The movers and shakers in the county's manufacturing community got together this week to shake up more business opportunities with each other as well as abroad.
The 2019 Simcoe County Manufacturers’ Forum attracted about 180 people representing many businesses from around the area. They discussed how to grow the region’s manufacturing industry.
Nancy Huether, the county’s manager of economic development, said the goal was to bring everyone together.
“This is a great networking opportunity and we’re hoping that everyone here will build relationships and expand trade opportunities locally,” Huether said. “This is also a wonderful way to celebrate manufacturing in Simcoe County by showcasing products from our region.”
The county’s economic development office, in partnership with the City of Barrie, the City of Orillia, Georgian College, Lakehead University and the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium, brought their resources together to stage the conference.
Keynote speakers discussed skills and the workforce, business-to-business networking opportunities, information on funding and business supports. There was also an interactive industry panel discussion on talent attraction and retention during the six-hour event.
Several manufacturers also displayed products and technologies that are 'Made in Simcoe County' as part of the event's business showcase.
Phoenix Quality helps manufacturers improve their supply chain. Executive vice-president Greg Tsagris, who had a booth set up at the conference, said such events are key to business networking.
“This forum is great way to be involved in the manufacturing community in Simcoe County and to promote what we do and make some beneficial connections in doing so,” said Tsagris. “A lot of the times at these meetings, you could come away with connections that last a while and help not just your company, but another one as well.”
Phoenix Quality is based in Alliston, but Tsagris says the company always reaching out to Barrie and its surrounding area for more business. He has also noticed more people coming to the region for work, which could make Simcoe County look more like other big manufacturing centres.
“I think it is exciting to think of the population boom that is projected for the region,” Tsagris said. “I grew up in Oshawa and know first-hand that attracting manufacturers and businesses is key to development and economic growth.
"I believe our area is well on its way to that.”
The projected population boom for the region will only add to businesses, and Huether says it could also mean new businesses looking to attract employment.
“It has not only attracted to the manufacturing sector in terms for existing companies, but it is also attracting new economic and employment opportunities,” said Huether.
“Simcoe County is thriving right now and it is likely to only get better, which makes these conferences even more vital to the industry," she added.
