Category Archives: Articles & Speeches

Ensuring Our Continued Prosperity

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April 2013

Published in City Talk, Spring 2013

We have much to be thankful for in Burlington. We were recently chosen as the number one mid-sized city in which to live in Canada and the number one overall in Ontario – by Money Sense magazine.

Speaking to Burlington Business community at James Burchill’s Spring Into Business Networking event. Photography courtesy of Derrick van der KOLK

In a recent Environics poll, 95% of those surveyed indicated they had a good or excellent quality of life and expressed a positive outlook on the future as it pertains to both their quality of life and personal financial situation.

We have a strong and vibrant local economy that is well positioned to grow. We have a diverse economic base with a mix of professional services and manufacturing in Burlington. We have above average family incomes, a relatively strong housing market, an educated workforce and easy access to Toronto, Canada’s largest city that is central to the country’s economy. Our physical location also gives us access to the US markets and global opportunities. We cannot take all of this for granted. We must remain competitive and innovative in our pursuit of future investment, new business and more jobs. The challenge going forward will be to maintain the positive progress and energy we have and build on this foundation and drive so that we ensure that Burlington continues to be a  destination for both families and businesses.
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State of the City Address, 2013

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Delivered January 24, 2013 at the Burlington Convention Centre

  • The speech will be broadcast on TVCogeco on:
    Sunday, Jan. 27, at 3 pm
    Monday, Jan. 28 at 1 pm
    Sunday, Feb. 3, at 3 pm
    Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 1 pm

Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen and thank you for taking time from your busy schedules to attend this year’s State of the City Address. This is my third address and it is something I look forward to every year.

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Invitation to the State of the City Address: January 24, 2013

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Jpg GraphicThe Burlington Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 2013 State of the City Address at the Burlington Convention Centre on Thursday, January 24

This year’s speech will be very important as we look back at the successes and highlights of the past year, and start an adult conversation with the city about our future.

Breakfast and Networking begins at 7:30 a.m. and I will give my speech at approximately 8:30 a.m.

The event is open to all and tickets are available through the Burlington Chamber of Commerce website or office.

For those not able to attend, the State of the City will be available to be seen on TV Cogeco at a later date. We will be releasing a copy of the speech on the blog and social media on the same day.

 

Update: One Dream Workshop

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December 6, 2012

I am continuing to meet with participants from the One Dream Workshop to continue work to define a dream for Burlington. Over the next few weeks I will meet with the 35 participants which included representation from across Burlington: business owners, health care advocates, volunteers, educators, culture and sport and not-for-profit leaders, students and young people aged from 17-78.

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Update on Inspire Burlington Leadership Workshop: Defining Our Dream

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November 26, 2012

This past week, I met for three days with more than 35 community leaders to form a shared dream of Burlington, one that will inspire us, protect what is sacred and ensure a high quality of life into the future. This event took place as a result of the many conversations I have had over the past two years that led me to believe that we have a need and an opportunity to better define what we want Burlington to be, how we want others to see us, and how we want to see ourselves.

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