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GTMA Activities & Announcements:

Upcoming Events:

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 October 2007 Edition is October 22nd.

GTA News:

 

People News:

GTMA Activities & Announcements:

 

 
1
  GTMA 2007 FALL LUNCHEON

 

THE HONOURABLE JIM FLAHERTY

Canada’s Minister of Finance

and

Minister Responsible for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)

 

will speak on Canada's competitiveness and

positioning the GTA for future global investment attraction.

 

Monday, November 5, 2007

11:45 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Arcadian Court, 401 Bay Street, Simpson Tower, 8th Floor

For additional information on tickets and sponsorship opportunities contact: Tony Romano, Director, Corporate Affairs at 416-360-5758 or by e-mail at tromano@greatertoronto.org.

 

2

 

GTMA Hosted International Business Delegation from South Florida

On September 24, the GTMA was joined by 25-member business delegation from South Florida in hosting an exclusive joint luncheon at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. The delegation was represented by a broad section of industry sectors, including research & development, professional and financial services. The delegation was led by representatives of three Florida-based economic development organizations (Miami-Dade Beacon Council, The Broward Alliance and The Business Development Board of Palm Beach) providing insights into business opportunities and potential joint ventures in South Florida. more

   
3
 

GTMA WELCOMES NEW Corporate Partner

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

     
   

GTMA Welcomes Cognizant Technology Solutions as our Newest Corporate Partner!

     
   

The GTMA is delighted to welcome Cognizant as its newest corporate partner. GTMA’s relationship with Cognizant dates back to 2004 when the company was considering opening an office in Toronto.  During the GTMA’s first business mission to India in February 2005, the GTA delegation was hosted at Cognizant’s facilities in Chennai where the delegation had the opportunity to discuss the company’s plans for the Canadian and nearshore markets.  The GTMA looks forward to continuing to build our relationship with Cognizant and to help their new Toronto office to grow and be successful.

     
   

Cognizant Technology Solutions is a leading provider of information technology, consulting and business process outsourcing services. Cognizant’s more than 47,000 employees have a single-minded passion to collaborate with clients and leverage domain depth and technology expertise to make their businesses stronger. With 33 global delivery centers, we combine a unique onsite/offshore delivery model infused by a distinct culture of customer satisfaction. A member of the NASDAQ-100 Index and S&P 500 Index, Cognizant is a Forbes Global 2000 company and is ranked among the top information technology companies in BusinessWeek’s Info Tech 100, Hot Growth and Top 50.

 

 

 


William Mougayar

Vice President

Corporate Marketing & Communications

370 King Street West

Suite 450

Toronto, ON M5V 1J9

T: 905-584-8686

F: 416-640-0626

william.mougayar@cognizant.com

www.cognizant.com

         
   

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.

         
   

Four Halls Inc. is George Fierheller's personal investment company. Mr. Fierheller’s distinguished and successful business career spans 40 years, having lead a number of companies, among them: President of SDL, one of the pioneering computer service companies in Canada, founding President & CEO of Cantel Inc. and Vice Chairman of Rogers Communications until 1996. George was the Founding Chair of the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance (GTMA) and is now the Chair Emeritus and the Chair of the Honorary Board, a group of distinguished business and community leaders acting as an advisory body to the GTMA. Much of the success of the GTMA is owed to Mr. Fierheller’s leadership and commitment in shaping the mandate of the GTMA, and advancing the principle of a unified approach to promoting the region internationally.  He has been instrumental in mobilizing the GTMA’s broad stakeholders and partners to work in partnership to achieve the goals and objectives of the GTMA.  

 

 

George Fierheller

President

77 King Street West

Suite 4545

Royal Trust Tower, Box 298

Toronto, ON M5K 1K2

T: 416-861-1351

F: 416-947-2695

fierhel@attglobal.net

         
   

Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP (Gowlings) is one of the largest and most diversified law firms in Canada, with over 650 professionals, including lawyers, patent and trademark agents and consultants. Gowlings is well known for providing top level legal advice and service to clients around the world in business law, information technology, energy and infrastructure, intellectual property, international trade advertising and media, professional liability, real estate, environmental initiatives and aboriginal issues.

