Week of Feb. 20, 2018
Georgina Economic Development Updates
Tourism Now in Georgina.tnow

The Town of Georgina in partnership with Central Counties Tourism and the York Region Arts Council hosted the "Tourism Now" workshop on February 6. Approximately 50 participants registered for this event including tourism operators, community organizations, representatives from the local Business Improvement Area's and event organizers.

It was an excellent opportunity for networking and learning more about the resources and services available through Central Counties Tourism and York Region Arts Council organizations.  Based on an interactive exercise at the workshop, the participants provided their input on what they thought the top attractions in Georgina for tourism were. Lake Simcoe was ranked #1 with Beaches and Ice Fishing coming up 2nd and 3rd. The Briars Resort/Golf Course, Georgina Island, The ROC and Sibbald's  Point also came up as top attractions.
Hopefully everyone can collaborate together to grow and enhance tourism in Georgina by bringing together tourism stakeholders and key tourism organizations in the same room at the same time. There are many useful marketing resources from both Central Counties Tourism and the York Region Arts Council, which will can help create new tourism experiences and to bring more tourism spending in Georgina.

If you missed the workshop Click Here to view the PowerPoint slides and notes. 

Georgina Hosts Social Media Influencers. #icefishgeorginamediaday

On Feb 7, Social Media Influencers from the GTA and surrounding areas visited Georgina to experience Ice Fishing on  Lake Simcoe.  Hank Heyink Fish Hut Rentals provided visitors with a warm fish hut and great tips on how to catch the big one.  The event was coordinated by Central Counties Tourism in collaboration with the Town of Georgina Economic Development & Tourism Division.

At noon they visited the newly renovated Jackson's Point Ramada for lunch including a tour of the facility. There was also a historic lesson from Melissa Matt (Town of Georgina Cultural Services) regarding Georgina's 200 year anniversary and the history of Georgina's Ice Fishing. 

The Social Media Influencers who attended were Eric Novak (Editor in Chief - Envirodad.com), Lisa Queen (Report, York Region Metroland Media), and Kevin Forget (Ontario Travel).  The conditions were great and the day was an excellent opportunity to showcase Ice Fishing in Georgina.
2017 Georgina Business Employment Results. Based on York Region Employment Survey.employmentsurvey

  • Between 2007-2017 the health care and
    social assistance sector posted the largest
    employment gain adding 220 jobs
  • Transportation & warehousing and
    educational services were the top growth
    sectors between 2016-2017, each
    increasing by over 50 jobs
  • The retail trade, accommodation & food
    services, and educational services sectors
    accounted for the largest share of
    employment in 2017 
  • Since 2007, full-time employment in
    Georgina grew by approximately 600 jobs
    and accounted for 59 per cent of the Town's
    employment growth in 2017
  • The share of part-time employment  decreased from 33 per cent in 2007 to  27 per cent in 2017. 
  • The number of large businesses has
    increased by 18 per cent since 2007. 
Ontario Improving Apprenticeship System to Prepare Skilled Workforce In-Demand Jobs.ontarioprogram
The Government of Canada released its new Apprenticeship Strategy, which includes:
  • Changing the current Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit to the Graduated Apprenticeship Grant for Employers
  • Simplifying online registration for the apprenticeship system
  • A commitment to drafting recommendations for building awareness of skilled trades in elementary and high school
Additional support for apprentice training, focusing  on underrepresented areas within skilled trades

Click Here to learn more. 
Save the Date - Business Continuity from Preparedness to Recover Workshop.ysbec

Wednesday, April 4th: Save the date for this York Region workshop!

Helping local businesses weather the storm - Business Continuity from Preparedness to Recovery.
                                                            
Flooding is one of the top risks for York Region businesses, along with other types of emergencies.
 
What emergencies should your business plan for? What tools are available to local businesses to help plan for business interruptions?
 
Attend the workshop on April 4th to learn how to protect your business in York Region!  

What you'll learn at the workshop:
  • How York Region plans for emergencies  
  • How the City of Calgary's business community recovered from one of the most costly disasters in Canadian history
  • What tools are available to local businesses to help plan for business interruptions
Mark your calendar for the morning of  April 4 th .  We'll be sending you more details in the near future. 

