Economic development officials in Stratford are celebrating after a local marketing campaign focused on the experience of a prominent manufacturer earned them a province-wide accolade.
Economic development officials in Stratford are celebrating after a local marketing campaign focused on the experience of a prominent manufacturer earned them a provincewide accolade.
The city’s economic development corporation, investStratford, won an Investment Attraction award Thursday evening at the Economic Developers Council of Ontario’s awards dinner in Toronto.
“It is very satisfying to be recognized by (the council) and I am proud of the work we do for (Stratford) and its businesses,” Joanie Gerber, investStratford’s chief executive, said in a press release. “Stratford continues to be a very attractive option for businesses, and I’m pleased to illustrate through our marketing efforts why businesses should be interested in establishing, expanding or relocating here.”
The award – in a category for rural municipalities with fewer than 100,000 people – recognized a video campaign investStratford created to highlight the success of Cleanfix North America, a Germany-based company that located its North American headquarters in Stratford in 2010.
The video, officials said, highlights Stratford’s internationally recognized brand, urban amenities, small-town appeal, access to international transportation corridors, access to the Toronto Waterloo Innovation Corridor, and the city’s diverse workforce. It’s available to view on investStratford’s website.
“I’m very proud of the efforts of investStratford and am pleased that they have received the recognition they deserve for their hard work,” Stratford Mayor Martin Ritsma said. “They are devoted to keeping our local and provincial economies growing.”
Cleanfix North America, a subsidiary of Hägele GmbH, a manufacturer of specialized engine-cooling and radiator cleaning fans, announced last year an 1,856-square-metre expansion of its plant in Stratford’s Wright Business Park.
Perth County’s economic development manager wins prestigious award
Stratford’s economic development corporation wasn’t the only local winner at Thursday’s event.
Meredith Forget, Perth County’s manager of economic development and tourism, received the the Joseph A. Montgomery Economic Development Achievement Award, one of the profession’s most prestigious honours.
“I am deeply honored and grateful to receive this recognition,” Forget said in a statement. “Throughout my entire career, I have been privileged to work with incredible organizations, leaders and partners who have continuously lifted me up. I owe my success to my dedicated team and the army of people who have supported me from the start. I am humbled and thankful.”
The Joseph A. Montgomery Award is presented annually to an economic development leader in Ontario who has made significant contributions to the economic development profession through impactful local projects, proven leadership, and an ability to build strong relationships with the private and public sectors, according to officials.
Perth County Warden Rhonda Ehgoetz said Forget has championed initiatives that “have put (the region) on the map as a great place to invest, work, live and visit.”
“Meredith has made important and impactful contributions to the economic development profession throughout her entire career,” Ehgoetz said. “On behalf of county council and county staff, congratulations to Meredith on winning this prestigious award.”