The Quinte area was one of just five communities invited to participate in a virtual “site selector” forum held recently by the provincial government.
CEO Chris King told the Quinte Economic Development Commission Thursday that the half-day event was held by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs.
It included prominent United State-based site selectors working in the food processing sector.
King says the event allowed the Commission to present this region to each company in one-on-one meetings.
It is also assisting Belleville in discussions with a German firm investing in the city.
The Commission is involved in a direct outreach to area manufacturers.
The results are as follows:
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100% of companies interviewed are implementing or planning on purchasing new technology, equipment and automation for their facilities.
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86% of companies or currently recruiting or plan on hiring new staff to fill available openings.
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36% of companies are entering in to new markets
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57% of companies are developing or plan on developing new products
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21% of companies are planning building expansions
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29% of companies want to increase local marketing and awareness of their company
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86% of companies have plans for further growth and expansion
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71% of companies need training and development support
King’s report also indicated there were 11 requests from members who required some help from the Commission.
The Elevate Plus – Military program that provides some initial training for people searching for employment graduated two people recently who went into full-time jobs.
King said he is awaiting final government approval to add early childhood learning sector to the Elevate Plus program.
