GTMA Activities & Announcements:
Upcoming Events:
GTA HOTNEWS SPONSOR:
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A monthly-publication of the GTMA, the GTA HOTNEWS is designed to keep you current on the GTMA’s initiatives, as well as promoting the economic development activities of our public and private sector partners.
SUBMIT NEWS! If you have an interesting news item, announcement or event that you would like to promote in the next edition of the GTA HOTNEWS, please contact Tony Romano, Director, Corporate Affairs at tromano@greatertoronto.org. Copy deadline for the December 2007 Edition is December 17.
GTA News:
Doing Business in the GTA:
People News:
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GTMA Activities & Announcements: |
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GTMA’s Launches International Leadership Breakfast Club
The International Leaders Breakfast Club is being launched as part of a continuing effort to establish, nurture and leverage international relationships that are key to the success of the GTA brand.
The monthly Breakfast presentations will bring together business and community leaders, foreign consulates and trade offices, as well as various levels of government who have a common interest in promoting and attracting investment and trade.
Our Speakers will represent both international and national organizations covering a broad range of topics.
Due to the overwhelming response and interest in our December 4 International Leaders Breakfast Club inaugural launch with guest speaker Nicholas Armour, Director, U.K. Trade and Investment, Canada the event is now full.
PLEASE JOIN US ON JANUARY 8 AS WE WELCOME:
GUEST SPEAKER:
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"GTA's Greener Pastures for Business: Using Green IT to grow your bottom line in domestic and international markets."
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Jean-Jerome Baudry
President & CEO
Cybernomics Corporation
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The Suites
1 King Street West, Toronto
King Gallery, 3rd Floor
Start Time: 7:45 a.m.
End Time: 9:00 a.m. |
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Join the GTMA on its Executive Business and Investment Attraction Mission to Asia (March 28- April 10, 2008) focusing on Seoul – Tokyo/Osaka – Taipei
EARLY BIRD RATE $6,950 ONLY UNTIL DECEMBER 31
The purpose of this initiative to Asia is to “promote the GTA as a preferred location to invest in and to secure new investment by Asian companies, institutions and talent to the GTA”. By joining this mission you will be accelerating your business opportunities in Asia and attracting investment to the GTA.
Join us for the entire trip or select the module that you wish to participate in.
- Module A: March 28- April 2 (South Korea)
- Module B: April 2-April 6 (Japan)
- Module C: April 6- April 10 (Taiwan)
Benefit from the contacts and experience that GTMA staff and its partners have made in its previous visits to Asia. Let the GTMA and its partners open doors for you while actively assisting the GTMA to attract investment to the GTA, which will benefit all of us back in the GTA. The GTMA is undertaking this initiative in each country as an exploratory mission, which will target contacts in the key markets of advanced manufacturing (automotive, aerospace and industrial design) as well as digital media and related enabling-ICT. These areas are particularly strong in each of these countries. Other opportunities abound for meetings in the financial services and biotech/ life sciences sectors.
There will be presentations and workshops in each country, opportunities for small group and one-on-one meetings, as well as company visits, briefings and networking receptions with the Canadian Consulates, Embassies and Canadian trade offices abroad. We will also work with local chambers of commerce, municipalities and the private sector in each country. In Japan we will be in two cities linked with a special trip on the Shinkansen Bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka. The weekend will be free but recommended in Kyoto, Japan.
Don’t wait. The early bird rate is an exceptional rate, but won’t last long!
