SARNIA, ON: The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership has been recognized among a group of 20 local and regional economic development organizations across the nation representing “Canada’s Best Locations” by Site Selection magazine. The awards take into consideration excellence in regional partnerships, proactive and innovative programming, and quality data, web tools and resources.
This is the fourth consecutive and eighth time overall in the 15-year history of the Canada’s Best Locations awards that the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership has been recognized. “We are thrilled to once again earn this recognition for the Sarnia-Lambton area,” said Stephen Thompson, CEO of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership.
Site Selection Magazine called attention to the Sarnia-Lambton area recently receiving official designation as a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Point by the Canadian government. The designation allows the area to market itself as a hub for international trade and to provide coordinated access to government FTZ programs. Additionally, the Sarnia-Lambton Site Selector online system that was launched in March 2021 was prominently featured. This tool provides maps and comprehensive detail about buildings and land available for commercial or industrial uses.
Recent Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership investment projects highlighted include attracting LCY Biosciences that has subsequently formed partnerships with Lambton College and the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park, and is considering expansion of its facility to include additional product lines, attracting CIMC Refrigerated Trailer Co. Ltd in 2020 which has doubled its manufacturing workforce in 2021 by adding a second shift, attracting Origin Materials which has now broken ground at the Bio-Industrial Park Sarnia and leased space at the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park, and bringing Diamond Petrochemicals Canada Corporation’s investment to strengthen the olefins facility in Sarnia.
“As our team continues to bring awareness to all that makes the Sarnia-Lambton area an excellent place to live, work and raise a family, we continue to engage in unique projects to support business in our communities,” Thompson added, noting “We are proud to offer a wide array of programming that positively assists businesses of all types and sizes.”
“The real reward for that quality programming, above all else, is to grow jobs and the investment in the area,” he noted. “The Site Selection recognition will bring great exposure to the Sarnia-Lambton area, aiding that fundamental goal.”
Joining the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership on the Top 20 list are economic development offices from larger cities like Waterloo, Toronto, and Niagara. “It’s putting us amongst an incredible list of innovative communities and economic development offices,” Thompson said.
“We are pleased to be recognized as one of the top economic development groups in the country,” remarked Katherine Walker, Chair of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership’s Board of Directors. “This recognition further reinforces that the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership is a valuable resource to our community partners and we hope that our work can aid in further bolstering the Sarnia-Lambton area as an economic hub.” Walker added.
Site Selection’s Canadian Competitiveness Award also recognizes Ontario as the most competitive province in a competitive nation, says Mark Arend, Editor in Chief of Site Selection. “The annual Canada’s Best Locations feature sheds additional light on Canada’s many location options for corporate site selectors. We salute the provinces and communities that made this year’s rankings.”
For Media Inquiries:
Stephen Thompson, CEO
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
519-332-1820
stephen@sarnialambton.on.ca
Posted in: Media Releases