Call 1-877-464-9675 if you have questions. 
New Year, New Improvements! Apply for a Community Improvement Plan Grant.CIP

Lake Simcoe Arms Before and After Facade enhancements.

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 articulates a vision for Uptown Keswick, Downtown Sutton and Downtown Jackson's Point.

Click Here to view the application forms.  Please note the CIP Grants are only available for businesses within the BIA Boundaries. 

Contact Sean Columbus if you are interested.
Economic Development Officer
905-476-4301 ext. 2330
Economic Development Community Building Grant Application.communitybetter

The objective of the grant program is to provide financial assistance for programs and events that serve to promote the Town of Georgina to markets outside Georgina, generate economic opportunities for the local business community and provide for the betterment of the Community. In order to take full advantage of the collaborative marketing efforts provided by the Economic Development & Tourism Division, applications should be submitted six (6) months prior to the event date. You can view the application by  Clicking Here.

If you are interested in applying please contact Cristina Liu via email  [email protected] or call 905-476-4301 ext 2300.
MARKETING TIPS
Marketing 101.marketing101

The queue outside Chinatown's Golden Gate Bakery extends all the way down the street. More people join as customers are served, so the line never gets shorter. Sometimes people show up hoping to buy the famous egg custard tarts through the front door even when the bakery is closed. Locals know to come early and bring cash. Puzzled tourists wonder what they're missing out on when they see the lines and delighted customers clutching bright pink boxes. Many join the queue and come away with a dozen egg tarts too.
The Golden Gate Bakery is an example of marketing 101.

Marketing 101

1. Make something people want.
2. Consistently deliver on your promise to your customers.
3. Give them a way to spread the story about the thing you made.

If you tick all three boxes, then you've got a marketing plan.

Article courtesy of    "The Story of Telling". 
Do you have any suggestions for our newsletter? Please let us know by emailing Sean Columbus
In This Issue 




Upcoming Georgina Events

Stephen Leacock Theatre Presents: Motown Gold Feb. 24, 2018.

"Motown Gold" celebrates the incredible songs and stories of the legendary record label from Detroit that launched the careers of The Temptations, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson and more!

Click Here to purchase tickets.

Perchin For MS March 3, 2018.

This popular derby will take place at Sibbald Point Provincial Park on Lake Simcoe.

Click Here to Register.
Click Here to become a Sponsor.

The ROC Slopestyle Competition March 3, 2018

FREE! 
Event starts at 12 p.m. Registration Starts at 10:00 a.m. 
Girls & Guys Ski & Snowboard Categories.

Click Here for info. 

Cardboard Toboggan Races March 15, 2018

FREE! 
Check in: 12 p.m.
Races: 1 p.m.

Award Categories: Fastest, Farthest, Most Creative, Largest, "ROC" Bottom.

Location: The ROC

Click Here for info. 

2nd Annual One Stop Shop Spring Edition March 17, 2018.

Entry is $1 or donate a non-perishable food item.

Bring the whole family to meet the Easter Bunny and participate in the children's Easter Egg Hunt.  


Click Here to Register and for more details. 

Central Counties York Region Partners in Tourism Symposium March 22, 2018

Gathering for Growth!

Central Counties Tourism and the York Region Arts Council (YRAC) invites you to attend our key networking and tourism B2B event.


Click Here to Register and for more details. 

An Evening of Comedy & Magic with Jason Palter March 24, 2018.

Doors Open: 6:30 p.m. | Show: 7:30 p.m.
Licensed Event | 19+


Click Here for more details.
Tickets $25 + hst 

Discover Georgina Show May 5 & 6, 2018

Everything You Need to Live, Work and Play in Georgina - All Under One Roof!

Mark your calendar for a weekend that showcases all the great things Georgina has to offer! The Georgina Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the new Discover Georgina Show!

Date: May 5 & 6, 2018.

Location:  
Georgina Ice Palace, 90 Wexford Dr, Keswick 

Click Here for more details.

Yorkworks Sutton Workshops and Upcoming Events March Calendar

Click Here for info.
Town of Georgina - Economic Development & Tourism Division | 905-476-4301
| [email protected] | www.georgina.ca
Town of Georgina
26557 Civic Centre Road
Keswick, L4P 3G1