Features
CTT Inc. and Canada’s Technology Triangle and Chongqing State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission Sign MOU for joint promotion of communication in economic trade and investment
Canada’s Technology Triangle Inc. (CTT Inc.) and Chongqing State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (CQ SASAC) have expressed their mutual wishes to work together to promote communication and cooperation in economic and trade investment and advanced manufacturing technology between the stated-owned enterprises of Chongqing and Waterloo Region, in order to improve international influences and development.
The MOU, signed by John Jung, CEO, CTT and Gan Jiazheng, Deputy Counsel, CQ SASAC, commits both organizations to work cooperatively to increase the mutual understanding of issues such as Investment, hi-technology promotion, technology transfer, information and experience sharing regarding regional investment policies, preferential policy, industry development as well as enterprise services. Further, the two groups agree to explore opportunities in regional business development, investment, and capital injection, promotion and application of new technologies, financial service, human resource exchange, and intelligent management. The organizations will set up a working group to coordinate regular communication, update progress, and discuss future cooperation in dealing with matters of joint interest.
“This is a great achievement for Waterloo Region and CTT Inc.”, says John Jung, CEO, CTT, “This formal agreement further solidifies the work we’ve been doing to build business relationships in China over the past eighteen months. We look forward to continuing to explore opportunities for investment and trade while reinforcing our commitment to working with the Chongqing area.” | more |
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Regional Economic Development News
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 Canada Nearly Doubles Annual Wind Installations- This year Canada is on track to set a record for new installed wind power, with 1,338 MW projected, according to the Canadian Wind Energy Association. This level of installations would almost double the 690 MW installed in 2010. It would represent almost $3.5 billion... | more |
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 Michael Lee-Chin appointed chancellor of Wilfrid Laurier - Renowned businessman, investor and philanthropist Michael Lee-Chin has been appointed chancellor of Wilfrid Laurier University. The appointment has been unanimously approved by Laurier’s Board of Governors, with the unanimous support of the Senate, and will take effect Oct. 28, 2011 at an official installation ceremony...| more |
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 CBC to introduce new local service to Kitchener-Waterloo - Continuing the promise of its five-year strategic plan Everyone, Every Way, CBC announced today it will introduce new radio and internet services for the Kitchener-Waterloo area commencing in fall of 2012. "Kitchener-Waterloo and the surrounding area, is home to over a half million Ontarians.... | more |
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 Trade with China Vital, Cambridge Mayor says - More trade with China is key to Cambridge’s future prosperity, Mayor Doug Craig said Thursday in his annual state of the city address. He said key to that future is sending mayors and local officials on trade missions to the economic powerhouse, like he... | more |
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 Teledyne DALSA adds camera link interface to Piranha3 16K camera - Teledyne DALSA, a Teledyne Technologies company and a global leader in machine vision technology, announced today a Camera Link(R) version of its industry-leading Piranha3(TM) 16k CMOS line scan camera, allowing it to interface with the Camera Link standard serial communication protocol designed for point-to-point automated vision... | more |
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 Mahindra Satyam Announces Development of Smart Grid Research and Innovation Center at the University of Waterloo - Company Signs MOU with the University for the Global Expansion of Ontario's Clean and Green Investment Program. Mahindra Satyam, a leading global consulting and IT services provider, today announced the development of Ontario's first Smart Grid Research and Innovation Center (RIC) on the University of Waterloo Campus in Ontario, Canada...| more |
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 Waterloo-Based Accounting Firm Merger to enhance services and resources - The Waterloo--based accounting firm, Wayne Drew Professional Corporation, will merge with MNP LLP, effective October 1, 2011. Wayne Drew, CA, is the founder of Wayne Drew Professional Corporation and has more than 35 years experience delivering a wide range of accounting and taxation...| more |
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 New FedDev Funding Programs for Small Businesses - Financing for small businesses is always of critical importance. On average, 17 percent of all Canadian entrepreneurs indicate "obtain financing" as an obstacle to growth. Although most business owners (i.e. 68%) receive financing through banking institutions, Canadian government funding and grants are increasing their penetration... | more |
