What is the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership?
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) is the lead economic development agency for the Sarnia-Lambton area. Funded by the County of Lambton, we have a focus on promoting the distinct advantages that Sarnia-Lambton proudly offers companies and residents. By coordinating community-based economic development initiatives and working to maintain a commercially attractive environment, we foster new business creation, help ensure that established firms remain and grow here, and work to attract growing businesses to the Sarnia-Lambton area.
As a public/private partnership, SLEP works to advance economic opportunities across the Sarnia-Lambton area. Through collaboration with local business leaders, educational institutions, and municipal governments, we help elevate the Sarnia-Lambton area through coordinated economic development initiatives.
Recognized by the International Economic Development Council as an Accredited Economic Development Organization, the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership is the 2nd office in Ontario and the 4th in Canada to attain that top distinction.
Other Fast Facts about the Economic Partnership
- Vision – Economic growth and diversification to expand prosperity and elevate Sarnia-Lambton as an exceptional place to live and invest.
- Mission – To advance economic opportunity in Sarnia-Lambton through leadership, collaboration and strategic direction.
- Our Core Services are:
- Strategic Economic Planning for the Community – We provide comprehensive research, analysis, and planning in identified strategic economic sectors for development, attraction, and revitalization activity. We provide support to municipal economic development planning initiatives that build
community capacity, improve economic receptivity and readiness, and attract investment and jobs. - Marketing and Promotion – We provide inbound and outbound marketing and communications programs that support County industry, build awareness and interest in the County, and inform and educate County citizens on initiatives of interest. We actively develop leads and relationships in economic sectors of interest and facilitate development projects.
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business Support – We support and nurture entrepreneurs and small business owners with expert counseling, business support services, and educational programs. We foster growth, development, and retention in the County’s business and industrial sectors
through knowledge transfer, relationship development, and facilitation of strategic alliances and partnerships. - New Resident Attraction – We attract, integrate, and support the demographic sectors that add skill and cultural diversity to industry and County communities.
- Strategic Economic Planning for the Community – We provide comprehensive research, analysis, and planning in identified strategic economic sectors for development, attraction, and revitalization activity. We provide support to municipal economic development planning initiatives that build
- We have a BOARD OF DIRECTORS that leads the Economic Partnership’s long-range program and annual activities. They represent a broad cross-section of the community and its interests.
- They meet regularly to identify opportunities and take action to help grow the local economy.
- The initiatives made by the board are supported by an enthusiastic and dedicated team of employees.
- We are eight-time recipients of Site Selection Magazine’s “Canada’s Best Locations” (2007, 2008, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021). The awards take into consideration excellence in regional partnerships, proactive and innovative programming, and quality data, web tools and resources.
- Lambton County has been recognized by the Intelligent Community Forum as one of the world’s Top 21 Intelligent Communities for 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 and as one of the Top 7 Intelligent Communities in 2019.
- Gold Award winner for the 2021 Excellence in Economic Development for print-based marketing. The Gold Award is the highest recognition issued by the Washington, DC based International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the largest non-profit association for professional economic developers in the world.