After more than two months of uncertainty, we’re beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The @SL_Corridor is collaborating with stakeholders & industry leaders on a number of important fronts. Manufacturers are adapting and supporting local PPE needs, business partnerships are developing, and many are embracing remote work & more. We’re still fighting the good fight. Creating jobs has never been more challenging or more important. Here is our update in the midst of the pandemic.

1. 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.
MANAGING THROUGH THE
COVID-19 CRISIS
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2. In March, the Corridor constructed an on-line baseline survey of local businesses
to gather concerns, impacts, actions, and best practices on business operations
and personnel dynamics. The survey results, combined with 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.
ACCESS & INSIGHTS
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3. In April, the Corridor developed a web- based inventory of government supports to ensure regional
businesses had both visibility and access to government funds and support services to help
mitigate 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.
MITIGATE
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4. 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 methods such
as sharing best practices -including the sharing of core competencies –
effectively strengthening 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.
RECOVER
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5. 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.
STAKEHOLDER FEEDBACK
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