GTA HotNews

 GTMA Activities & Announcements:

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New Study Findings • Corporate US Expenditures on Outsourcing Bypasses Canada

Branham Group Study of US Fortune 1000 Companies Released

The National Club in Toronto was the venue for the release of the Branham Group’s recently completed study entitled, “The Outsourcing Market and Nearshore Opportunities.”
 

Wayne Gudbranson, President of Branham was joined by Gerald Pisarzowski, VP, Business Development, Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance, and a premier sponsor of the study, in releasing the findings at a briefing on November 14th.
 

According to the Branham study, US Fortune 1000 companies annually spend over $690 Billion (US) on both IT and non-IT outsourcing. Although Canada is ranked as one of the top 10 desirable outsourcing destinations, Canada's actual percentage of US outsourcing expenditures is less than 3%.
 

"We need an industry-wide national agenda that will better position Canadian companies to capitalize on America's perception of Canada as a popular destination for high-value U.S. outsourcing, or become marginalized as purveyors of natural resources. We need to make sure Canada is an important node in the global outsourcing delivery model", says Wayne Gudbranson, President and CEO of Branham Group.
 

Branham recently surveyed multiple executives of 100 of the Fortune 1000 corporations to produce its report which covers the following areas:

“The Branham Report provides a unique insight into the BPO sector and the key drivers that influence investment, which will help us enhance our marketing and sales strategy and hone our value proposition,” commented Gerald Pisarzowski, Vice President, Business Development, Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance.
 

For a copy of the Study Findings Release Presentation or Report Contents, contact Tony Romano, Director, Corporate Affairs at tromano@greatertoronto.org.  view BPO study press release

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 King and Queen of Sweden and Business Delegation Visit to GTA

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We are Delighted to Announce the Following New Corporate Partners: Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology

The GTMA is pleased to announce its partnership with Seneca's School of Marketing and e-Business, School of Tourism, School of International Business and the Centre for Financial Services. Over the past two years, Seneca has been a valued participant in the GTMA’s GTA Advanced Manufacturing Initiatives having involved both the students and faculty in generating and servicing potential leads and prospects.

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GTMA Targets German Manufacturing Firms in Munich

As part of the GTA Advanced Manufacturing Program, Gerald Pisarzowski, GTMA VP Business Development, carried out a sales mission to Germany, October 30-November 3. The purpose of the trip was to explore the potential for new investment given Germany’s strength in advanced manufacturing and industrial design. One-on-one meetings were held with companies interested in establishing a presence in North America as well as discussions with local Canadian and Provincial government representatives regarding investment opportunities from Germany. The prospective firms are engaged in telecommunications, alternative energy, pharmaceuticals and advanced manufacturing systems.

Client meetings provided an opportunity to work with Dr. Terrie Romano the new MEDT representative in Munich and gauge private sector reaction to the GTA value proposition. Over the next few months, we will be working with Dr. Romano and the Canadian Consulate Investment Team as we follow-up with each of our leads. The Canadian Consulate Investment Team is quite bullish about investment opportunities from Germany pointing out that German firms best respond to business case arguments supplemented by encouragement from German firms already doing business in the GTA.
 

The GTA-AMP is managed by a committee of public and private sector partners and co-chaired by the GTMA and the City of Mississauga. Public sector partners include Halton Region, Milton, Halton Hills, Oakville, Caledon, Brampton, Mississauga, Durham Region and MEDT. Private sector partners include Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP, Herman Miller Canada, Ian Martin Limited and the Toronto Region Research Alliance (TRRA). The Committee will be refining and enhancing the GTA value proposition and will begin to consider the value of attending the Frankfurt Auto Show in September of next year. The GTMA would like to thank all of the Consulate and Provincial staff for their insight, advice and assistance, making this trip a success.
 