 

 


Bohdan Onyschuk

Senior Partner

1 First Canadian Place

100 King Street West

Suite 1600

Toronto, ON M5X 1G5

T: 416-369-4574

F: 416-369-7250

bob.onyschuk@gowlings.com

www.gowlings.com

         
   

Green and Spiegel is one of Canada's oldest immigration law practices and it is also Canada's largest. With lawyers in both Toronto and Vancouver - Canada's two largest immigration centres - Green and Spiegel's network of worldwide offices ensure the broadest possible access for our clients. The firm represents many multinational corporations and medium size corporations assisting with the movement of their key personnel to and from Canada and the United States.

 

 

 

Stephen Green

Partner

390 Bay Street, Suite 2800

Toronto, ON M5H 2Y2

T: 416-862-7880

F: 416-862-1698

stepheng@gands.com

www.greenandspiegel.com

         
   

Hill & Knowlton Canada is the nation’s leading strategic communications consultancy, with a successful track record of providing high quality, cost-effective public relations support to companies, agencies, government ministries and organizations. The firm is also a multi-specialist agency, offering in-depth expertise in a variety of communication areas and sectors such as crisis, technology, digital, corporate, health and pharmaceuticals, consumer health, life sciences, marketing, corporate responsibility, financial, Aboriginal affairs, investor relations, and public affairs.

 

 


 

Michael Ras

Vice President, Public Affairs

160 Bloor Street East

Suite 700

Toronto, ON M4W 3P7

T: 416-413-4648

F: 416-413-1550

mike.ras@hillandknowlton.ca

www.hillandknowlton.ca

         
   

Pathway Group is a full service government relations and public affairs firm comprised of seasoned professionals with significant senior level experience in government. Pathway Group listens carefully to its clients, sets measurable objectives, and delivers a strong return on investment. Pathway Group directly supports its clients’ business objectives by creatively using our knowledge of government and policy development to deliver superior results.

 

 


 

Ralph Palumbo

Partner

One Dundas Street West, Suite 2500

Toronto, ON M5G 1Z3

T: 416-979-4617

F: 416-204-1939

ralph@pathwaygroup.com

www.pathwaygroup.com

         
   

UOIT is a unique and vibrant place, rooted in its community and powered by its people. It is driven by a dynamic, student-centred vision for 21st-century teaching and research. Its history is short but proud, and is inextricably linked to the dedication of its founders - the scores of volunteers in Durham Region and Northumberland County who shared in its vision, mission and values.  UOIT have been very active with the GTMA in various sector initiatives, including India (ICT) and Sweden (Energy and Environment) as well as in the gaming industry.  UOIT’s focus on the gaming industry and its success in developing highly skilled graduates makes it a particularly strong partner for the GTMA, playing a key role in helping the GTMA to attract a major studio to the GTA. 

 

 


 

Dr. Bernadette Schell

Dean, Business & Information Technology

2000 Simcoe Street North

Oshawa, ON L1H 7L7

T: 905-721-3160

F: 905-721-3167

bernadette.schell@uoit.ca

www.uoit.ca

     
4
 

GTA Advanced Manufacturing Mission to Germany

Gerry Pisarzowski GTMA’s Vice-President Business Development and Cindy Symons-Milroy, Director Economic Development for the City of Oshawa attended the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA), which is held every two years in Frankfurt and attracts car companies and parts manufacturers from around the world.  The IAA opened on a Tuesday to exhibitors only and then Thursday for the trade segment and by the end of the first weekend a total of more than 384,000 auto fans visited the show, which is a rise of a over 2 per cent compared to the IAA 2005.  

