PROPOSED FRAMEWORK FOR A THREE-YEAR ECONOMIC COOPERATION PLAN BETWEEN

THE TOWN OF MARKHAM AND

THE TOWN OF CARY/CARY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

 

 

A)          PRIORITIES:

1-     Information technology: a sector of strength for the Town of Markham, and the Town of Cary

2-     Bio-Technologies, bio-pharmaceuticals, life sciences and medical devices:  a broad sector of opportunity to be pursued by both Markham and Cary

3-     Community development: a subject of mutual interest to be developed progressively over the next three years.

           

Emphasis on small and medium sized companies. Regular promotion of partnership to local business community through publications and special event publicity.

 

 

B)           HIGHLIGHTS:

Year 1 and 2 plans are detailed, and Year 3 plan will be developed in due time based upon on-going evaluation

 

                 

Year 1 – 2004

 

Action Plan:

 

·        Creating an electronic brochure with a repertoire of companies and their profiles from Markham and Cary (IT/Biotech/Pharma) with links to professional associations & events, including current economic web sites of the Town of Markham, the Town of Cary, and the Cary Chamber of Commerce.  This brochure could also include business opportunities that might be of interest to both parties.

 

·        Invitation for Cary technology business executives to attend and make presentations at TVG Venture Fair (showcase of venture capital ready firms), in Toronto March 3 and 4, as guests of Markham. www.venturefair.com

 

·        Actively promoting a knowledge/information transfer on IT development and innovation, and community development. The Town of Markham will participate in a Cary-Markham “Business Opportunities” partnership event during Cary’s 2004 summer festival, in cooperation with the new Canadian Consulate.  This will require a survey to be filled out by participating companies and face-to-face meetings as well as teleconference sessions hosted by the ISCM in Markham, and by Cary.  This initiative will be a cornerstone in building trade and investment links/flows.

 

·        Preparing for a Cary Trade Mission to Markham during the second quarter of 2005.

 

·        Annual report Year 1 for Markham and Cary Councils

 

 

Year 2 – 2005

 

·        Trade mission of Cary officials and businesses will visit the Town of Markham.  There will be an emphasis on IT and Bio (including a visit to the Innovation Synergy Center).

 

·        Markham Board of Trade business lunch: The Markham-Cary Vision (to coincide with the Trade Mission)

 

·        Continuation of knowledge/information transfers between the Cary and Markham  (on-going)

 

·        Mid-Term Review after 18 months to serve as an orientation document for Year 3

 

·        Preparation of 2006 Trade Mission, second quarter

 

·        Annual Report Year 2 for Cary and Markham Councils

 

 

Year 3 – 2006

 

·        A visiting trade mission from the Town of Markham (to include officials and business people) to Cary with emphasis on Biotech, as well as IT

·        Cary Chamber of Commerce Lunch: the Cary-Markham Vision 

(to coincide with the Trade Mission)

 

·        Program to be expanded.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C)          SCHEDULE TO FINALIZE 3 YEAR PLAN BETWEEN MARKHAM AND CARY:

 

 

-         Presentation of the preceding framework to Town of Markham Council, Cary Chamber of Commerce, and Town of Cary. 

-         February or March, 2004:  Approval of the plans by the two Mayors and Councils, and by Cary Chamber of Commerce.