For a full itinerary, contact Glynnis Rengger, Executive Director of the Immersion Lab, coordinator for the program at: glynnis@immersionlab.com 416-406-1233; or John Jung at the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance: jjung@greatertoronto.org 416-360-7320. |
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GTA Advance Manufacturing Committee Targets German Companies
Building on the GTA-Advanced Manufacturing Program’s recent participation in the IAA that was held in Frankfurt last September, Gerry Pisarzowski GTMA’s Vice-President Business Development will be meeting with representatives of one of Germany’s major banks to lay the groundwork for a series of seminars on “Doing Business in the GTA”. These seminars will take place in the fourth quarter of 2008 and will target the banks major clients in the advanced manufacturing sector, companies with an interest in doing business in North America. The GTMA will lead at team of experts, GTMA partners that will discuss the business legal, accounting/finance and human resource factors that need to be considered when establishing an operation in the GTA. At the same time, working closely with the MEDT representatives in Germany, Gerry plans to follow-up with several leads that he and Cindy Symons-Milroy met at the IAA last September. For more information on this program and how you can participate please contact Gerry at gpisarzowski@greatertoronto.org or at 416-360-6447. |
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Ontario Technology Corridor Partners Poised to Take Regional Investment Message to France
Gerry Pisarzowski GTMA’s Vice-President Business Development will be participating in the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in Lyon France this December. As part of the Ontario Technology Corridor (OTC) team, Gerry will be working with representatives from Canada’s Technology Triangle (CTT), Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation (OCRI) and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (MEDT) to meet companies in the gaming industry that have an interest in expanding into North America and learning more about the business environment and opportunities in the Corridor. Following the GDC in Lyon, the OTC Team will be meeting with companies in the gaming and ICT sector in the vicinity of Paris to discuss their business plans and to explain the benefits of leveraging Corridor as a stepping stone to NAFTA. If you’d like to get more information on this program please contact Gerry at gpisarzowski@greatertoronto.org or at 416-360-6447.
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Canada’s Finance Minister, Jim Flaherty Speaks at Sold-Out GTMA Luncheon Event!
Once again, the GTMA’s luncheon proved to be a ideal platform for its keynote speaker to deliver their message to the region’s business community. On November 5th, the Arcadian Court in Toronto played host to the GTMA’s 2007 Fall Luncheon Event and Canada’s Finance Minister’s address to a sold-out business audience John Jung acted as the Master of Ceremonies with Lou Milrad, Chair delivering opening remarks on behalf of the Board.
The strong turnout from the corporate community, GTMA partners and stakeholders provided an excellent opportunity to hear directly from the Minister on his recently released Economic Statement, and its impact on positioning the Greater Toronto Area for future global investment. The question and answer session provided lively debate and exchange of differing points-of-views. The luncheon concluding with the Minister hosting a press conference with the large contingent of media reporters present from both print and television. view article
In thanking the Minister, GTMA’s Interim President & CEO, John Jung, commented, “Mr. Minister, along with your tax improvements, the GTMA is committed to working with you and your government in the months and years ahead to look at other strategies to make the Greater Toronto area even more competitive and prosperous on the world stage.”
The event was also an opportunity for the Board to recognize Karen Campbell for her years of service to the GTMA and her dedication and commitment to advancing the investment interests of the region. EVENT PHOTOS
We are very appreciative of the support that we received from our partners and event sponsors whose generosity contributed to the success of the 2007 GTMA Fall Luncheon. We would like recognize and thank the following SPONSORS:
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TABLE SPONSORS:
City of Brampton
CresaPartners
Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc.
Evalueserve Canada
Four Halls Inc.
Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP
Greater Toronto Airports Authority
HSBC Bank Canada
IBM Canada Ltd.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Region of Durham
Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology
Town of Markham |
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GTMA WELCOMES RENEWED Corporate Partner: Gardiner Roberts LLP
The on-going support and participation of the private sector is essential to the success of the GTMA. We encourage you to consider using the products and services of the GTMA’s corporate partners. view complete listing of GTMA Partner’s Resources and Services |
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The GTMA is delighted to announce the renewal and continuing support we receive from the following corporate partners who have played an integral role in the success of the GTMA. |
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Headquartered in Toronto, Gardiner Roberts LLP is a mid-size law firm dedicated to all areas of business, financial and commercial matters. The firm serves a wide range of clients from small to large-size public and private business organizations, associations, municipalities and government agencies. Gardiner Roberts provides a full roster of legal corporate and commercial services, including services in finance and technology, intellectual property, and immigration law. It also concentrates on municipal and public sector law, real estate, entertainment and media, tax issues and acts as litigation counsel through focused and energetic legal teamwork and resourceful solutions. |
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Lou Milrad
Partner
40 King Street West
Suite 3100, Scotia Plaza
Toronto, ON M5H 3Y2
T: 416-865-6650
F: 416-865-6636
lmilrad@gardiner-roberts.com
www.gardiner-roberts.com |
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Doing Business in the GTA:
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Revised Tax Policies: The Good News