 

The GTMA partnered with MEDT, Southwestern Ontario Marketing Alliance (SOMA) and Canada’s Technology Triangle (CTT) to host a breakfast seminar featuring Dennis DesRossier as the keynote speaker.  The seminar generated considerable interest and over 30 guests confirmed their participation.  Dennis DesRossier’s presentation was excellent.  Gerry and Cindy were able to follow-up with a number of the companies and had some very successful meetings at their booths, which no doubt will lead to business investment in the future.  The GTMA plans to follow-up with these leads, working closely with the MEDT representatives in Germany.

 

The GTMA is delighted with the outcome of this partnership and especially the efforts of Terri Romano, Consul (Economic Affairs - Ontario); Julie Fisher, Senior Business Consultant, Manufacturing Investment; and Svenja Chenikel, Commercial Officer for Ontario.  They did a terrific job in making this event happen.  We would also like to thank our collaborative colleagues at SOMA and CTT for their participation in the seminar. 
   
5
 

GTMA & DIAC Collaborate on Launch of the GTA Design Case Study

The GTA Design Case Study was launched at Umbra’s flagship store located in the trendy Queen West area, attracting 70 guests.  Gerry Pisarzowski GTMA’s Vice-President Business Development and Co-Chair of the GTA Advanced Manufacturing Committee acted as MC and John Jung GTMA’s Interim President and CEO introduced the GTMA’s partners and the purpose for undertaking the study. Arlene Gould provided an overview of the study and the audience heard from the companies who were profiled, including Umbra, GE Water & Process Technologies and D&V Electronics.  more
   
6
 

GTMA’s Interim President and CEO Speaking Engagements During September

John G. Jung, Interim President and CEO of the GTMA has been actively engaged in speaking at several events and conferences across the GTA. John gave presentations and met with three delegations on the competitive advantages of locating or investing in the GTA, namely to a French Delegation from Normandie at the National Club; to a delegation from North Florida at the Intercontinental Hotel and a delegation from South Florida at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. In addition, John was a keynote presenter to 300 U.S. Retail Researchers at the ISCS Conference at the Westin Harbour Castle; and to 300 professionals at the Expert Leadership Forum at the Metro Convention Centre, organized by the Ministry of Government Services called: Building Capacity:  Ontario's Digital Challenge. In October, John will join the Leadership at ICF to announce the Smart 21 Intelligent Communities from around the world at an Intelligent Waterloo Conference in Waterloo, Ontario.

   
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GTA News:

   
7
 

Toronto Region Research Alliance (TRRA)

In October 2006, TRRA began to investigate the matter of how best to grow public-private research collaborations in the Toronto Region. As a private-sector driven alliance of R&D leaders, TRRA’s stakeholders understand the benefits that result from closer ties between industry and research institutions. TRRA led a panel session at the Ontario Economic Summit on this subject and, at the time released Breakthrough Partnerships, a guide for companies that would like to pursue research partnerships with Ontario-based research institutions. view report

   
8
 

MaRS Tenant Attracts Investment

NeurAxon, a MaRS Tenant and developer of innovative pain therapeutics, has announced $32 million in Series B financing. This is good news for Canadian-led biotech companies. more
   
9
 

Institute for Competitiveness & Prosperity Releases Working Paper 10

In this working paper, the Institute looks at how overall prosperity levels interact with inequality and poverty. Ontarians have been urged to adopt a prosperity-enhancing agenda to achieve full economic potential. But, as we meet with Ontarians, we are sometimes confronted with the concern that the benefits of rising prosperity will accrue to only upper income Ontarians. Others are concerned that rising prosperity will lead to a more Darwinian economy that will hurt the economic prospects of lower income Ontarians. These are important concerns. more
   
10
 

Five Prestigious Marketing Awards Caledon’s Economic Development & Communications Department

The Economic Development & Communications (ED&C) team at the Town of Caledon continues to win prominent national and international marketing awards, heightening the awareness of the municipality’s attractiveness for investment. view ED&C’s award-winning marketing vehicles
 
11
 

Brampton Joins with Government Partners to Launch BizPal

Starting and running a business in Brampton just got easier with BizPaL, a new online business permit and licence service that saves time spent on paperwork and helps entrepreneurs start-up faster. more
     
