Oct. 10, 2018 - Tyler Kula, The Sarnia ObserverA Sarnia-Lambton group has been recognized for the fifth time by economic development magazine Site Selection.The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) was recently named to the magazine�s 2018 top-10 list for Canadian economic development groups, joining organizations from larger cities like Montreal, Mississauga, London and Vancouver.SLEP also made the list in 2014, 2010, 2008 and 2007.�We�re quite excited to have been recognized again by this U.S.-based leader in the economic development publication field,� said Stephen Thompson, CEO of the Sarnia-Lambton partnership that works to attract new employers, promote entrepreneurship, and works with local businesses and industry.Site Selection is published by Atlanta-based Conway Data.The selection criteria include excellence in regional partnerships, proactive and innovative programming, and quality data, web tools and resources.More than 300 economic development offices exist in Ontario alone, a SLEP official said.Site Selection, in its synopsis of the Sarnia-Lambton partnership�s accolades, lists significant projects like the $2.2-billion Nova expansion, and an Original Materials biochemical plant expected to begin operation in 2019.It also mentions the Sarnia Lambton Industrial Alliance, a coalition of more than 30 Sarnia-Lambton manufacturing companies, and the continued push for an oversized load corridor.�It is one thing to have the programming in place, and we�re pleased to deliver quality programming, but the real reward for that quality programming is to bring the jobs and the investment to the area,� Thompson said.The Site Selection recognition will help elevate awareness of the area, aiding that cause, he said.�It�s putting us amongst an incredible list of very sophisticated communities and economic development offices,� he said.�It really is an honour to be recognized amongst the leagues of those other municipalities.�SLEP�s primary focus is helping existing businesses thrive, he said, noting the partnership recently codified a program providing one-on-one consultation as part of its strategic plan.The partnership is funded with more than $1.3 million from the County of Lambton.�As a government agency there�s no cost for our services to the individual businesses and everything is confidential,� Thompson said. �We�re here to help.�tkula@postmedia.com
