Bay Area Economic Summit: Planning in High Gear for 2017

· by Whitney Eames

Pieces are coming together for the third Bay Area Economic Summit (BAES), a marquee leadership initiative of the Hamilton and Burlington chambers of commerce hosted in partnership with our respective municipalities and myriad additional supporters._mg_8771

The purpose of the summit is to deepen cooperation between Hamilton and Burlington with a view to promote the Bay Area as a key component of the Greater Golden Horseshoe mega region and beyond. It’s a goal grounded on the importance of integrated city-regions as the modern scale for innovation, economic development and job creation.

“Today’s leading midsize communities think and act regionally,” said Hamilton Chamber CEO Keanin Loomis. “The Bay Area Summit encourages us to look beyond conventional urban boundaries and to tap into regional and global flows of talent, ideas and investment. It’s what’s necessary to compete and win in an interconnected world.”

The timing is right for Hamilton and Burlington — two natural partners with countless economic, social and environmental ties — to collaborate on building a shared future. For example, joint planning is underway to determine how our communities will accommodate and leverage significant growth heading to the bay area in the coming years. Success will depend on our cities’ ability to work together to co-create a community of choice for highly mobile people and organizations. The summit is a gathering place for all sectors of our economy to pinpoint mutual opportunities and develop action plans.

Summit organizers have met with key stakeholders and consulted with an inter-city advisory committee. These discussions have led to four interrelated themes of regional significance for BAES 2017:

  • Transportation
  • Intensification
  • Climate Change
  • Innovation Triangle (Toronto-Bay Area-Waterloo Region)

“We’re working with a range of partners to develop a focused summit agenda to assert the Bay Area as a major player on the regional stage,” said Loomis.

Details, including a date in June 2017, will be announced shortly. In the interim, to learn about the program and sponsorship opportunities, contact Richard Allen at r.allen@hamiltonchamber.ca or 905-572-0363.