12  

Oakville Town Council Approves Creation of Economic Development Department

The Town of Oakville Council approved a recommendation to create an Economic Development Department within the Town's Planning and Development Commission.  This newly formed Department will take on the current responsibilities and services of the Oakville Economic Development Alliance. The Town will also assume Tourism services currently being provided by the OEDA by assigning a staff person to the Town's Recreation and Culture Department "Council's 2007-2010" Strategic Plan has identified a strong local economy as a critical factor in attaining its vision to create the most liveable town in Canada," Mayor Rob Burton said. more

   
13
 

Cybernomics Celebrates Green I.T. with New “Green” Website

Cybernomics is proud to launch its new website, www.cybernomics.com with a special emphasis on Going Green. Focused on its new “virtualization” services, the website now includes Green Tips for technology and a Green News feed.  Virtualization and other Green IT initiatives ensure that energy, resources, space and money are conserved, which means lowered costs for hardware and IT support time, more efficient application of IT to business and therefore lowered energy use and waste. more

   
14
 

Employment Land Strategy for Toronto

Toronto's Economic Development division together with City Planning and Toronto Economic Development Corporation (TEDCO) are developing a long-term, employment land retention strategy. Economic Development staff will work with other City departments and TEDCO to develop a financial incentive program to stimulate new investment and job growth, ensure Toronto's competitive position within the region, and encourage best environmental and green building practices. TEDCO will identify opportunities to build new industrial/commercial space within the city's Employment Districts and the resources to implement an annual development program. The strategy will include recommendations to better direct capital improvement programs to improve the functionality of Employment Districts and increase the attractiveness for new investment and stimulate reinvestment. For more information, please contact Kyle Benham.

   
15
 

It’s All About Performance

Ontario Power Generation produces 70% of the electricity Ontario needs. As a company owned by the people of Ontario, OPG is committed to producing this electricity in a safe, open and responsible manner Performance is the yardstick against which OPG measures success. Our 2007 Mid-Year Performance Report highlights our achievements in areas important to Ontario’s energy future. download report
   
16
 

Invitation to Pre-register for a Soil and Groundwater Remediation Mission to the Netherlands

The focus of this mission will be on soil and groundwater remediation practices in the Netherlands and Europe. The mission’s delegates will represent government and private sector interests from various provinces in Canada. This mission will provide Canadian delegates with opportunities to exchange knowledge, identify potential partners and projects, introduce Canadian expertise and technology to partners in the Netherlands and learn about Dutch innovation, soil remediation practices, demonstration projects and policies. more
     
17
 

Honda Heads to Markham

Honda will initially relocate 500 employees to the new site to be built on a 19-hectare parcel of land facing Highway 404, just north of Elgin Mills Rd. The tentative move-in date is two years from now." They saw a municipality that was willing to work with them and make things happen quickly," Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti said. more
     
18
 

Chrysler to Invest in Brampton

Chrysler Group officials announced that the company will invest $1.2 billion (U.S.) in its Brampton Assembly Plant for the next generation of the Chrysler 300 series, Dodge Magnum and Dodge Charger. The Brampton Assembly Plant today also celebrated the one-millionth LX rear-wheel drive vehicle platform will roll-off the line with employees and CAW officials. more

     
19
 

Access to Top International Talents

AIESEC, the world’s largest student-run organization, is the international platform for young people to discover and develop their potential to have a positive impact on society. In partnership with business and higher education, AIESEC has 50 years of experience in developing high-potential students into globally-minded responsible leaders. The organization spans actively in 800 universities across 91 countries and territories worldwide. In Canada, they have a network of over 1,600 students and recent graduates in 27 universities. In Canada, their partners include leading organizations such as Royal Bank Canada Financial Group, Bombardier, AGF, PricewaterhouseCoopers, The Canadian International Development Agency, Export Development Canada and other Corporations. For any further enquiries, please feel free to contact AIESEC Toronto at 416-726-8944 or aiesec_toronto@yahoo.com for details.
     