Ontario Technology Corridor Corporate Meetings in South-East England

The GTMA’s VP Business Development, Gerald Pisarzowski participated in the Ontario Technology Corridor (OTC) sales mission to South-East England, October 23 – 27, to participate in one-on-one meetings and conference calls with firms interested in expanding into North America. For many of the company representatives that we met it was an opportunity to introduce the advantages of doing business in Canada. One of the leads indicated that our timing could not have been better as they are in the process of relocating the business into the GTA. Two of the other leads, both in the digital media/video gaming industry indicated that expansion into North America was key element of their business plans. North America represented a major market for both of these firms and they responded positively to such advantages as access to a skilled workforce, legal system compatibility/IP protection, time zone advantages and a thriving digital media cluster and related infrastructure.
 

All of the firms that we met with were quite interested in learning more about doing business in the Technology Corridor. Some firms suggested that a new investment would be predicated on finding either a partner or some additional markets &/or new clients, while others had already made the decision to expand and North America was in their business plan. Most were particularly interested in the business cost advantage, especially the R&D and Digital Media Tax Credits.

Over the next few weeks, a detailed information package will be sent to each of these firms with a particular focus on the GTA and the services of the GTMA. We have already exchanged telephone calls with the president of one firm who plans to visit the GTA in February 2007. We will coordinate our follow-up with the provincial government representative (Goldie Schermann-London) who participated in the meetings and federal government investment team at the Canadian Consulate in London.
 

The OTC is a partnership between the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance (Toronto Region), Canada’s Technology Corridor (Waterloo Region) and OCRI (Ottawa Region) that promotes attracting investment from the Information & Communications Technology sector into the three key technology regions of the province. The partnership between the three communities was formed in 2003 and starting in 2006, the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development & Trade (MEDT) has also joined this initiative. The OTC partners are considering a program for India as part of the GTMA mission scheduled for February 2007. We would like to thank MEDT for their assistance with this program, especially Ms. Goldie Schermann.

For more information about the OTC please contact Gerald Pisarzowski at 416-360-6447 or gpisarzowski@greatertoronto.org.

GTMA Promotes GTA in Paris and New York

John Jung, GTMA V.P. International Marketing, was offered the opportunity to speak at the Global Forum held this year in Paris on ICT related topics. While at the Forum, John met with staff at the Canadian Embassy in Paris around opportunities to promote the GTA and its industry sectors in France, such as at MIPIM in March and in the Paris Region. In addition to delivering a power-point presentation on the Top 10 Reasons to invest in the GTA and a focused presentation on the GTA’s industry sectors, GTMA collateral materials were distributed.
 

Join the GTMA’s Business Mission to India • February 2 - 13, 2007

Are you looking to export a product or service into India’s marketplace? Are you looking to meet potential partners in India? Would you be interested in attracting Indian Investors as they go global? Or are you simply trying to understand what the India Inc. phenomenon is all about and how you can ready yourself and your organization to deal with this juggernaut? Then the GTMA’s Business Mission to India is your entry into India!

Join the GTMA’s mission to India in partnership with ITAC, C-IBC, OTC, the Toronto Board of Trade and the World Trade Center of Toronto. Cities on the itinerary include New Delhi, Gurgaon, Bangalore, Pune and Mumbai.

In Mumbai, the mission will focus on the NASSCOM conference and will include pre-qualified meetings, roundtables, site visits, and presentations, in addition to a stellar collection of leaders from around the world. NASSCOM, the National Association of Software and Services Companies serves as a key interface to the Indian software industry and facilitates business and trade to encourage advancement of research in software technology. Its member companies, now representing more than 1,000 of India’s top ICT firms, are in the business of software development, software services, and IT-enabled/BPO services. The GTMA has participated in past NASSCOM conferences and highly recommends it to anyone considering entering the marketplace attempting to learn about the ICT and BPO industry in India, seeking partners or attracting investment to Canada. NASSCOM’s leadership forum also attracts global leaders and heavyweights from the ICT industry worldwide as speakers and active participants. Networking with some of these heavyweights is truly phenomenal!

