, to support investments in technology and innovation. The innovative projects announced to date under this initiative will generate nearly $400 million in new investments and support the creation or retention of about 3,000 jobs. In the 2007 budget, the Ontario government lowered the project threshold for loan applications to either 100-jobs created or retained or $25-million invested to allow more small and medium sized companies to participate. Construction industry set to handle building boom According to a new report by the Construction Sector Council, Ontario’s construction sector will need more than 85,000 new construction workers from now until 2015. The report predicts, however, that the construction industry should be able to manage the challenge. To learn more about the AMIS and whether you qualify, visit AMIS
		*
9		Moscow Tops in Cost of Living; London Close Behind Moscow is the world’s most expensive city for expatriates for the second consecutive year, according to the latest Cost of Living Survey from Mercer Human Resource Consulting. London is in second position, climbing three places since last year. Seoul moves down one place in the ranking to take third place, followed by Tokyo in fourth. Asuncion in Paraguay is the least expensive city for the fifth year running. Mercer's annual Cost of Living Survey covers 143 cities across six continents and measures the comparative cost of over 200 items in each location, including housing, transport, food, clothing, household goods and entertainment. It is the world’s most comprehensive cost of living survey and is used to help multinational companies and governments determine compensation allowances for their expatriate employees. To access the full listing of cities including Canada’s ranking click on COST OF LIVING SURVEY

10		Roxul Plans New Facility in Milton Rockwool International, the Danish parent company of Canadian insulation manufacturer Roxul Inc., announced to the Copenhagen Stock Exchange in March its plans to build a second production line at the Roxul facility in Milton. Rockwool International is the world’s largest producer of mineral wool insulation with 23 facilities in 14 countries. Roxul’s products are fire resistant, water repellent, non-corrosive, and resistant to mold, fungi and bacteria growth. “This is good news for Roxul, our employees, and our customers across North America,” said Roxul president Trent Ogilvie. “It’s also particularly positive news here in the Town of Milton, where we will see significant economic benefits from this investment in the community.” — Trent Ogilvie, President, Roxul Inc. Construction is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2007, with completion expected in early 2009. The expansion will increase the total size of the Roxul facility to approximately 700,000 square feet, and will include a new production line and warehouse space adjacent to the existing facility and corporate head offices. This expansion project represents a Canadian corporate investment of $135 million by Rockwool International. more…

11		Alexandria Lands on MaRS On June 26, MaRS announced that it selected Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. North America’s pre-eminent, first-in-class and largest life science property specialist, as the development partner for an iconic new building which will anchor the city’s biomedical corridor in the Discovery District of Toronto. To be developed on a prominent street corner in Toronto at University Avenue and College Street, the building is adjacent to the seat of the provincial government, cultural and financial districts, and world-class academic and clinical research institutions. In this exceptional location, Alexandria will apply its renowned expertise in developing clusters, including its proprietary programmatic elements, to strengthen Toronto’s growing life science and technology cluster centered in the Discovery District. The influence and impact of MaRS on the local community, greater Ontario and Canada will grow exponentially through the strategic alliance with Alexandria. To read the full press release and access photos of the proposed Phase 2 construction click on MaRS

12		Durham Region’s Economic Development and Tourism Department Gets a New Online Look Durham Region’s Economic Development and Tourism Department has launched its updated online business site, a space dedicated to providing visitors with more information about the department’s programs and services, as well as investment opportunities. “We encourage potential investors and members of Durham’s business community to explore our redesigned website,” stated Doug Lindeblom, Director of Economic Development and Tourism for Durham Region. “Visitors will find economic development publications related to each of the key sectors, important statistical data and partner links, as well as a page geared towards investors that highlights the business development opportunities in our region.” Visitors to the redesigned site will receive detailed overviews of the region’s key sectors-advanced manufacturing, agri-business, energy and tourism-through various sections, including online directories, links, and specific publications. The Business Directory offers quick and easy access to a variety of listings related to local businesses, organizations, schools, tourist attractions, churches, agencies and government offices. There is also a section dedicated to the region’s film industry for those who are seeking more information about this sector. more…

13		Xpedx Enters Canada: Company is One of Largest U.S. Distributors The new combined headquarters, distribution center and one of the two xpedx Paper & Graphics stores are located in Brampton, Ontario, northwest of downtown Toronto. xpedx said its second area store, a 10,000-square foot standalone facility, will open in Markham, Ontario. The third xpedx Paper & Graphics store slated for 2008 will locate west of Toronto. xpedx Canada headquarters, which includes the large Class A logistics/distribution center, offices and one of the xpedx Paper & Graphics stores, is located at 156 Parkshore Drive, Brampton, Ontario, near the intersection of Highway 427 and 407, just north of Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Airport. The new xpedx center will be staffed by paper and graphics professionals who know the Toronto print market and understand the needs of the region’s printing customers. The Brampton facility offers quick access to printers, manufacturers and other companies throughout the Greater Toronto Area, plus area cities including Hamilton, Niagara, Guelph and Kitchener-Waterloo. xpedx also has a major presence on the U.S. side of the border, with significant operations in the nearby cities of Detroit, MI, Erie, PA, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, NY. The two xpedx Paper & Graphics stores in Brampton and Markham will serve the estimated 1,200 small and quick printers in the metro Toronto area, as well other printers and businesses that want paper and graphics supplies on demand. xpedx has a growing network of 135 paper and graphics stores across North America.

