Features

CTT Inc. and CISC Sign Colloboration Agreement on Economic Trade and Advanced Technology

CTT and CISC MOU Canada’s Technology Triangle (CTT Inc.) and the Chongqing Industrial Service Center (CQISC) have expressed their intent to work together to promote communication and cooperation in economic and trade investment and advanced technology. Both parties have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlining their interests in enhancing international influences and development. The MOU was signed formally at an event in Chongqing on May 13th. John Jung, CEO at CTT, was in Chongqing as part of a business mission to build connections between Waterloo Region and southwest China.

CTT and CQISC will work cooperatively to increase mutual understanding of areas such as investment, hi-technology promotion, and technology transfer in their respective regions. They will share information and experience in regional investment policies, favourable terms, industry development and enterprise services.

Ryan Baerg, Consul at Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Chongqing, China, says, “The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service works to help build business opportunities for Canadian companies through our Consulate in Chongqing. Our goal is to increase economic prosperity in Canadian communities through two-way trade and investment. We are happy to have worked closely with the Waterloo Region and are thrilled to see a new partnership developing between CTT and the CQISC that will benefit the business communities in both regions.”

John Jung, CEO at CTT says, “This collaboration is an important step in developing a solid business relationship between Waterloo Region and Chongqing, China. With this agreement, both regions will benefit through insight and networking efforts on future visits to the partnering region.”

Collaboration will take place in organizing delegation visits, holding events and activities for technology showcases, product promotions and experience exchanges in the areas of advanced manufacturing technology (including automobile, food processing, and clean energy/wind power), information and communication technologies, health and biology sciences, financial services, and modern logistics.

Further efforts will focus on regional business and investment attraction, promotion and application of new technologies, financial services, and human resource exchange service, so that investors in both regions can have access and knowledge pertaining to the region of interest.

>> Read more about the successes of CTT's recent delegation to China

CTT Business Mission to Brazil | 6 - 17 September, 2011

CTT will be leading an exploratory business mission to Brazil 6-17, September, 2011. Our mandate is provide Waterloo Region businesses and organizations with access to foreign contacts while looking for opportunities to attract investment, capital and talent to Waterloo Region. This is an ideal opportunity to meet with Brazilian firms, organizations, and senior government officials in targeted regions. This mission includes meetings and conferences in Brasilia, Rio De Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Curitiba. Take advantage of this unique offering to explore, meet, network, and learn about new business potential. For more information, contact John Jung at john@techtriangle.com.

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Regional Economic Development News

Ontario On Track to Bring GO Train to Kitchener-Waterloo - Construction has started on a new layover facility to support GO Train service in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, creating 60 jobs. The new Kitchener facility will include storage for two GO Trains, crew and electrical trailers, fencing and lighting. Work is scheduled to be finished by the end of the year. | more |

Google Unveils New Research Funding for University of Waterloo - Google Inc. is expanding its Canadian footprint and putting down deeper roots in the heart of the country’s technology capital. On the same day the Mountain View, California-based technology company officially cut the ribbon on its new office in Kitchener, Ont., the search engine giant announced a new funding partnership with the University of Waterloo. | more |

Waterloo's Real Estate Market Set to Outperform Other Regions of the Province - The Real Estate Investment Network, Canada's leading real estate research organization has just released its latest report on the top Ontario cities and towns for real estate investment. Out of the hundreds of cities and towns in Ontario, Waterloo ranked #4 in the province. | more |

Cambridge Recongized for Foreign Direct Investment Strategy -
fDi Magazine, part of Financial Times Ltd., one of the world’s leading business news organizations, has recognized the City of Cambridge in the American Cities of the Future rankings for 2011/12. Cambridge was named eighth in the top 10 ‘Small Cities FDI Strategy’ category recognizing our efforts in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI).| more |

Digital Media Sector Demands Drives Expansion of the Communitech Hub - The Communitech Hub, a digital media innovation centre that officially opened for business in October 2010, is already expanding to accommodate demand for commercialization support in the digital media sector. | more |

View all Regional Economic Development News

Regional EcDev News |

Media Releases | CTT Blog

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Events

Fixed Rail Attracts Investments. Buses Don't.
Talk by Paul Bedford, former Chief City Planner for the City of Toronto, on "Why Transit Matters"
John Jung and Paul Bedford CTT hosted a May 25th luncheon discussion with Paul Bedford, former Chief City Planner for the City of Toronto on “Why Transit Matters”.

Bedford is a charismatic speaker with hands-on experience of transit issues from a government, planning, financial, and citizen perspective. Drawing on examples from Toronto and other areas around the world, Bedford illustrated the significant impact that the transportation of people has on area economics, personal finances and quality of life. Putting it simply, Bedford stated, “The average cost of owning and operating one car over your lifetime amounts to $500 000. Wouldn’t you rather see that money in your bank account?”

Bedford emphasized that Waterloo Region is about the same size now as the City of Toronto was when it began building its subway system in the early 1950’s. “The roads you have today are, by and large, the same roads you will have in 20 years. Stop thinking about the roads, and start thinking more about how to use them.” He pointed out that a light rail transit system would attract more business and housing developments along its line because it works with fixed station locations while bus routes can be altered and changed. “Developers are drawn like bees to honey to that kind of system,” Bedford said. “Fixed rail attracts investment. Buses don’t.”

Paul Bedford is an Adjunct Professor of City Planning at the University of Toronto and Ryerson University and an Urban Mentor with Paul Bedford & Associates in Toronto.