At its meeting on October 22, 2007, City Council adopted several changes to the City's tax policies. The Land Transfer Tax and the Personal Vehicle Ownership Tax have received all of the media attention to date, but two changes to the non-residential property tax also deserve notice. New industrial and non-retail commercial developments will receive tax reductions for five years. In the first year, the municipal tax reduction could be as much as 16% for non-retail commercial and 23% for industrial development. This program mirrors a similar program the Provincial government announced in the 2007 budget to reduce Provincial education taxes for new non-residential development. City Council adopted a motion, put forward by Mayor David Miller, to accelerate property tax decreases for commercial, industrial and multi-residential properties, if the Province is forthcoming with proposed uploads of social service and transit costs. more… |
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Airport Fees Reduced and Taxi Service Simplified
The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) will reduce landing fees by 3.1 per cent and terminal charges by 4.7 per cent. "By pricing Toronto Pearson more competitively we are able to decrease the cost of doing business, which is good for airlines, good for passengers and good for the region," said Lloyd McCoomb, President and CEO, GTAA. These fee reductions will take effect on January 1, 2008. In addition, Toronto City Council approved a flat rate for Toronto-licensed taxicabs and limousines for trips from Toronto to Pearson International Airport. Passengers will be able to choose the lesser amount of either the meter rate or the flat rate. |
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Ontario Unveils Venture Capital Fund
The McGuinty government is creating a $165 million venture capital fund with four of the largest institutional investors in Canada to help keep high-paying jobs and local innovation from flowing out of Ontario. OMERS Administration Corp., RBC Capital Partners, the Business Development Bank of Canada and Manulife Financial Corp. agreed to contribute $75 million to the fund, with the other $90 million coming from the province. more… |
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First Annual Toronto Regional Innovation Gauge (ATRIG)
The Toronto Regional Research Alliance’s first Annual Toronto Region Innovation Gauge (ATRIG) is now available online. view report The report assesses the current strengths and weaknesses of the region’s innovation system across a range of indicators, comparing Toronto Region’s performance to the 10 Leading Technology States (LTS) in the United States. view Toronto Star article |
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Research Looks at Future of Toronto Region Workforce
Results of a study on Toronto Region employer's strategic workforce planning were presented at the October 2007 Internationally Educated Professionals (IEP) Conference. The Progress Career Planning Institute commissioned the survey which represented public, private and non-profit employers. The results outline that:
- Toronto region employers recognize the need to integrate immigrants more quickly into their workplaces
- 17% of respondents are strongly committed to cultural diversity with 70% confirming this goal but expressing challenges
- 87% of respondents believe that immigrants have a vital and important role in filling their future skills needs
- Currently immigrants account for 70 per cent of labour market growth and it is estimated that by 2011 immigrants will account for all labour market growth
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Canada Global Competitiveness Standing Up in One Index, Down in Another
World Economic Forum rankings indicate need for Canadian governments and businesses to pull out of current competitiveness lethargy, says Institute for Competitiveness and Prosperity In the “Global Competitiveness Report 2007-2008” by the World Economic Forum, whose Canadian partner is the Institute for Competitiveness & Prosperity, results for Canada in the rankings over 2006’s results were mixed. On the “Business Competitiveness Index,” Canada moved up to 14th from 15th. On the “Global Competitiveness Index,” Canada fell to 13th from 12th. more… |
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GTA News:
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J.J. Barnicke Limited Joins Global Property Adviser DTZ
On November 8 2007, J.J. Barnicke Limited joined the DTZ group, one of the top four global commercial real estate advisers, and was renamed DTZ Barnicke. Clients will now benefit from access to DTZ's extensive global reach, comprising over 11,000 people across 140 cities in 45 countries, offering a full real estate service from capital markets advice to cutting-edge occupier-led property solutions. more… |
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FILMPORT: From Green to Screen
The development of FILMPORT in Toronto’s former Port Lands symbolizes a fresh start for an area with a legacy of industrial abuse. During the bygone era of shipyards and heavy industry, environmental stewardship was a low priority. In preparing the Port Lands for redevelopment, the Toronto Economic Development Corporation (TEDCO) undertook an innovative approach. Some areas have been risk-assessed, while in others, lingering contaminants were excavated and/or biologically treated in situ or at a special treatment site where soils can be prepared for reuse elsewhere in the Port Lands. . more… |
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General Motors Centre Wins Canadian Urban Institute National Award
The City of Oshawa has received the prestigious Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) Best Overall Project Award for demonstrating excellence in Brownfield redevelopment for the General Motors Centre building project. more… |
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CIBC Announces New Banking Centre to Open in Brampton
CIBC announced it is investing in a new 6,500 square-foot full service branch at the southwest corner of Bovaird Drive and Airport Road in Brampton. The new branch is scheduled to open in the winter of 2009. “CIBC’s newest location in Brampton will allow us to better serve our clients and demonstrates our commitment to meeting the financial needs of this growing community,” said Larry Tomei, Senior Vice President of Central Ontario, CIBC Retail Markets. “The significant investment CIBC is making in Brampton allows us to provide clients with greater flexibility, access and choice.” more… |
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Partnership Leads to UOIT Spin-Off Company Hoper Inc.