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 Kitchener jobless rate falls from 6.4% to 6.2% - National job growth slips, jobless rate edges up. Statistics Canada says the country lost jobs for the first time in five months as the unemployment rate also edged up one tenth of a point to 7.3% in August. The loss of jobs was small at 5,500. | more |
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 Waterloo’s Accelerator Centre Marks Five Year Anniversary with the Graduation of Four More Start-Ups from its Award-Winning Incubation Program - The Waterloo Accelerator Centre, an award-winning and world-renowned centre for the cultivation of technology entrepreneurship, celebrates its fifth anniversary this month with the graduation of four more technology start-ups from its award-winning Accelerator Program. | more |
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 OpenText acquires Operitel Corp. for an undisclosed amount - Open Text Corp. (TSX:OTC) says it has purchased learning management systems developer Operitel Corp. of Peterborough, Ont., for an undisclosed amount. The Waterloo, Ont.-based corporate software producer, which has a large presence in Ottawa, said Tuesday that the purchase adds to its portfolio of e-learning capabilities. | more |
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 2011 Business Mission to Brazil focuses on science, technology, education, and building relationships - Desire2Learn Incorporated, a leading provider of enterprise teaching and learning platforms, is taking part in a Waterloo region business mission to Brazil from September 6 to 17. The two-week long mission, organized by Canada's Technology Triangle and headed by City of Kitchener mayor Carl Zehr, aims to exchange knowledge and experience, promote Canadian products and services, identify investment opportunities... | more |
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 Innovation Fund winners revealed -Michael el-Gamayel has developed a line of 3-D puzzle posters. In Waterloo, Ont., five young entrepreneurs have created mobile apps that manage automated team-building events. In Vancouver, Anne fortuzka, Tammy Olsson and Blair Kennedy have a unique formula for organic instant teas that won them two investment offers from CBC's reality TV series Dragons' Den that they turned down to follow their own path. |more |
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CTT Awarded Site Selection's Best to Invest 2011 Top Canadian Groups Award -Canada’s Technology Triangle (CTT) has been honoured with Site Selection’s “Best to Invest 2011” award for business attraction and retention strategies. CTT, named among the Top Ten Canadian Groups (Economic Development Organizations), was cited as helping to foster corporate facility growth in a lean era. Criteria for this award included project data... | more |
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Regional EcDev News | Media Releases | CTT Blog
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Events
September Events in Review
Sustainable Development Technology Canada Workshop for Waterloo Region
On September 8, 2011, CTT, in association with Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), the Ontario Centre’s of Excellence and the City of Kitchener hosted a successful SDTC Workshop on providing prospective applicants with information and guidance to prepare a statement of interest submissions for the SDTC fund. With numerous applicants and consortium partners in attendance, the event reflected the engagement of a sustainable and robust clean tech community in Waterloo Region. “Mission accomplished!”, said John Adams, Director of Applications at SDTC, “We were able to target the right audience and fill the room with prospective Applicants and Consortium partners in a relatively short period of time. Clearly, the Region is building a sustainable community with so many applicants in the room! “ For more information about the application, please visit SDTC.
Taiwanese Young Entrepreneurs Foundation Visits Waterloo Region
In September, CTT helped coordinate a visit to Waterloo Region by the Taiwanese Young Entrepreneuers of the Future (YEF). YEF was founded by the Epoch Foundationin 2003 to help the program’s students to nurture a global vision, enhance innovation, entrepreneurship, and build their networks in the global entrepreneurial community. YEF trains the students through the ten-month program, including team building, mentor coaching, business plan development, entrepreneurial workshops, English oral assessment and an overseas visit. Each year YEF program selects approximately seventeen finalists from nearly two hundred student applicants from Taiwan’s top universities. The finalists are rewarded by having the opportunity for an overseas visit to the most active entrepreneurial communities – and this year, that community was Waterloo Region. Find out what these students have to say about their experience here.
