;Welcome to Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership's NewsletterView this email in your browser ; ;Taking Care of BusinessNews for the Sarnia-Lambton Business CommunityAugust 2017A Warm Welcome...Following recent announcements, we are pleased to formally welcome the following companies to Sarnia-Lambton:Alpenglow RailAlpenglow Group (�Alpenglow�) is a Denver, CO based firm focused on investing in, developing and managing freight rail businesses and related transportation assets across North America.Gateway Casinos and EntertainmentGateway Casinos Entertainment Limited (Gateway) is the largest and most diversified gaming company in Canada.�With properties in�British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, Gateway�is�working towards an ambitious redevelopment program to renovate and rejuvenate properties across the country.Origin MaterialsOrigin Materials tackles hard problems in materials in service of the world's great companies. Origin's technology produces bio-based intermediates from lignocellulosic (second generation) raw materials. Origin's intermediates can be used to make new polymers, surfactants, and carbon blacks, each with differentiated performance.S2G BioChemS2G Biochem is a global-leading�chemical conversion company that is galvanizing a new era of refining for a wide variety products�we use everyday. ; ;Sarnia-Lambton Economic PartnershipGeneral Manager, George Mallay, retires after 21 years"Retiring he may be, but George Mallay was a powerhouse behind the scenes" - J.D. BoothMallay spoke with Lambton Shield Editor, J.D. Booth, reflecting about what�s been accomplished, how his background may have shaped the success enjoyed and what may be next for him as he gets ready for the next chapter of his professional life. Listen to the full 27-minute interview here.�To commemorate the occasion, George allowed staff to conduct a quick informal exit interview about his experience with SLEP and moving to Sarnia-Lambton 21 years ago: Tell me how you first got hired/recruited to this position in 1996-�I was interested in living in Sarnia-Lambton based on the affordable cost of living, access to other cities, abundance of golf courses, and the overall livability of the region. What was your first impression of Sarnia-Lambton?-�I was impressed with how big and beautiful Lake Huron was.� What's your first memory of Sarnia-Lambton? -�Having a �difference of opinions� with a politician. What motivates you?�I am motivated by my need for achievement, developing new skills and overcoming challenges. What do you find most challenging about your role as General Manager of SLEP?-The biggest challenge is how many factors are out of our control. For example, government legislation and real estate.� If you could change one thing about Sarnia-Lambton, what would it be?�I would reduce the number of municipalities significantly by amalgamating them. What do you wish other people knew about SLEP? -�I wish more people had a better understanding of the services we offer. What would you say are some of your strongest beliefs about the Economic Development Profession? -�It is all found on industry attraction. Tell me about someone who has inspired you?�- My parents have inspired me tremendously. They were best friends and encouraged me to do well but also to be honest and to treat others with respect. What do you think will change about Sarnia-Lambton over the next five years?�- I believe the local economy will see a wave of investment in the biohybrid chemistry sector. If you weren't in the economic development field, what would you be doing instead?-�I would have come up with a marketing scam of some sort.� What do you do when you aren't working?-�I exercise (I have been a Sharky's member for many years.) I also read and enjoy sports.�Stephen Thompson,�Ec.D.(F), has been hired to replace George Mallay.�Thompson is expected to assume�his new role late this summer.�We look forward to introducing Stephen Thompson to the community in the Fall.�Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership Hires New CEO ; ;Mark Your CalendarWin This Space Competition Deadline- 5 p.m., Friday, August 4, 2017Red Tape Challenge- September 13, 2017Doing Business with the Government- September 19, 2017Innovation Forum (Scaling Up Technologies)- September 19, 2017Petrochem Canada- County Tour/ Duc�D'Orleans Cruise- September�26, 2017Petrochem Canada- September�27-28, 2017FAM Tour- October 2017 (TBD)Immigration Forum- November 2017 (TBD)Manufacturing Summit- November 16, 2017*Call for Presenters- for more info email�BTAC@lambtoncollege.ca ; ;Recent Events (January 2017- July 2017)Read below to learn more about what we have�been up to... ;Matthew Slotwinski,�Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO)/ Business Development Consultant, exhibited at Bio World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology in Montreal from July 23-26, 2017, conducting 31 One-On-One Partnering Meetings with prospective companies.Lambton College, Bioindustrial Innovation Canada and the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership�co-hosted the Sarnia-Lambton Bio-Industrial Symposium, June 14, 2017, at the Best Western Guildwood Inn in Point Edward.David Moody, Project Leader, Business Growth Services, exhibited at the Global Petroleum Show in Calgary from June 13-15, 2017.Lambton Water Centre (LWC) in partnership with the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park and Sarnia-Lambton Economic PartnershipThe Economic Partnership hosted the Sarnia-Lambton Water Symposium on April 13, 2017.Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park, Bluewater Power, Lambton College and Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership attended and co-hosted the Energy Symposium, March 23, 2017. Over 100 people attended the full-day event at the Lambton College Event Centre.Ted Zatylny, Project Leader, Resident Attraction Creative Industries, exhibited at the Vancouver Zoomer Show, March 11 and 12, 2017.Chantelle Core, Development Coordinator and�Matthew Slotwinski, Business Development Consultant, attended the Economic Developers Council of Ontario's (EDCO) annual conference. At the conference SLEP received an Honorable Mention for the Discoveries That Matter community brand.A Sarnia-Lambton Delegation traveled to Taipai, Taiwan, Febuary 3 -11, 2017. The goal of the delegation was to begin to leverage the value of the Intelligent Communities and their connections globally among each other.George Mallay, General Manager, attended The San Francisco Cleantech Forum, January 23-25, 2017. ; ;Latest News ArticlesSarnia plant could help revolutionize bottled water industrySarnia to play role in developing sustainable, renewable plasticOrigin Materials, a California bio-chemical company expected to build a commercial-scale demonstration plant in Sarnia, has well-known partners in the bottled water business eager to develop 100-per-cent bio-based plastic containers.Alpenglow Rail acquires its first short lineAlpenglow Rail announced the acquisition of its first rail business on July 12. VIP Rail is based in Sarnia and provides shunting, transloading, warehousing, road haulage and wagon storage, cleaning and repair services.Lambton investing with Bioindustrial Innovation CanadaLambton County is set to become an investor in a non-for-profit agency helping new bio-chemical companies set up their first manufacturing sites.Second Bridge Span Marks 20th AnniversaryThe second span of the Blue Water Bridge officially opened 20 years ago.Gateway Casinos Entertainment Announces Plans to Invest $26 Million in Gateway Casinos Point Edward to Rebrand as Starlight CasinoGateway Casinos Entertainment (Gateway) announced today that it will undertake a spectacular rebranding and redevelopment of Gateway Casinos Point Edward to become Starlight Casino. With the addition of new dining and culinary options, the project will bring more job opportunities for employees and a�$26 Million�investment to the local economy.Economic development CEO expected to take over in SeptemberThe new head of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership grew up just down the road from Sarnia in London, and currently works in San Francisco as Ontario�s senior representative in the western U.S.List of bio-chemical companies coming to Sarnia grows againA British Columbia company is planning to manufacture a low-calorie food sweetener along with bio-chemicals at a $20-million demonstration plant to be built in Sarnia. Bioindustrial Innovation Canada, a government-supported agency, is