He is a member of the Waterfront Toronto Urban Design Review Panel, a member of the National Capital Commission Planning Advisory Committee in Ottawa, a Board Member of Metrolinx, and a Senior Associate of the Canadian Urban Institute. (Photo, left to right, John Jung, Paul Bedford).

Related story
Skip light rail referendum and just build it, says transit guru – The Record
>> 570 News Video Clip

Dr. Feridun Hamdullahpur, University of Waterloo President & Vice-Chancellor Speaks to the Potential of Waterloo Region
CTT and our corporate partners had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Feridun Hamdullahpur, University of Waterloo President and Vice-Chancellor to the region at an intimate breakfast meeting on April 28. Dr. Hamdullahpur spoke to the group about the spirit of collaboration, the importance of science and technology, and increasing talent coming to the area. He stressed that focussing on international opportunities in education and business will be key as Waterloo Region realizes its economic, social, and educational potential. (Photo, left to right, John Jung, Dr. Feridun Hamdullahpur, Ian MacNaughton)

Upcoming Events

3rd Annual International Ambassador's Dinner and Reception, December 1, 2011 - CTT is proud to build on the overwhelming success of last year's event. We are reaching out to several Ambassadors as well as their Consul Generals to attend. To date, Ambassadors and/or Consul Generals from Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, India, Portugal, Spain, UK and the US will be in attendance. Watch for further details in the coming months!

To learn about sponsorship opportunities for this premier event, contact Reemah Kalid at reemah@techtriangle.com or 519-747-2541 ext. 301

Partner Event, Koenig & Consultants, June 20, 2011 at 1:00 pm - Dr. Ingo Koenig, MBA. Managing Partner of Koenig & Consultants Inc. will be a lecturer in a program by Federated Press called BioPharma Mini-MBA to be held in June 20 & 21, 2011, Toronto. The topic of his lecture is: Practical Strategies for Successful Strategic Alliances.

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Investment Opportunities

The Ontario Clean Technology Alliance, by Cathaine Gerhard, Business Development Officer, CTT

Catharine Gerhard The Ontario Clean Technology Alliance is well positioned to take advantage of Canada’s projected 117% growth between 2010 and 2012 in the clean technology sector. As a global centre of excellence and opportunity for renewable energy and environmental efficiency, the province of Ontario supports over 2,800 environmental industry companies that generate approximately $7 billion in revenue and employ over 65,000 people.

Since 2009 CTT has been partnering with the nine other Ontario CMAs (Toronto, Ottawa, Niagara, London, Guelph, Hamilton, Chatham-Kent, Sarnia, Windsor) and Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) for marketing Ontario as the North American centre for cleantech innovation, R&D, entrepreneurship and economic development.

Top 10 Reasons to Invest in Ontario

Stable, highly talented, motivated workforce
Access to the North American market (NAFTA)
Openness to diversity and multiculturalism
Economic engine of Canada
World class research institutions
Innovation leadership
Low risk business environment
Superior infrastructure
Business incentives
Quality of life

This year we will be taking our value proposition to the following events:

Wind power 2011, American Wind Energy Association Annual Conference, May 22-25 Annaheim, CA, USA
Intersolar Europe June 6-10, Munich, Germany
Ontario Solar Fact Finding Tour, July 8, Waterloo Region

To learn why the Ontario Clean Technology Alliance is an ideal place to grow your company and access the world’s best clean technology talent, visit www.ontariocleantechalliance.com

For information on meeting an Ontario Cleantech Alliance representative in Ontario or at one of these shows, contact Catharine Gerhard, Business Development Officer, CTT, at 519.747.2541 x 202.

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Partner News

WalterFedy celebrates 60 years - WalterFedy is a Kitchener-based provider of architectural, engineering, and construction solutions. Since 1951, we have grown from a small engineering office into a multidisciplinary practice encompassing architecture, interior and sustainable design, building and civil engineering, project and construction management, as well as cost estimating.

With a 60-year history within the Waterloo Region, WalterFedy has played a part in the development, renovation, and/or expansion of many of the community’s most notable buildings; from Centre in the Square, the Kitchener and Waterloo public libraries, to the Waterloo Region Museum. Our work has also spanned throughout Ontario, across Canada, and as far away as China.

Aligned in three highly-focused teams, WalterFedy tailors our services to suit the needs of specific customers. Our Integrated Design Studio delivers single-source solutions encompassing architecture and engineering, as well as interior and sustainable design; our Engineering Services Group provides expertise in building engineering, civil engineering, automotive manufacturing, commissioning, and investigative engineering; and our Construction Services Group augments our design efforts with effective project-management, construction-management, and quantity-surveying expertise. For more information visit us at www.walterfedy.com

Partnerships pay off in insights and connections - CTT Chair Ian MacNaughton welcomes Board members and our Corporate Partners at monthly invitational Chair’s Breakfast events. These breakfasts provide insights from industry experts and focused networking with a select group of local business leaders. Just one of the benefits of supporting CTT as a Corporate Partner! So far in 2011, we’ve heard the inside story on doing business in Hong Kong; learned from Herman Miller about workplace trends and workforce expectations around the world; and joined Sustainable Waterloo for an update on the impact of climate change.

On May 31st, we will hear about conducting business with Brazil, from the Brazilian Consul General Afonso Cardoso.
If you are interested in finding out more about the value of partnering with CTT, please contact Anne Lukin, Manager, Strategic Relationships, 519-747-2541 ext. 102 or anne@techtriangle.com.

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