14		Contact Toronto 07/08: Directory of Top Employers and Executives in the Toronto Region Do you want to reach 17,000 top executives in 4,000 of the Toronto Region’s largest companies? Contact Toronto is the most up-to-date, accurate and detailed local directory of top employers available for Toronto. It identifies employers in the Toronto Region with 75 or more employees covering all types of organizations – public and private companies, government, Crown corporations, colleges and universities, hospitals and social services, religious organizations and associations. With over 17,000 key decision makers in ten top management positions (president, chief executive officer, finance, operations, human resources, purchasing, information technology, sales, marketing and communications), Contact Toronto is an incredible source for generating leads. Toronto Board of Trade Member Price: $99.00, (Regular: $139.00).

		back to top
People News :
15		Karen Thorne-Stone Leaves City of Toronto After 18 years of service with the City of Toronto, Karen Thorne-Stone will be leaving to pursue a new “reel” in her career at the Ontario Media Development Corporation. Karen will be assuming the position of President & CEO effective July 30 and can be reached at the Ontario Media Development Corporation, 175 Bloor Street East, South Tower, Suite 501 Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3R8 email: .

		back to top
Upcoming Events:
16		Waterfront Trail Celebration • September 19 - 20 Fifteen years of trail making has helped revitalize the waterfront, providing unique opportunities for communities to express their vision, transforming degraded lands into vibrant places. Trails Ahead celebrates 15 years of a great partnership between the Waterfront Regeneration Trust and the waterfront communities and conservation authorities. We will explore 50 remarkable regeneration projects, noting the rich range of physical, ecological and social linkages that have transformed the waterfront experience for so many. more…

17		Government of Ontario - Showcase Ontario • September 24 - 26 Showcase Ontario is the largest public sector information technology education event in Canada. It draws participants from across the country, and in fact, from across the globe to learn how to serve citizens better through the use of information technology. Customize your own learning experience by choosing one of the hundreds of learning opportunities. Share ideas, expertise and experiences with your public and private sector colleagues that will add value to the work that you do every day. Each year, delegates come together to exchange ideas and network with their counterparts from other levels of government and jurisdictions. more…

18		Connections 2007: The Technology Cluster Advantage in Canada • September 24 NRC believes that creating globally competitive technology clusters is one of the best strategies for fostering a nation's economic growth. That's why we are delighted to invite you to Canada's first working conference on technology clustering in Toronto on September 24 - 25, 2007. Our intention is to bring key players from communities across Canada together for two days of dialogue, exchange, problem-solving and networking. We hope you will leave NRC Connections 2007 armed with information and tools that will help your cluster move to the next level Early Bird Registration Deadline: Friday, August 10, 2007. more…

19		Burlington Mayor’s Networking Luncheon • September 27 Keynote Speaker Marco Marrone, President, Canadian Tire Financial Services Speaking on: The Path to Customer Satisfaction. REGISTER

20		JETRO Bizmatch @CEATEC Japan 2007 • October 2 - 4 CEATEC or “Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies” is Asia’s largest annual technology and electronics exhibition, providing a platform for companies and organization from all over the world to showcase their cutting-edge products, services and technologies. The event also serves as a key industry networking and information-gathering opportunity, with numerous seminars and other activities offered during the fair. CEATEC Japan 2006 attracted nearly 200,000 visitors, with some 807exhibitors and 140 seminars. more…

21		XChange Tech Innovators Show • October 7 - 9 The most Unique Channel Event of the year, this 3-day event will bring together the latest 'Cutting-Edge' Technology Solutions along with the most sophisticated products and live displays in the industry. Over 130 Solution Providers will be in attendance focusing on diverse technologies. Highlights include: Educational Sessions led by SR. Editors and analysts of CRN and VARBusiness, Networking Opportunities and the VARBusiness Tech Innovators Award Ceremony. more…

22		BDC - SME Tradeshow and Symposium • October 14 - 20 The Business Development Bank of Canada will celebrate Small Business Week by holding this event to unite SME’s, drive business success and growth, encourage, motivate, educate and promote entrepreneur spirit. more...

23		SIOR's 42nd Annual Fall Seminar• October 18 So you think you know everything about tenant representation – we don’t think so…learn more at SIOR’s 42nd Annual Fall Seminar, Thursday, October 18, 2007. New location: Liberty Grand, CNE Grounds, Toronto. Keynote Speaker: Andrew B. Zezas, SIOR, President & CEO, Real Estate Strategies Corporation, Kenilworth, New Jersey, and Chair of SIOR’s Specialty Practice Board on Tenant Representation. Andy is a top U.S. negotiating specialist in tenant representation. Following will be a panel discussion, moderated by Stan Mullin, CCIM, CRE, SIOR & 2006 President of the Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS®, on this hot topic in today’s real estate market. Sponsor opportunities and registration info will be available by the end of August. more...
		back to top