News Release
Fishing for Businesses (News)
July 21, 2010
Much like fishing along the banks of the Miramichi, business investment attraction takes patience, the right bait and knowing how and when to cast the line.
Typically, for larger clients, it's the site selection firms that will choose the right city for their clients, and much like a first-time fisher shopping for supplies at a local hardware store, they are often overwhelmed by the options available.
So how is Fredericton standing out amongst its competition?
Business investment attraction is beneficial to the region and its residents, and is heavily dependant on the cultural lifestyle and quality of life that's offered to its employees.
Companies that relocate or expand are very cognizant of this fact and look for features that will both attract employees to the region and retain them.
These are features that the Fredericton region is blessed with and is promoting in its attempts to attract investment.
And others are taking notice.
Fredericton has received top ranking in national and international publications and needs to continue capitalizing on this achievement by enhancing its visibility through the various marketing tools that are at its disposal.
Print magazines are the first that come to mind and today technology appears to be the most effective and expedient way to reach the broader investment audience. Print magazines typically have online doppelgangers that double the readership and scope of viewers.
Let's review some of the accolades bestowed upon the city in the recent past.
Over the past two years, Fredericton has been named a Top 7 Intelligent Community. This international recognition is sought after by cities such as New York, Stockholm and Buenos Aries.
To receive a Top 7 designation two years in a row, alongside much larger cities, is a testament to Fredericton's successes and sends a message that we truly can punch above our weight regarding technological advancements.
In its May issue, Money Sense, a national business magazine, looked at 179 Canadian cities to rank the best places in which to live in Canada. The communities were ranked according to a variety of categories, each of which was assigned a numerical weight. To no one's surprise, the top three categories included weather, housing, and population growth. This year Fredericton ranked fourth, only topped by three larger Ontario cities. This ranking is up from seventh place in 2009. Since weather couldn't have influenced this significant improvement, we can only assume that Fredericton isn't sitting on its laurels waiting for things to happen. It's pushing forward.
The 2010 KPMG report on competitive alternatives recently came out with its list of international cities that have the most attractive business environment. This year Moncton and Fredericton, respectively, ranked in the top two spots in the New England/Atlantic Canada category, beating out cites such as Halifax, Hartford and Boston. This international survey is read by CEOs and decision-makers around the world who are looking for the next best location for investment, and we have to be ready for them.
It's important to understand that the Fredericton region, despite its small population, is an extremely desirable place to live, work and raise a family. Many companies find this out thanks to the efforts from the region's municipalities and its partners who continuously improve its ranking against other cities around the world. But we also need to be ready on the ground to effectively greet these prospects and all sing the same tune.
The City of Fredericton has developed an ambassador program, spearheaded by Laurie Guthrie, which aims to educate the community on the features and benefits that make Fredericton such a desirable city.
They have more than 360 ambassadors in the region and abroad. This program is helping the community understand that first impressions and presentation are core elements to wow any potential investment opportunity.
Whether it's a server at a local restaurant or a taxi driver at the airport, everyone needs to understand that this could have a positive influence on a decision to invest in our region.
With all these recognitions and efforts to attract high-growth businesses, while creating an entrepreneurial cultural, this can have many positive spin-offs for residents and businesses in the region.
So it's safe to say that the Fredericton region is open and ready for business.
Lucas Roze is a communications officer for Enterprise Fredericton. He can be reached at lucas.roze@ent-fredericton.ca.