Report to: Economic Development Committee                       Report Date: November 23, 2009

 

 

 

SUBJECT:                          Green Manufacturing Expo and Conference – Anaheim, California, February 9 – 11, 2010

PREPARED BY:               Suzanne McCrimmon, Senior Business Development Officer                     ext. 2655

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION:

That the report entitled “Green Manufacturing Expo and Conference – Anaheim, California” be received;

 

That the Town be represented at the Green Manufacturing Expo and Conference by the Senior Business Development Officer at a cost not to exceed C$3,000.00;

 

And that the cost of attending the Expo and conference be expensed from within the approved 2010 Economic Development Travel budget: 610-9985201

 

And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

 

 

1. Purpose       2. Background         3. Discussion        4. Financial      5. Others (Strategic, Affected Units)       6. Attachment(s)

 

 

PURPOSE:

To authorize business travel by Town staff to Anaheim, California from February 9 - 11 2010, to participate in the “Green Manufacturing Expo and Conference”, for the purpose of building awareness with ‘Green and Clean’ technology companies about the advantages of locating within Markham and York Region, meeting prospects and networking with industry leaders.

 

The conference will provide Markham with a framework for assessment, planning and development of this priority economic sector as per “Markham 2020” Economic Strategy and the “Greenprint” Community Sustainability Plan. 

 

DISCUSSION:

York Region’s Sustainability Strategy, released in 2007, defines sustainability as leaving our communities, our Region, and our world in a healthy state for our children and grandchildren. It means evaluating the social, economic and environmental effects of our actions, and learning to optimize all three; businesses have long referred to this as the ‘triple bottom line’. Instead of trading these elements against one another, sustainability helps you see the relationships between them, and more accurately forecast the challenges and opportunities that may arise in the future.

 

The Region’s Sustainability Strategy was developed to manage dynamic forecasted population and employment growth.  York Region is working towards a balanced approach respecting the Natural Environment, Healthy Communities and Economic Vitality. There are over 250 environmental companies currently located in York Region, of which 64 are located in Markham. Building a Sustainable Markham is a key focus in the “Markham 2020” economic strategy. 

 

The “Green Manufacturing Expo and Conference” program provides opportunities to showcase the Town of Markham’s leading edge ‘Greenprint’ initiatives, to promote Markham as a preferred location for green/clean environmental businesses, and to source out leading edge technologies.  This Expo is part of a major advanced manufacturing show with 45,000 expected attendees, and 3000 exhibitors including 500 “green” companies. Registration includes free admission to “Green Manufacturing Expo” plus the other related shows including: Medical Design & Manufacturing, OEM Design & Manufacturing; Automation Solutions; Electronics Manufacturing; Packaging; and Plastic Processing. 

 

The “Green Manufacturing Expo” specifically showcases solutions for sustainable manufacturing such as clean energy systems, software, materials, packaging, recycling, energy-saving machinery & components, and consulting/engineering services. An “Invest in York” 20 ft. booth has been booked by the Region and will provide a central point at the trade show for Markham staff to generate leads, offer business intelligence and promote the benefits of doing business in the Town of Markham.   

 

Markham’s Objectives for the Expo/Conference:

1.      Promote Markham as a preferred investment location and strategic partnering opportunity for green/clean businesses

2.      Raise awareness about Markham’s competitive advantages and leading edge community ‘Greenprint’ initiative.

3.      Attend workshops that will provide insight on preparing Markham to excel as a sustainable community.  

 

 

 

FINANCIAL TEMPLATE:

The Town’s cost for a Markham representative to participate in the conference includes any applicable taxes, airfare, accommodations, ground transportation, and meals.

 

         Green Manufacturing Expo and Conference registration                                 free            

         Airfare and Ground Transportation                                                           $1,200.00                    4 nights’ accommodations and meals                                                                               $1,400.00

         Marketing expenses                                                                                $   400.00

         Total                                                                                                       $3,000.00       

 

The Region of York’s Economic Development Department will be covering the cost of the tradeshow booth, the tradeshow display, and all regional marketing material (valued at $6,000.00).     

                                                                                                       

                                                                                                       

 

 

ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:

The Green Manufacturing Expo and Conference is an integral part of the Town’s 10-Year Economic Strategy, “Markham 2020”. The Conference and Expo addresses the objective of building Sustainable Markham and advancing Markham’s “Greenprint”.    

 

 

RECOMMENDED BY:  

 

 

 

___________________________                  ________________________________

Stephen A. Chait, Ec.D., CMC                        Jim Baird, M.C.I.P., R.P.P.

Director, Economic Development                      Commissioner of Development Services