In New Delhi, we will focus on activities around the International Engineering & Technology Fair, which will also include opportunities for meetings and presentations assisted by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII). The program will be entirely modular and allow you to undertake the whole mission from Feb 1-13, or participate in modules in each city.

Opportunities to focus on other sectors such as advanced manufacturing, energy and environment, education and infrastructure may also be possible, if there is delegate interest in these areas.

For more information, please contact John Jung at 416-360-6701 or jjung@greatertoronto.org.

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GTA News:

Foreign direct investment (FDI) has traditionally played, and continues to play, a significant and positive role in Canada’s economic development. The operations of foreign affiliates – through direct investments that they undertake – impact directly and indirectly on the economic performance of many knowledge-based industries in the Canadian economy. Research studies have shown that FDI in Canada stimulates innovation, assists human capital formation, contributes to productivity-enhancing investment in machinery and equipment, strengthens international trade integration, helps create a more competitive business environment and enhances enterprise development. All of these contribute to higher economic growth and better productivity performance – the key to sustaining and improving Canada’s standard of living.

Click on FDI CANADA to access the full article, including:

• Importance of Foreign Affiliates to the Canadian Economy
• International Comparisons
• FDI in Canada and Effects on Labour Markets
• FDI in Canada and Impacts on Productivity
• FDI in Canada and Impact on Innovation Activities

Following an extensive worldwide search, on November 6th, UCB Pharma Canada, a Belgium-based global biopharmaceutical company announced its expansion of its North American operations with a new facility in the City of Burlington. With headquarters in Brussels, UCB employs over 8,300 people operating in 40 countries and is seen as a global leader in biopharma research and development.

In announcing the expansion, William Robinson, Executive Vice President, Global Operations, UCB commented, “With the strong support of the global UCB organization, and the positive clinical outlook for CIMZIA in a number of inflammatory diseases, UCB Pharma Canada is ideally positioned to become a top-performing Canadian biopharmaceutical company.”

Congratulations are extended to The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) who recently announced that Toronto Pearson International Airport was selected as the "Best Global Airport 2006" by the Institute of Transport Management (ITM).

The award is granted by the Institute based on which airport has demonstrated the political leadership and commitment backed by considerable investment. The findings of the institute followed an extensive research program through testimonies from users of Toronto Pearson and airports across North America and other global regions.

Seneca Marketing students were presented with the championship trophy from the annual Ontario Colleges’ Marketing Competition, making it the first time that Seneca has won the competition.

Sixteen students from Seneca’s Marketing Administration program took part in the competition, which was held in Ottawa on November 16 and 17. The two-day event saw more than 200 marketing students from 15 colleges across Ontario compete for their college to become provincial champion.

“This win is well-earned because the students trained for three months to prepare for the competition,” says Barb Tooth, team coach and a professor in Seneca’s School of International Business. “Winning the OCMC trophy will bring recognition to how excellent the Marketing programs are at Seneca.”

The Ontario Colleges’ Marketing Competition is an annual event that is organized by 15 provincial colleges with marketing programs. Business people and marketing industry experts serve as judges for the competition.

“This has been one of the best experiences of my life,” says Linda Ferreira, a third-year Seneca Marketing Administration student and winner of the job interview portion of the competition. “Winning this competition will look good on our résumés because it tested our marketing skills and we came out on top.”

City of Brampton Recognized for Leadership in E-Government

Congratulations to the City of Brampton for being recognized with the distinction award for the first phase of its SPIDER Project, a scheduling planning software for Brampton Transit, by the Government Technology Exhibition Committee, a national organizing body that showcases leadership in e-government.