Upcoming Chairman's Breakfasts
International Business Opportunities in Columbia’s Emerging Economy | Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Join us in welcoming the Colombian Government Trade Commission in Canada as we explore business opportunities for ICT companies in Columbia – one of the most important emerging markets in South America. Columbia is home to a population of 46 million, and is looking for innovative products and services in ICT, Biotechnology, and Research and Development to support economic growth.
These events are open to our municipal, corporate, and community partners and members on our Board of Directors. For more information about participating in an event, or the benefits of partnership with CTT, please contact Ann Gray at ann@techtriangle.com or 519.747.2541 ext. 102.
CTT's 3rd Annual Ambassador's Dinner and Reception | Dec 1, 2011
Canada’s Technology Triangle Inc., in partnership with event sponsors, local businesses and institutions will host an international delegation visiting Waterloo Region. The event includes a tour of the region’s world class companies and institutions, and finishes with a high-profile reception , keynote address, and dinner at the Waterloo Inn. CTT is proud to build on the overwhelming success of last year's event, which drew 254 people from 14 different countries.
To date, Consul Generals from Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, India, Portugal, Spain, UK and the US will be in attendance, with 20 consul generals expected in all. CTT will be announcing the keynote speaker in the next few weeks - and you won't want to miss it. Watch for further details coming soon!
Sponsorship and partnership opportunites are still availabel for this high-profile event. Please contact Ann Gray, Director of Corporate Development at ann@techtriangle.com or 519.747.2541 x 102 for details.
Canada Business Ontario - Business, Government, and You | October 18, 2011
Canada Business Ontario invites yout to a business information and networking event with representatives from various federal and provincial government organizations. Take advantage of this great opportunity to learn more about how your small business can start, grow, and prosper:
- We'll help you find resources for business planning, financing, marketing, importing and exporting
- Ask your small business tax questions
- Learn how to sell your goods and services to the government.
For more information, or to register for this event, visit http://www.cbo-eco.ca/en/bgsy.cfm.
The Waterloo Region Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Gala | November 8, 2011
Don't miss the premier annual black-tie event recognizing the contributions of one of our community's greatest assets -- our entrepreneurs! Each year a blue-ribbon panel selects several entrepreneurs and celebrates the bold entrepreneurial spirit that sets our inductees apart as drivers and shapers of our community. In addition, the annual Intrepid Entrepreneur Award recognizes an individual who is making a positive impact on Waterloo Region's entrepreneurial scene and community, right now. Please mark your calendar for this exciting community event and join us as we celebrate the very best of Waterloo Region's entrepreneurs and their accomplishments. Registration for this event opens October 4th at www.communitech.ca and sells out quickly.
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Business Development
Automotive Manufacturing and Investment Attraction From China
Bill Elliot, VP, Business Development at CTT writes about his recent experience at the China International Auto Parts Expo and burgeoning opportunity for Canada to attract Chinese investment in the automotive sector.
From September 6 – 9th, I had the opportunity to participate in an Automotive Mission to Beijing, China for the China International Auto Parts Expo. The Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade and the Automotive Parts Manufacturer’s Association did an excellent job in sponsoring and organizing the mission.
Fact: There are over 100 whole vehicle manufacturers and close to 2,000 auto parts makers located primarily in South, East and Northeast China.
China dethroned the United States as the world's largest auto market in 2009 with 13.6 million vehicles sold. Sales rose 32.37 percent in 2010 to 18,061,900 vehicles. Automobile production rose to 18,264,700 units, an increase of 32.44 percent. This established a new world record (one previously held by the US for 17.4 million units in 2000).
Many are familiar with the investment in joint-venture operations in China by established OEM’s from North America, Europe, Japan & Korea. Is there opportunity for Chinese investment in North America?
