Ted McMeekin announces grants for local economic development initiatives

HAMILTON May 6, 2011 — Ontario today announced a grant of $257,500 in support of two community- based initiatives managed by the Hamilton Economic Summit (HES) under the auspices of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. This multi-year funding is the result of a successful application to the Communities in Transition (CiT) program administered by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.
Hamilton Hive is a newly established network of local young professionals and entrepreneurs focused on business development and city building. It will receive up to $142,500 over three years toward a staff resource and the cost of hosting an annual conference in the City of Hamilton.
Renew Hamilton is digital media initiative that will document, promote and accelerate economic change now occurring in our lower city. The key deliverables include case studies of significant renewal projects transforming Hamilton and an accompanying educational curriculum. This initiative will receive up to $115,000 over three years toward project coordination and production costs.
"Hamilton continues to attract young professionals seeking business opportunities and a high quality of life," said Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP for Hamilton Mountain. "This investment will help generate the next wave of jobs in our community."
Ted McMeekin, MPP for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale, adds: "This is a major win for all parts of Hamilton as we continue to strengthen our overall appeal to people and business."
This latest investment builds on past funding from CiT for HES and its initiatives — including "Destination Hamilton," a blueprint for making Hamilton a next generation community.
"Ontario has been a consistent supporter of our community-wide effort to make Hamilton Canada's top midsize city," says Tyler MacLeod, chair of the Hamilton Economic Summit and a former chair of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. "This additional provincial investment, combined with contributions from various local public and private sector partners, will contribute to this goal."
HES is a community-based initiative facilitated by the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the City of Hamilton and other partners. Visit www.HamiltonEconomicSummit.ca to learn more.
The CiT initiative is an annual grant program that provides assistance to communities and industry sectors across Ontario facing economic development challenges, including plant closures, significant job losses, and industry-wide restructuring. The flexible, community-tailored CiT assistance supports innovative economic development solutions not covered under existing provincial programs.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Ted
• McMeekin