Bloomberg Ranks Fraser Milner Casgrain Third Among Canada Equity Offerings' Manager Advisers

In its recent report on Capital Markets for 2006 Q3, Bloomberg ranked Fraser Milner Casgrain (FMC) number three in its Legal Adviser League Table for “Canada Equity Offerings: Manager Advisors” with a market share of 8.2%, demonstrating a strong increase compared to 2005. In the same report, Bloomberg also ranked FMC among the top ten for “Canada Equity Offerings: Issuer Advisers.”  Download the Bloomberg Report

The City of Mississauga has been short listed for the 2006 World Leadership Awards for its Healthy City Stewardship Centre (HCSC) initiative. Mississauga is one of three cities competing for the World Leadership Award in the health category, the winner of which will be announced on December 6, 2006 in London, England.
 

The awards are sponsored by The World Leadership Forum, a not-for-profit organization which promotes leadership internationally by spotlighting the work of exceptional leaders and achievers in 15 disciplines ranging from architecture and civil engineering, culture and the arts, to health, science and technology.
 

"The Healthy City Stewardship Centre members deserve all the credit," boasted Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion, honorary chair of the Stewardship Centre. "We gathered together the top leaders in our community representing government, education, health and the corporate sector and asked them to focus on a local solution to better health. What we developed through the HCSC is now a model for other communities, and I’m so very proud to be involved."

Toronto Core Attracts Additional Top Business School

Downtown Toronto has established itself as a hotbed of world class business training with five universities offering Masters of Business Administration (MBA) and/or Executive MBA programs. The city’s businesses stand to benefit from the proximity of students, professors and leading-edge academic work.

The University of Western Ontario has moved its Ivey Executive MBA program to Toronto’s Exchange Tower at the corner of King and York Streets. “The location is expected to provide greater visibility of the program in its core GTA market and provide a venue for Executive Development, recruiting and alumni events, where we have our largest alumni base,” Dean Carole Stephenson noted.

Ryerson University’s Faculty of Business is now housed in the recently completed Ryerson Business Building at the corner of Bay and Dundas Streets. In addition to the new address, the Faculty of Business also welcomed its first graduate students to its two MBA programs and one Master of Management Science (MMSc) program in September 2006. “Our state-of-the-art new quarters on Toronto's Bay Street have given us a doorway to the nation's financial capital and the hub of corporate Canada, ensuring that our programs continue to be relevant and respond quickly and effectively to the dynamic and complex global economy,” said Faculty of Business Dean Dr. Ken Jones.

The Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto is the largest business school in Canada and was recently cited by Professor Patrick Whitney of the Illinois Institute of Technology for its innovative incorporation of design into its business curriculum. Rotman is located adjacent to Toronto’s burgeoning Discovery District and within a short transit ride from Toronto’s banking towers.

The Schulich School of Business at York University maintains the Miles S. Nadal Management Centre as its downtown campus in the Toronto Dominion Centre, where it offers MBA degree program courses and a wide range of non-degree programs. Wilfred Laurier University centered in Waterloo also offers an EMBA program in Toronto’s Sun Life Financial Tower.

Unserviced Lands in Tapscott Employment District Coming On-stream

The Tapscott Industrial Landowners Group (TILG), a private sector consortium of landowners, is commencing infrastructure construction of 300 undeveloped acres of the Tapscott Employment District.

City Council approved distribution of development charge credits and authorized the City of Toronto and TILG to enter into a servicing agreement which would pave the way for construction of water, sewers and roads in the district.

The first phase encompasses approximately 200 acres with the remaining 100 acres to be serviced in 2007. Approval applications have been completed for servicing all vacant lands west of Tapscott Road, including a storm water management pond.

At the same time, Smurfit-MBI, a new investor in the Tapscott District, is completing a 175,000 square foot manufacturing facility to consolidate plants from Mississauga and elsewhere in Toronto.

Design Fuels Business Innovation

The first of a four-part seminar series called "Profit by Design" was held to encourage manufacturers and other innovation-focused businesses to use design to increase competitive advantage and export success. At the launch event, organized by the Design Industry Advisory Committee in collaboration with Toronto Economic Development and Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, Harry Rich, Deputy Chief Executive of the UK Design Council, defined design as “a process of communication that has a profound effect on improving market share.” Rich shared research demonstrating that UK companies that have integrated design with manufacturing processes, have been able to develop successful growth strategies based on added value rather than price. By investing in design, these companies have been able to compete successfully against low-cost producers from China and India.

