Week of July 31, 2017
Georgina Economic Development Updates

On July 19th, Council approved an Investment Strategy for Georgina.  This strategy sets out a number of actions items to attract new investment and promote the expansion of existing business here in Georgina. The implementation of the strategy will begin with the roll out of new marketing materials to help ensure that potential investors and businesses have the information that is required to make informed business decisions, consideration of options that have potential to expedite development of the business park and the implementation of a Georgina Priority Service for the business sectors.
 
Implementation of the Strategy is underway with the recent completion of a video that highlights some of  the advantages of doing business in Georgina. A new web page URL ChooseGeorgina.ca has been implemented and statistical information is being updated to ensure data is easily accessible and key properties for sale are identified. 

The bar was set high with The Ramada Jackson's Point Official Grand Opening on July 23rd. This was no ordinary ribbon cutting ceremony. CEO and owners of the Ramada Jackson's Point Resort and Spa., Swati Gupta and Rakesh Gupta were thrilled to finally have the Ramada open for business. The Town of Georgina Mayor & Councillors, Economic Development staff together with Peter Van Loan MP, Julia Munro MPP, and Patrick Brown MPP. 

The Ramada Resort & Spa features fully renovated modern guest rooms, pool area, a brand new spa featuring massage and beauty treatments, conference and banquet facilities, renovated restaurant with an outdoor patio with a view of beautiful Lake Simcoe.  

Click Here for more information on the Resort. 
Provide Your Input on the Jackson's Point Harbourfront Design.Harbourfront  

3 Jackson's Point Design Options have been created as a result of the feedback from the public, Council, Town of Georgina staff, the technical team, technical agencies and landowners. We are now at the stage where we are looking for your input on the various elements within each Option. You may like or dislike various elements of each of the options. In the end, TPP will summarize the 'likes' into one preferred option (which could consist of various elements from each of the 3 options). The preferred option will be presented to Council for consideration.

Click Here to complete the survey. 
Customer Service and Retail Training August 3rd, 2017.yorkworks

A FREE, three-week training program that helps York Region residents find work in the Retail Customer Service Sector.

Date: Thursday August 3rd, 2017 at 9:30 a.m.

Spaces are limited! to register, call 905-722-1480

In June 2017, The Ontario BIA Association (OBIAA), upon receiving numerous call and emails of concern from their members, conducted a Minimum Wage Increase Survey.

Newsletter were sent out to 400 recipients, which represents 219 member BIA's asking them to forward the survey to their members. Over three weeks, 1,055 survey responses were received. 

Click Here to view the results.
South Lake Futures Free Small Business Start-up WorkshopsSouthlake

South Lake Futures is again offering free Small Business Start-up Workshops.

These seminars will provide you with the basics you need to start developing a concept and prepare the plan to start your own business.

Dates:  Aug 23rd, 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Sept 14th, 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Oct 4th, 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

To Register call 905-476-1244 or 1-866-605-1244  
Do you want to revitalize your business with new Façade Improvements? Apply for a 2017 Community Improvement Plan Grant!CIP

A Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is intended   to improve a defined area within a community that has been identified as in need of revitalization. The CIP will articulate visions for Upt own Keswick, Downtown Sutton and Downtown Jackson's Point.

2017 GRANT PROGRAMS:
  • Facade Improvement Grant Program
  • Heritage Building Improvement Grant Program
  • Landscape Improvement Grant Program
  • Accessibility Improvement Grant Program
Click Here to view the application forms.

Sean Columbus
Economic Development Officer
905-476-4301 ext. 2330
Town of Georgina Economic Development & Community Betterment Grants.commbett

The purpose of this Grant Program is to provide funds to support festivals and events that are aligned with the ongoing initiatives being undertaken by the Economic Development and Tourism Division. Eligible events, festivals and programs are those that assist with enhancing the identity of, and create an economic impact within the community. These events will also support the development of the Town's Cultural Plan and create an increased awareness of opportunities available in Georgina.  
 
Anyone interested in the grant program is asked to contact Cristina Liu to review the proposed submission and application process before submitting an application.  
 
All applications must be submitted to:

Cristina Liu
Economic Development Office
905-476-4301 ext. 2300
MARKETING TIPS
How to Respond to Online Reviews.Marketing
teacup-laptop-man.jpg

According to TripAdvisor, Responding to reviews clearly demonstrates - to both former and prospective customers - that you are interested in feedback, and that you take customer service seriously.

Click Here for tips and also how to turn a negative review into an opportunity. 
Do you have any suggestions for our newsletter? Please let us know by emailing Sean Columbus
In This Issue 
Download the 2017 Discover Georgina Visitor's Guide Today!
Upcoming Georgina Events

Jackson's Point BIA Music in the Park 
August 5th.

Weather permitting. Local musicians will be show-cased in the Parkette from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Bring a chair, relax, and enjoy.

Click Here for info. 

Pefferlaw Family Picnic August 7th. 

Live entertainment, bouncy castle, refreshments and more! Free Community Event. Don't forget to visit the Pefferlaw Lions Antique Classic Car Show while you are there!.

Click Here for info. 

Georgina Farmers Market. Sunday's May 14th - Oct 29th, 2017

Follow the Farmers Market Facebook page for the latest updates.

For vendor inquiries please contact Natalia Zammitti for more information.

Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Ones Vehicle Events.

Events run May to September Saturday's 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (weather permitted).

Local weekly car show to bring together families and vehicle enthusiasts. Join us for games, music, contests, movies, food and the showcasing of rare and spectacular vehicles.

Click Here for more info.

Sutton Fair & Horse Show August 10th to 13th. 

A true country fair! Come and enjoy the horse pull, truck and tractor pull, demolition derbies, fair rides, entertainment, food and festivities. A full weekend of fun for the whole family.

Click Here for info. 

Painted Perch Festival August 12th.

Jackson's Point Village Association will be hosting their Annual Painted Perch Festival in Jackson's Point. An afternoon and evening of fun and excitement for the whole family. The kids can enjoy games, crafts and face painting and live music featuring local talent.

Click Here for info. 

Movie Night in the Parkette August 19th.
Residents and visitors are invited to bring chairs and blankets to enjoy a movie in the park.

Click Here for info.

Georgina Harvest Dinner September 9th.

Support farmers and celebrate the abundance in our communities and across the Greenbelt by sharing a delicious, locally-sourced, meal prepared by Chef Cori Doern. 

Time: 5:30 p.m. (Doors Open | Dinner 6:30 p.m.

Click Here to purchase tickets. View Flyer

"Best of Kiss and AC/DC Tribute Bands"
Sept 16th.

Click Here to Purchase Tickets and for more details. 

Yorkworks Sutton
August W orkshop & Events Calendar. 

Click Here to access the current August calendar.
Town of Georgina - Economic Development & Tourism Division | 905-476-4301
| ed@georgina.ca | www.georgina.ca
Town of Georgina
26557 Civic Centre Road
Keswick, L4P 3G1