1. City of Quinte West Business Retention & Expansion Project Retail/Commercial Sectors September 28, 2016 Report Highlights

2. Introduction and Methodology
Purpose – Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) is “a structured action-oriented, community-based approach to business and economic development. It promotes job growth by helping communities learn about issues as well as opportunities for local businesses and sets priorities for initiatives to address their needs”. (OMAFRA)
April 25 – letter of project introduction from Mayor Harrison and Chair of the Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee, Councillor Kotsovos, sent to 149 qualifying businesses to encourage participation
Interviews took place in May and June with 93 businesses participating from all areas of Quinte West
No critical ‘red flag’ issues identified – few minor issues reported to Manager of Economic Development and Tourism Services for follow up

3. Survey Results Company Information Business Activity
Labour Force Development
Market Share
Competition
Incentives
Local Community
Marketing and Technology

4. Company Information Breakdown of survey sample:
*other – tourism, construction,
land development and wholesale
Breakdown of locations:
Average of 9.9 full time employees (925) per business interviewed; 522 additional employees were part-time
Sector
% of Total
Retail
34%
Food and Beverage 8%
Service/Professional
33%
Recreation/Hospitality 4%
Health/Fitness 5%
Other*
16%
Area
Completions
% of Total
Downtown Trenton 6 7%
Frankford 12
13%
Trenton East 31
33%
Trenton West 25
27%
Outlying Areas* 19
20%
Total 93
100%

5. Key Themes Business Assistance Frankford Development
Workforce Development and Training
Communications
Recruitment, Marketing and Promotions
Creating an Enabling Environment
Waterfront Development

6. Recommendations
Background – The City of Quinte West has completed a number of Business Retention & Expansion projects over the past several years. These surveys have helped to develop an atmosphere of open communication between City Hall and our business leaders.
The BR+E program has been highly valued by the business community because it has resulted in tangible actions, such as, the following:
Transit service enhancements
Infrastructure improvements
Downtown revitalization
Waterfront development
Collaborative marketing projects
Signage enhancements
Cultural and recreation development
Public safety improvements

7. Business Assistance
The City of Quinte West has an opportunity to assist businesses to increase their satisfaction levels of doing business in the area by responding to their issues and concerns under municipal jurisdiction.
Continue to explore options and work with community partners to assist Quinte West businesses with their expansion plans
Collaborate with Public Works & Environmental Services to review traffic flow within Trenton and determine effect on businesses in the area, including Sidney Street underpass and bridges
Develop a plan of training and information sessions for businesses as per their requests through the BR+E survey, such as, the following:
Networking sessions
E-marketing
Marketing
Customer service employee training
Website development
Succession planning

8. Frankford Development
Frankford Ward has issues that are unique to Quinte West and should be addressed through further consultation and assistance as an area with increasing tourism and economic significance to the area.
Consider the possibility of designating Quinte West as a tourist area allowing holiday openings
Conduct more research within the business community of Frankford and consider a Task Group to identify concerns, as well as potential opportunities, including its identification with the Quinte West brand

9. Workforce Development & Training
To meet the City’s goals in business attraction and to respond to their workforce needs, the following is recommended.
Develop a strategy to promote and communicate information on local employee assistance to the business community
Include the availability of employment and quality of life in targeted marketing campaigns within larger metropolitan areas and continue offering bi-annual career fairs in partnership with the City of Belleville
Work with Loyalist College and other Community Partners to offer programs where there is an identified void within the business community

10. Communications
The City of Quinte West has several communication opportunities to better improve the level of information received by local businesses to help them grow individually and collectively as a thriving and informed business community.
To create a higher level of awareness of the municipality’s role in business growth in the area (E-newsletters, quarterly reports, Shop Local supplements, radio, digital campaigns and social media)
The City will work with local organizations to create a greater awareness of funding and incentives available to local businesses along with creating a higher level of awareness of each organizations role in business development
Develop a Communications Strategy to inform businesses about local events, municipal programs and other announcements related to business growth i.e. City events, Career fairs, CIP Program, Capital Plan Projects, road repairs etc.
Launch a Pingstreet Campaign - Demonstration of the Pingstreet App

11. Recruitment, Marketing & Promotions
It will be important to create a marketing campaign which addresses the many strengths of the City, as well as promoting it as a place with an excellent quality of life leading to new residential, business and visitation growth.
Develop a consumer targeted marketing campaign focused on young families (age 25-40) and within a strategically defined catchment area considered to be ‘neighbouring communities’
Include strengths and assets identified in BR+E including affordable cost of living/doing business, quality of life, location, 8 Wing/CFB Trenton, supportive municipal government and waterfront and natural features of the area
Business recruitment initiatives should include those noted in the BR+E study, particularly high-end and/or branded restaurants, retail, office and building supplies and wholesalers
Target the strategy towards identified gaps

12. Creating an Enabling Environment
Businesses in Quinte West have highlighted specific areas when addressed, will lead to a more robust and productive business community, enticing to new business growth, residential development and enhanced visitation.
Continue the positive work evident in downtown areas to extend to commercial areas in East and West areas of the City. Enhancing and improving the entrances to the City should be considered, particularly at the intersection of the 401/Sidney Street
Review current transit routing and consider expansions based on suggestions from businesses
Research ways to offer increased levels of exposure to businesses located in the outlying area, such as through signage, to promote those businesses that are more difficult to find and to support their efforts to grow their business

13. Creating an Enabling Environment
Continue to work with local cultural service providers to increase and promote offerings within the municipality
Continue to work with all levels of government to maintain and increase medical services within the City
Continue efforts to improve the appearance of areas with empty storefronts and vacant properties through the use of storefront facades, local art and window displays etc.
Review parking in the downtown areas of the City including new technologies and promotion of parking areas
Work with service providers to ensure a high level of internet/broadband service in all areas of the City

14. Waterfront Development
The Trent Port Marina and future waterfront development in proximity and along the Trent Severn Waterway is recognized by businesses as a key player in the social and economic growth of the City of Quinte West.
Develop a strategy and procedure to promote local events, concerts and attractions to visitors and marina users
Consider a ‘daily message board’ to keep boaters and visitors aware of things to see/do in the area
Ensure promotion of local businesses and related services to marina patrons
Continue enhancement, promotion and development of non-motorized water based activities i.e. kayaking, paddle boards, etc.
Work with the private sector to encourage residential waterfront growth
Continue waterfront development including trail development, viewing and picnic areas

15. Moving Forward
Research potential funding opportunities and partnerships to assist in implementing recommendations of the City of Quinte West Retail/Commercial Business Retention and Expansion Project 2016.
The City of Quinte West and the Economic Development and
Tourism Services Department invites you to
contact them at any time with questions,
suggestions and input. Your involvement is
appreciated and the City along with our partners
will continue to develop strategies to foster
growth and stability within our Community.
Full report available at