The chambers of commerce in Sarnia and London have partnered in an effort to aid local exporters and attract foreign investments.
The collaboration was announced during the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting on Wednesday, and has received the support of the mayors in both cities.
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley says the partnership is a "great first step towards even deeper collaborations in the future.”
“The long-term vision for (the) group will be to expand this collaboration to other municipalities in the region,” says Bradley in a media release. "(I'm) encouraged by the discussions that have already taken place with other municipalities.”
The London Chamber of Commerce will help the chamber in Sarnia establish a Global Business Opportunities group with representation in the City of Sarnia, Lambton County, Sarnia Lambton Economic Partnership, Sarnia Lambton Business Development Corporation, the Business Development Corporation of Canada and the provincial Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure. A similar group already exists in London.
The mandate of the two groups will be to create a regional strategy aimed at increasing regional private-sector exports. The two groups will also seek investments from the provincial and federal government to support exports and foreign investment.
London Mayor Matt Brown, who was in Sarnia Wednesday night for the announcement, says he's confident the partnership will bring new investment to the southwest region.