Patrick Whitney, Director of the Institute of Design at the Illinois Institute of Technology, spoke about the importance of design-focused ethnographic research that is enabling North American companies to target and customize value-added products for the rapidly expanding middle class consumer market in Asia. He noted that companies today must be innovative and design-led to appeal to a more powerful and discriminating consumer. He observed that design innovation used to focus on what looks good. Increasingly, it now must produce compelling and high-performance products and services to respond to the pattern of daily life - how people live, work, learn and play - in different cultures around the world. Professor Whitney had high praise for Toronto business schools, such as U of T’s Rotman, that are integrating design into their curriculum.

Paul Rowan, VP Design of Umbra Ltd. spoke about the joys and challenges of producing world-class design solutions. He feels job titles are increasingly irrelevant in the design business noting that designers “live in projects rather than job titles.”

It doesn’t have to be lonely at the top. That’s what many entrepreneurial CEOs and executives are finding with Innovators Alliance. This peer networking organization, founded in 1999, meets once a month in chapters across Ontario to share best practices and provide practical support. The members each lead an Ontario-based business that has realized cumulative revenue growth of at least 35% over three previous years. In fact, many of these companies have made the Profit 100 list. Not too many businesses have growth curves similar to members of this dynamic group. That’s why the exclusivity of Innovators Alliance appeals to its members. Through the chapter meetings they make connections with people in similar circumstances, have the opportunity to learn from mentors, and develop their instincts by associating with people who have same experience. full story  Join Innovators Alliance and network with real peers.

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People News:

Ana Bassios was recently appointed Commissioner of Planning and Development Services with the Town of Richmond Hill. Ana is well known to the GTMA having worked with her in her capacity as Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Town of Richmond. The GTMA congratulates Ana and wishes her well as she undertakes her new responsibilities.

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Upcoming Events:

7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., Lucent Avaya Building, Markham

Join Jason Bremner, the Director of Outsourcing Services, IDC Canada Ltd. in understanding the key dynamics that are now driving in the IT Outsourcing Market. Using data derived from comprehensive surveys, Jason will help technology providers understand critical marketplace factors, including the latest industry segment spending patterns, the motivations and factors driving business problem actions, and the outsourcing and pricing models preferred by clients. Mr. Bremner will conclude his discussion with actions that should be considered by IT vendors for the Canadian market and he will provide additional insight on how to better position their enterprises for global growth. more information

3:30 p.m., 291 King Street West

Join non-linear creations as we look at Search Engine Marketing (SEM) from the business executive perspective. Together, we will explore the direct impacts Search Marketing has on lead generation, brand exposure and ROI. more information

3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., The Park Plaza Hotel, Dixie Road

You are invited to join your peers from CPA - the Contact Professionals Alliance- to hear the results of a study done by Decima Research for the Contact Centre Council in Ottawa. The study’s objective was to isolate the 'drivers' of employee satisfaction and loyalty in Call Centers and to quantify the impact of these drivers on staff retention. more information and registration

7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., The National Club, Toronto

Sponsored by NRU and Urban Intelligence, the briefing session is essential for those sectors doing business with the City: builder, developers, architects, planners, lawyers, environmental industries, community organizations and others. This is also a must-go for companies or organizations looking to improve their understanding of Toronto’s plans and processes. 

For further details and RSVP contact 416-979-3360 or postelectionforum@urbanintelligence.com or visit our  website.

11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., The National Club

he past few months have seen much attention paid to the Korean peninsula. Ambassador Yim will discuss the recent developments on the Korean peninsula, with particular emphasis on nuclear situation with North Korea. The Korea-Canada Free Trade Agreement, now in negotiation, will also be addressed. more information

8 a.m. to 9 a.m. or 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., National Public Relations, Toronto