Director of Economic Development, Tourism and Culture, Savanna Myers, shared with the Committee the first team building development day for the department touring by bus through Grey County, and the success of the recent Economic Development Leadership Forum hosted last week at Cobble Beach.
She shared that the County is continuing to collaborate with Georgian College with continuous growth and increasing apprenticeships where students don't have to leave the region for further education.
At the Western Ontario Municipal Conference, the team focused on telling the story of Sydenham campus, what it means for the region, and the success it has had within our community.
She discussed tariff uncertainty and the ripple effect across Grey County posing a challenge within economic development.
Courtney Miller, Business Enterprise Manager, shared the trends being seen at the Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) including an increase in hard-skills training, Quickbooks training, human resources support, and digital support. The centre offers coaching and mentorship as well as 1-on-1 support to businesses.
She noted the increase in activity in bricks-and-mortar businesses.
Councillor Carleton joined the meeting at 8:58 a.m.
The Committee discussed training within the agriculture sector. It was noted the Campus assists with succession planning and support where needed.
The Committee discussed a central place for small businesses to see businesses that are for sale in the area. Staff noted a goal to become the connector for business succession, and plans to create this in the future.
The Committee discussed work with the local school boards, and determining what student entrepreneurship programming is necessary at the BEC. Staff noted that the BEC works with both the Catholic and Bluewater school boards and that engagement starts with teachers in civics, entrepreneurship, accounting, guidance and career classes.
Savanna emphasized the success of the campus and expert advice offered through the BEC. Over 4000 people have come through the doors in September.
Kaleena Sanford, Economic Development Officer, reviewed the department's regional marketing KPI reporting and strategic focus. She noted the importance of staying agile as a response to our marketing strategy. The department looks at indicators like website engagement, brand awareness, visitor and business support and storytelling impact which has shown growth over the last quarter.
She noted the changes in social media including visitor reach and follower growth which has seen an increase in quarter 3. The department is focusing on a curated look on Instagram as part of the digital strategy which creates a deeper connection with our audience through content interaction and increase on the average time on Grey County's page.
The Committee discussed the response to the decline in website traffic where it was noted by the department the new website being created with a full launch coming in January 2026.
The Committee discussed tracking metrics and links to getting people through the doors of small businesses across the County. Kaleena noted the department's geofencing tool where if the person is spending more than 30 minutes in a store, it's assumed that that person is spending money. She noted that the new website will help with relationship building with local businesses to get access to further metrics on customer growth with the tools being used.
Roger noted many businesses are partnering with small businesses across Grey County rather than larger businesses. He shared the collaboration with Lovebird Brewing Co. in Meaford with Pearson International Airport and the hopes to see more collaborations like this in the future.
Jill Paterson, Manager of Museum and Archives, noted the team formally launched the Grey County Gallery receiving more than $350,000 in Federal funds getting more artifacts out of collections and onto display for all to see.
Councillor Milne left the meeting at 9:31 a.m.
She also shared that Grey Roots launched its first staff event for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Councillor Milne returned to the meeting at 9:34 a.m.
She noted changes to the Moreston Heritage Village through the summer making better use of volunteers, summer students and staff, and changing the operations of the Village with new exhibits including the Summerfolk highlight, getting vehicles out of storage, and the Memorial Railway, all supported by volunteer work. Between July and August, over 1000 volunteer hours were logged with 9000 visitors through the village.