During this past term of council, I have enjoyed my role as a member of the Regions Economic Development Committee. Providing employment opportunities for our citizens needs to be a priority for the Region. There has been a significant shift in the Region where at one time most of our employment was a result of the manufacturing sector. That is no longer the case.

We are now part of a global economy that is very competitive. The formation of the Waterloo Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) several years ago was a major step in the right direction to recognize the global economy. Through the WEDC we have been able to strengthen our relationship with the Toronto Waterloo Technology Corridor, so the world sees the potential in this geographic cluster.

It is imperative that we can brand our Region as a single destination in order that potential investors who are looking at locating their business in Waterloo Region will see us as an attractive place to invest.  With intense global competitiveness, it is imperative that collaboration and harmonization of municipal policies among all municipalities remains a priority.

As investors look to the possibility of locating in Waterloo Region, not only will be they be interested in fundamental requirements of operating a business, but they will also want to make sure our health care and educations facilities along with adequate and properly funded arts and cultural facilities are available and accessible for employees and their families.

In Waterloo Region we have it all – a highly skilled workforce, internationally recognized post secondary institutions such as the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University and Conestoga College, affordable living compared to many other high-tech centres, many start ups that create new employment opportunities and most important, a Region with a unique urban rural mix where families can live and thrive.

If I have the honour of being re-elected to Waterloo Regional Council, I commit myself to work towards growing our local economy for the benefit of all residents.

Re-elect JIM ERB …. a responsive, reliable, and respectful voice.