Retail, value-added occupy TEDC: investment from retail sign of confidence in market.

• Author: Larmour, Adelle
• Position: TIMMINS

Timmins economic development officials say that about 1,300 to 1,500 direct jobs were created from their strategic community and economic plan over the past five years.

Dave McGirr, president of Timmins Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) and manager Christy Marinig say there was increased activity in mining exploration, expanded retail and community development projects.

Now they want to build upon their success and "move from strategy to tactics," says McGirr, through their strategic plan called "Building Our Future."

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Business retention and expansion (BR+E), along with value-added products are a key part of the five-prong plan to attract investment.

It includes setting up a business out-reach program, hiring a value-added research co-ordinator, developing a business mentoring program, revisiting the existing five-year-old strategic plan, and a sustainable energy program.

A variety of organizations are sponsoring the plan. The Business Outreach initiative was launched in co-operation with The Venture Centre, TEDC, the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, and the Timmins Chamber of Commerce.

Its goals are to understand the capabilities and influence of local businesses and how they can expand. "The most significant contribution to the Timmins economy is made by our existing businesses," Gerry Talbot, chair of The Venture Centre said in a TEDC release. "When they develop and expand, Timmins grows." Business Online, a free Internet directory listing products and services of local businesses, is being updated and promoted as well.

Marinig wants to enhance the city's role as a regional centre for northeastern Ontario. By investing in retail attraction, it may bring in more people from the outlying regions.

"Our focus is on retail development and expansion."

One indicator is the current expansion of retail space in the Timmins Square shopping centre. By moving into the former Wal-Mart store, Sears will be tripling its space from 44,000 to 109,000 square feet, says Brenda Johnson, property manager for Rio Can, which owns the 70-store mall.

A Sport Chek, Winners store and a new mall entrance will occupy the...