Dealing with the corona virus crisis and its aftermath is the largest single challenge facing our business community today. This challenge has in fact restructured the global economic order-leaving many organizations with a single agenda item: near-term survival. Others, in a more fortunate position, look forward with uncertainty, as they try and discern what will define the “new normal”. In response to this challenge the St. Lawrence Corridor Economic Development Commission has begun a 3 phased strategy to support the commercial industrial sector’s continued operation while planning for the recovery of the local economy.

1. MANAGING THROUGH THE COVID-19 CRISIS
Dealing with the coronavirus crisis and its aftermath is the largest single challenge facing our business
community today. This challenge has in fact restructured the global economic order-leaving many
organizations with a single agenda item: near-term survival. Others, in a more fortunate position, look forward
with uncertainty, as they try and discern what will define the “new normal”. In response to this challenge the
St. Lawrence Corridor Economic Development Commission has begun a 3 phased strategy to support the
commercial industrial sector’s continued operation while planning for the recovery of the local economy.
ACCESS & INSIGHTS
In March, the Corridor constructed an on-line baseline survey of local businesses to gather concerns, impacts,
actions,andbestpracticesonbusinessoperationsandpersonneldynamics.Thesurveyresults,combinedwith
information from businesses from across Eastern Ontario was shared with the province Ministry of Economic
Development, Job creation and Trade, the Global Affairs Canada, municipal partners including the “Regional
Working Group” headed by LGED. The information will be used to inform policy decisions, develop advocacy
priorities, create new programming and catalogue and identify common pain points in the region. The study
results can be found here (https://slcedc.com/st-lawrence-corridor-covid-19-business-impact-survey/)
MITIGATE
In April, the Corridor developed a web- based inventory of government supports to ensure regional businesses
hadbothvisibilityandaccesstogovernmentfundsandsupportservices (https://slcedc.com/)tohelpmitigate
the effects of the pandemic. Moreover, the Corridor began a proactive campaign to offer services to assist
businesses through the challenge including grant writing and advisory services. In late May, we developed a
Regional Industry Leadership Team comprised of 12 leaders in the Manufacturing and Agri-Business Industry.
The team has had its first meeting in May and is reviewing emerging challenges and individual business needs
while providing applicable connections to resources, best practices, supply chain opportunities, and financial
assistance to industry partners. The goal is to increase the sectors efficiency and effectiveness – moving
through the crisis with resilience – while mitigating duplication of efforts and resources. Members believe
collaboration will result in innovation and are optimistic that this effort will lead to material outcomes.
RECOVER
The Regional Industry Leadership Team will provide a structure for long-term recovery planning efforts,
ongoing program assessment feedback to government; while strengthening local manufacturers through
methodssuchassharingbestpractices-includingthesharingofcorecompetencies–effectivelystrengthening
the sector across the region through collaboration and innovation. The team will also provide qualitative
feedback for local partners, government and the business community at large.
Stakeholder feedback will play a key role in steps that are taken as a result of the Industry Leadership Team.
Tools such as the business survey will equip members with the understanding of the how local businesses
are being affected by COVID-19. In order to properly act upon the three-phase approach, the Corridor will
closely monitor the pandemic as the situation develops and reassess challenges and opportunities. Our goal
is to strengthen the commercial industrial sector – even in the face of economic hardship and forge a resilient
path forward in a challenging and unprecedented time. Supporting existing employment and developing new
employment opportunities has never been more challenging or more important.
www.slcedc.com
June 2020