by:
Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti
As
Mayor, I am often asked what the key ingredients are that make Markham one of
the most vibrant and successful municipalities in Canada. The answer is simple.
Diversity is Markham's strength. Diversity is part of Markham's DNA. Professionals,
business executives, retail operators and skilled tradespersons come to our
city from all over the world. In fact, close to 60 percent of our residents
were born outside of Canada. Their energy, passion and hard work allow them to
build new lives for themselves and create jobs for our community.
We
focus the energy of our diversity through our Economic Strategy, Markham 2020. Originally launched
in 2008, Markham 2020 remains our blueprint for business success. Since 2008,
Markham has added 22,000 jobs and increased commercial/industrial assessment by
65 per cent. This is our economic strategy; Markham 2020 has guided us in establishing
Markham as a vibrant centre for business growth and investment.
As
the high-tech capital of Canada, we know that small and medium size enterprises
are the lifeblood of our city. Almost 97 percent of Markham businesses have
less than 100 employees. The city has partnered with the provincial and federal
governments to deliver programs and services to help new businesses get off the
ground and existing businesses grow.
Significant
economic development in a number of key emerging global business sectors has
resulted new financial service, life science and information and communication
technology businesses in Markham. It is this growth that helped to attract the
Pan American Games and the new campus for York University.
Markham
continues to build a thriving community that supports the development of new
jobs and new businesses, as well as helping existing businesses grow and
prosper. The Markham brand radiates around the world. And it keeps growing every
year in tandem with our economic prosperity and success. When we go to China,
people know us. When we go to India, people know us. Business leaders in
developing markets want to expand, create opportunities and invest in Markham. And
why is that? Because our community continues to welcome creators, innovators
and business developers from around the world.
Leveraging
the strength of our diversity is built into our Economic Strategy, Markham
2020. On April 6, I will be joined by the Presidents of York University and
Seneca College, the Deputy Chief Economist of TD Bank, and the former Senior
Vice President and Chief Economist of Scotiabank to answer the question, “Markham
2020: What’s NXT?” It will include exciting news about the new York University
@ Markham Centre campus, global competitiveness and innovative business ideas
that will help sustain Markham's growth.
Join us at the Flato Markham
Theatre on Wednesday, April 6 at 6 p.m. to share in our plans to attract
business, inspire innovation and create the best business environment in
Ontario.
StarBuzzOnline
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