The Owen sound and District Chamber of Commerce hopes council will create a strategic plan with a clear vision, measurable goals and an action plan.
The city held a public meeting this week looking for input as it gets ready to create a strategic plan to guide the municipality into the future.
Chamber Chair Steve Coffey says the chamber wants the city to promote Owen Sound as the regional centre of Grey and Bruce.
Coffey says the city needs to promote the Great Lakes International Marine Training & Research Centre at the Owen Sound campus of Georgian College to attract spin off marine industry.
He says the area has the location and assets to appeal to the growing number of retirees. He says business and services need to expand to support the boom.
He also points out the agriculture and food sector has a lot of potential with a growing demand for organics, local food production, and retail.
He adds the city cannot implement the plan without a vibrant business community.
He says the city first needs to create a dynamic, impactful and corresponding economic development plan.
He suggests council consider the impact of its decisions on local business.