Durham Region’s Economic Development and Tourism Department encouraged concept development and introduced the private sector partners to the research capabilities, coached the business set-up and implemented a demonstration platform. With assistance and support for the research and development of software provided by Ontario Centres of Excellence, the potential of Hoper Inc. was realized. more… |
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Burlington and McMaster ‘Start a Fresh Page’ for Campus Location
The City of Burlington will work with McMaster University to develop new guidelines for a Burlington McMaster campus following the university’s announcement that it will locate outside of downtown. Mayor Cam Jackson and members of Burlington council received a letter from McMaster President Peter George indicating that McMaster will no longer pursue a planned downtown location. The university is considering other Burlington sites for its DeGroote Centre for Advanced Management Studies to allow for expansion and a quicker opening date. more… |
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Merrill Lynch Selects Canada for New Technology Center
Merrill Lynch, one of the world's leading wealth management, capital markets and advisory companies, announced it has selected Toronto as the location for a new technology center. Several hundred highly-skilled professionals in the financial services and technology fields will be employed at the Center, many of whom will be chosen from Canada's extensive pool of talent in the fields of technology and financial services. more… |
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GreenStar Expo and Awards
The GreenStar Expo and Awards recently celebrated a number of environmentally inspired individuals and organizations dedicated to making a difference in Durham Region. more… |
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Milton Continues on Path of Consistent Growth
A Town of Milton report shows that growth in the town of approximately 65,000 continues to be consistent both on the residential and industrial fronts. The report announced that after a slow second quarter, residential development picked up in the third quarter of 2007 and is slightly higher than the same period in 2006. ICI development is also keeping pace, with more than 750,000 square feet of industrial development to date.
“The results of this report aren’t too surprising, and what we’re seeing is consistent with the Town’s long-term plans for growth,” said Mayor Gord Krantz. “Overall, we are continuing to meet our goal of steady and balanced growth.” Some of the major industrial/commercial developments in the third quarter include two automobile dealerships on Steeles Avenue: a 37,000 square-foot Honda dealership and a 9,600 square-foot Hyundai dealership. |
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The Toronto Food Business Incubator (TFBI): Propelling Micro-Food Enterprise into Business Operations
Entrepreneurs who dream of starting their own food processing businesses are one step closer to making their dreams a reality thanks to a new Toronto Food Business Incubator (TFBI). The facility will help to establish new food companies to stimulate job creation and help commercialize innovative new food products in Toronto. Toronto is one of North America’s largest food processing manufacturing centres and provides employment for over 50,000 people in the food sector. The TFBI will enable entrepreneurs to start their own food processing businesses and take advantage of new trends by creating food products that are locally developed and processed. more… |
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People News :
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Karen Campbell Appointed New President & CEO of The Brampton Downtown Development Corporation (BDDC)
Richard Prouse, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Brampton Downtown Development Corporation announces the organization’s new President, Karen Campbell. more… |
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Burlington Economic Development Corporation executive director Don Baxter is leaving at the end of the year to join to Mohawk College as executive director for corporate training and partnerships.