20
 

Wanted: App Developers for Facebook

More than 300 developers and marketers flocked to the hastily organized first Facebookcamp 'unconference' in Toronto. Here are some tips on how the social networking site might be monetized. “Viral and engaging” were the two key words that developers and marketers kept hammering during the four-hour Facebookcamp during a free conference for industry insiders interested in creating applications for Facebook.
     
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People News
:

     
21
 

Durham Region Welcomes New Tourism Manager: Kerri King

“We are thrilled to have Kerri as our new tourism manager,” said Patrick Olive, Commissioner of Economic Development and Tourism. “As an ‘ideas’ person, we are confident Kerri will help to develop new and successful initiatives that will immediately benefit our tourism industry, while continuing to lead our current tourism strategies.”

     
22
 

Courtney Pratt to Head Toronto Region Research Alliance

The Board of Directors of the Toronto Region Research Alliance (TRRA) appointed Courtney Pratt Chairman of the Board of Directors effective immediately. Mr. Pratt will assume the role of President and Chief Executive Officer effective September 30, 2007. He succeeds Ross McGregor who is completing his two-year term as the start-up CEO of the organization and will continue to serve on the TRRA Advisory Council. more
     
23
 

Richard Florida

Richard Florida, the renowned American scholar and best-selling author, had his eye on working in Toronto for several years.  His work on the identification of "the creative class" launched an intellectual revolution on understanding the economic engines of the world's top-tier cities. It was announced that he has been appointed academic director of the newly established Centre for Jurisdictional Advantage and Prosperity at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management. more

     
   

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Upcoming Events:

     
24
 

GTMA Partners with ITAC to Promote the 7th Annual Who’s Who in IT Conference 2007September 25

Who’s Who is being held in collaboration with Industry Canada, Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, the City of Toronto, the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance and ITWorld Canada. This event is designed to promote international partnering and alliances between companies to foster growth and development. With an added new dimension to this year’s event by holding it in conjunction with Showcase Ontario, which is taking place from September 24th to 26th, 2007. Showcase Ontario is the Ontario Government’s premier ICT event.  more
   
25
 

Lunch & Learn Seminar September 27

Vaughn Warrington of Chamber eLearning Centre will be talking about Guerrilla Marketer:  Marketing for Today and Training brings a 36% Improvement Towards Greater Profitability. more
   
26
 

IIDEX®/NeoCon® Canada Announces the Shows 2007 Special FeaturesSeptember 27 - 28

Once again, IIDEX/NeoCon Canada delivers "of the moment" special features from the world's hottest design curators. 2007 is no exception with content designed to inspire, educate and entertain. Exciting one-stop inspiration points located throughout the show floor explore the built environment and provide a looking glass into the future of design. Exhibits That Transform provides insight for all attendees into cutting edge materials, lighting, architecture and sustainable design. more
     
27
 

York Technology Association - Peer Group  ProgramOctober 3

Leveraging new media to capitalize on the online world. Thanks to the web, the media landscape is ever evolving – 24-hour news, citizen journalism, pod casting etc. New communications vehicles are changing the way companies and their target audiences interact. But how can business to business organizations build an effective communications strategy in this million channel universe? Cyrus Mavalwala, Founder and Partner of Advantis Communications, will join us as subject matter expert to help us understand how we can manage this new media environment to best advantage. more

   
28
 

Bridge2Growth Seminar • October 3

Bridge2Growth is a new UK government sponsored program designed to facilitate and complete the UK company start up process for small and medium North American companies with European expansion plans. And it’s free.  The program brings together UK bankers, lawyers and property advisors, giving you access to them for your evaluation, questions and consultation. And it’s free. We think if your business is ready to grow, we should make the process straightforward.  The seminar has been offered in 9 cities around the world resulting in over 20 new companies locating in The Midlands UK, this year. more
     
29
 

York Export AllianceOctober 4

Make the Most of Your Business Opportunities! Learn how U.S. regulations and practices could impact your business. What Every Business Needs to Know About Immigration Requirements, Federal and State Tax Considerations, Structures and Strategies to Reduce U.S. Exposure to Litigation. To learn more about this event or to register.  click here
   
