Press Release - York Region marketing initiative identifies sustainable approach

Region encourages green practices while focusing on attracting green companies

NEWMARKET – York Regional Council has approved a new economic development marketing initiative that will promote the natural and cultural attributes of The Regional Municipality of York as part of a strategy to increase visibility as a unique and desirable location for business investment and tourism.

“We have created and maintained prosperous communities that enjoy a balance between economic vitality, quality of life and environmental sustainability,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch. “Through this initiative, we’re going to exhibit our achievements proudly to the world so we can build on them.”

The competition for new business investment in today’s global marketplace is about attracting educated innovators and skilled labour to our communities. Companies will relocate and expand in a community that offers a welcoming business climate in a competitive and prosperous economy with a high quality labour force and a diverse range of opportunities for social and educational upgrading.

“Our strategy recognizes the personal choices of senior executives as a key factor influencing site selection for investment,” said Town of Markham Regional Councillor Tony Wong, Chair of York Region’s Planning and Economic Development Committee. “We believe that respect for the environment results in healthy communities that are more economically sustainable.”
York Region’s Economic Development Marketing and Communications Initiative will:

1. Attract new investment opportunities from companies that are leaders in their industries and have demonstrated a commitment to the principles of environmental sustainability

2. Strengthen York Region’s cluster of more than 170 companies already involved in environmental businesses, which is one of the fastest-growing markets

3. Encourage existing York Region businesses to enhance their competitiveness through environmentally-sound business practices
York Region’s leadership in environmental stewardship includes a proud record of preserving and enhancing environmental quality and social diversity to help sustain its economic base. York Region has 69 per cent of its land designated as protected green space located in either the Greenbelt or Oak Ridges Moraine lands.

York Region continues to manage rapid growth. Over the next 25 years, York Region’s population will grow by about 550,000. The Region will need about 320,000 more jobs, generated through 63,000 more new business enterprises.

For more information on The Regional Municipality of York, please visit www.york.ca

Sports Report

NBA: Toronto 115 New York 92

AHL: Hamilton 3 Toronto 1

OHL: Brampton 6 Ottawa 1; Oshawa at Windsor, ppd.

OPJHL Playoffs: Aurora 5 Newmarket 1 (Aurora leads 2-1); Huntsville 5 Stouffville 3 (Series tied 1-1)

Tonight

NHL: Toronto at Ottawa; 7:30pm

NBA: Toronto at Indiana; 7:00pm

OPJHL Playoffs: Markham vs. Vaughan (Markham leads 1-0); 7:30pm, Centennial Arena

Program Schedule : Feb. 25, 2008

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