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OPG President and CEO Named Leader of the Year
Jim Hankinson, president and CEO of Ontario Power Generation, has been named the 2007 “Leader of the Year” by the Ontario Energy Association (OEA). The award recognizes “outstanding individuals acknowledged by their peers within the Ontario energy industry.” more... |
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Peter Finestone Appointed Acting Film Commissioner
Peter Finestone has replaced Karen Thorne-Stone as Toronto's Acting Film Commissioner. Karen left the City in August to become the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Media Development Corporation. Peter will add the duties of Film Commissioner to his current portfolio as Director, Investment Marketing, Economic Development. |
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Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP (FMC), one of Canada’s leading business and litigation law firms, announces Vickie Wong as their newest partner. more… |
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Durham Region Announces New Tourism Leadership Team Chair
Durham Region’s Economic Development and Tourism Department welcomes Rocky Varcoe as the new chair of the Durham Tourism Leadership Team. As chair, Varcoe will oversee the team’s role in helping to direct and guide tourism activities in Durham Region. more... |
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Upcoming Events: |
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BEDC Economic Forecasting Breakfast • December 3
In a year where the Canadian dollar has climbed by more than 20 per cent, we encourage you to come and hear from one of Canada's leading economists on the 2008 Economic Outlook for Canada. Economic Forecast Keynote Speaker: Don Drummond Senior Vice President & Chief Economist TD Bank Financial Group. more… |
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I.E. Canada Harmonized Tariff System Workshop • December 11
During the month of December I.E. Canada will be holding two half-day workshops in Markham. These two half-day seminars offer a checklist on how you can ensure proper HS classification for 2007 and beyond, plan for any changes to your NAFTA certificates of origin, and understand the risks if errors occur. more… |
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U.S. Export Opportunity for VoIP, Internet Telephony, PXS • January 23-25
Ontario companies will be on the spotlight at the VoIP & Telephony trade show (Miami Beach, FL, Jan 22-25). Yours can be one of them!
Eight Ontario-based companies that offer Internet telephony and VoIP solutions, PBX and complementary technologies can exhibit in the high-impact and spacious Ontario pavilion at Internet Telephony (www.tmcnet.com/voip/conference). Internet Telephony is a targeted trade show with over 150 exhibitors and 7,000 attendees - many from Latin America. more… |
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Canadian Urban Institute: Niagarapalooza - Re-thinking Our Cities • January 31
A sensory explosion featuring art, wine, music and conversation! People will be talking about this event for months! A conference for all community and business leaders, investors, developers, builders, architects, planners, urban designers, arts and culture leaders, artisans, realtors, financiers, politicians, smart growth enthusiasts, municipal employees, civil servants and members of the creative class. more…
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RHCOC: 17th Annual Business Achievement Awards • March 5
Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce is having its 17th Annual Business Achievement Awards to honour its many successful business enterprises for their outstanding contributions to our community. more… |
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Want to Become an Intelligent Community? • May 12 - 22
Join ICF's Immersion Lab Tour of Intelligent Communities in North America (Philadelphia, NYC, Cleveland, Waterloo and Toronto). Following on ICF's successful program in Asia last March, the ICF Immersion Lab tour for North America will be an exciting 11-day visit in May 2008 to Intelligent Communities in N.E. North America, which are pursuing innovative strategies to build local broadband economies. More information on last year's successful tour, next year's tour as well as registration details is available at: www.intelligentcommunity.org. To take advantage of the Early Bird Rate currently in effect contact Glynnis Rengger at immersionlab@intelligentcommunity.org.
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Canadian Urban Institute: Fifth Annual Leadership Awards Luncheon • May 27
The Urban Leadership Awards (ULA) program honours those that have made a profound and lasting impact on the quality of our urban life. Nominations for the 2008 Urban Leadership Awards are open from September 17, 2007 to December 7, 2007. To recognize an individual, group or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to the public realm, submit a nomination under any of the following categories: City Renewal, City Initiatives, City Soul, City Livability, City Youth, or Local Heroes. more… |
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