30
 

The Conference Board of CanadaOctober 4

How will the U.S. Subprime Meltdown affect business in Canada? Join us for a special lunchtime presentation where we will present the facts and risks surrounding the U.S. mortgage volatility and examine the implications to economic growth south of the border and in Canada.   more

   
31
 

Canada's Top Economic Forecasters at Toronto Business Outlook BriefingOctober 4

Capitalize on the insights of Canada's leading economic forecasters. Globalization, talent shortages, exchange rates, commodity prices, and the evolving political landscape can all have an impact on the performance of your business. Get the accurate forecast information you need to build your strategic plan, and capitalize on key economic and business trends to reduce risks and seize opportunities. more
     
32
 

Toronto Small Business ForumOctober 9

The forum, presented by Enterprise Toronto, Centennial College and the Government of Ontario, will include information regarding the latest tools and market trends, seminars, workshops and countless networking opportunities. more
   
33
 

SIOR 42nd Annual Fall SeminarOctober 18

Keynote Speakers: Andrew Zezas, SIOR, President & CEO, Real Estate Strategies Corporation, Kenilworth, New Jersey, Chair of SIOR’s Specialty Practice Board on Tenant Representation, and the author of The CFO's Guide to Understanding Corporate Real Estate Transactions. more
   
34
 

Power Within Leadership Series • October 18

Anthony Robbins has directly impacted the lives of more than 50 million people from 80 nations with his work in leadership psychology, organizational turnaround, and peak performance. He has advised leaders from every walk of life--from political leaders, Fortune 500 CEOs, and world-class athletes and entertainers to teachers, parents, and inner-city youth. Robbins has addressed such distinguished audiences as the World Economic Forum, British Parliament, and the Harvard Business School. He has been honoured by American Express as one of the Top Six Business Leaders in the World to coach its entrepreneurial clients and Accenture as one of the Top 50 Business Intellectuals in the World. This year’s event features an extraordinary line up of diverse guest speakers and promises to be a tremendous learning and networking opportunity for you and your clients!  Members and guests of the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance (GTMA) are eligible to receive an advance member discount. A block of tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  more

     
35
 

GTMA Partners with Canadian Business Magazine to Promote Canadian Business Leadership Forum • October 18

Join Canadian Business as Bill Buxton, Principal Researcher for Microsoft Corporation and some of Canada’s most innovative business leaders share their competitive insights and visions for the future. MaRS Collaboration Centre 101 College Street, Toronto. Register/view agenda for the Canadian Business Leadership Forum today at our special GTMA rate of $99!  This is a huge savings, even lower than the Canadian Business Subscriber rate. Register now.
   
36
 

Canadian Urban Institute: Canadian Brownfields 2007 Program UpdateOctober 18 – 19

This year's Canadian Brownfields conference will be held in partnership with the Montréal Centre of Excellence in Brownfields Rehabilitation (MCEBR). The event traditionally attracts delegates and exhibitors from across North America and receives international support from countries including Sweden, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. more
   
37
 

OBA’s 2nd Annual Privacy Law Summit • November 5

Don’t miss the OBA’s 2nd Annual Privacy Law Summit, a milestone event and unique learning experience. The Summit will showcase the day to day experiences of lawyers with an in-depth knowledge of privacy issues in the business, litigation, health, labour/employment, municipal and public sectors. more
   
38
 

Canadian Information Productivity Awards • November 14

The big night is fast approaching. Book your seats now at www.cipa.ca for the 15th annual CIPA Gala Banquet on November 14, one of the seminal information-sharing and largest executive-networking events of the year for senior executives across Canada. We fully expect that this year's Gala will match the 2006 sold-out attendance of 900 senior executives from all sectors. The evening will recognize 24 Award of Excellence winners from the 2007 record-breaking 90 finalists of the most creative and productive applications of technology to business challenges in Canada this year.

     
   

 

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