With the support of the central government, vehicle and auto parts manufacturers are looking for investment opportunities abroad. The desires to enhance R&D capabilities, to access foreign markets and to obtain new technologies are key drivers motivating Chinese automotive firms to expand in foreign markets. With many Chinese domestic automakers preparing expansion plans over the next five years, there is also demand for specialised management training in this sector. | more |
CTT showcases Waterloo Region at RioInfo
Bill Elliot, VP, Business Development at CTT travelled to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil September 27 -29, 2011 where he presented on behalf of CTT, Waterloo Region, and Desire2Learn.
Bill Elliot delivered three presentations on Waterloo Region around the themes of choice location for North American headquarters, talent attraction and retention, intelligent/smart communities.
Said Bill Elliot, “RioInfo provided the opportunity to see the South American, and specifically the Brazil IT Sector in action. It was an ideal opportunity to position Waterloo Region as a great location for expansion, joint ventures and investment.”
About RioInfo
The 9th Annual RioInfo is the main Information Technology Forum by the State of Rio de Janeiro and one of the most significant in Brasil. It congregates national and international entrepreneurs, academics and professionals for education, networking, marketing & new business opportunities. Business Forums provide opportunity for presentation of new ideas and exchange of experiences and information. Technology Forums focus on the presentation of the technological innovations and in the debate on the future of the sector. Salão Inovação provides opportunity for companies to showcase new innovation & technology. Networking favors the establishment of partnerships between national companies and foreign, opening new market possibilities.
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Organization Updates
CTT is pleased to announce two new staff members to our team. Please join us in welcoming:
Ann Gray, Director of Corporate Development
Ann is a seasoned professional business consultant. Over the past 10 years, she has assisted numerous entrepreneurs by providing services such as business planning; sales/marketing strategy; operations; organizational change and human resource management. She also spent about 15 years in a technology firm, where she held positions of increasing responsibilities including sales; sales management; branch management; vice president sales and general manager. In her role at CTT, Ann will be pursuing and managing strategic partnerships and internal organization development. You can get in touch with Ann at ann@techtriangle.com or 519.747.2541 x 102.
David Heppler, Business Development Officer
David Heppler comes to CTT with over 25 years of Sales, Sales Management and Business Development experience. David’s professional career began in the commercial and industrial services market. He moved quickly to the industrial manufacturing sector, where he rose to the position of Key Account Manager (Strategic Account Manager) supporting two of the big six automotive manufactures throughout North America. At the same time, David was involved in the Aerospace and high speed rail industry. David will replace Catharine Gerhard, Business Development Officer, during her maternity leave beginning November 1, 2011. You can get in touch with David at david@techtriangle.com or 519.747.2541 x 201.
For investor inquiries, feel free to contact any member of the team: Bill, Catharine or David.
Media and other news
Just about everything is right with Waterloo - September 23, 2011, The Record
Mayor looks to big city picture for city - September 21, 2011, The Cambridge Times
Canadian cities need a lesson (from Waterloo Region) in academic potential - September 14, 2011, The Globe and Mail
How can cities make the most of universities? - September 14, 2011, The Globe and Mai
Toronto planner sees Kitchener's King Street as a model for Yonge Street? - September 9, 2011, The Record
Partners
CTT relies on its private sector partners for financial support, advice and expertise. With their help, we have attracted over 60 new companies to Waterloo Region over the years. We wanted to give special thanks this month to our longest running partners, Melloul-Blamey Construction Inc. (supporter since 2002) and Waterloo Inn Conference Hotel (since 2003). Other partners that have renewed their CTT support for more than five years include Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Miller Thomson LLP, Bank of Montreal, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP, McDonald-Green and University of Waterloo. We appreciate all our partners, and invite you to consider joining this stellar group of local leading companies. Contact Ann Gray, Director of Corporate Development at ann@techtriangle.com or 519.747.2541 ext. 102 for more information on becoming a CTT partner.