Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership Chief Executive Officer Stephen Thompson. August 28, 2018 Photo by Melanie Irwin.Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership Chief Executive Officer Stephen Thompson. August 28, 2018 Photo by Melanie Irwin.
Sarnia

SLEP highlighted in internationally circulated magazine

Efforts to further support investments in Sarnia-Lambton have earned recognition as one of "Canada's Best Locations" for a fourth consecutive year through a business publication.

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) was recently recognized by Site Selection magazine. Economic development organizations were highlighted for various reasons, which include proactive and innovative programming, web tools, resources, and regional partnerships.

"It's one of the leading publications that business decision-makers look at and it's absolutely fantastic news that Sarnia-Lambton is able to put a positive foot forward when we market ourselves to businesses that are looking for a new place to locate," said SLEP CEO Stephen Thompson. "A large part of the readership is based in the United States so it's fantastic to get the Sarnia-Lambton brand out there to the readers."

Thompson said the magazine took note of the area's recent designation as a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Point. The designation from the Canadian government allows the area to market itself as an international trade hub.

"It gives businesses that are in the Sarnia-Lambton area or that come to the Sarnia-Lambton area a single point of access to resources and information around programs that could relieve duties, or taxes, or tariffs, and just make it easier to float goods in and out of the country," said Thompson.

As seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, some sectors have been heavily impacted but Thompson said the agriculture and manufacturing sectors remain strong.

"We're continuing to see investments in those sectors and rolling out new projects and new programs," he said. "There's a lot of exciting things that continue to move forward here in the Sarnia-Lambton area."

Thompson referred to projects such as the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park and attracting investments such as the Diamond Petrochemicals Canada Corporation to strengthen the olefins facility.

The Top 20 list highlighted by the magazine also features large cities such as Toronto and Niagara. The most recent publication marks SLEP's eighth time overall in being recognized in the 15-year history of the "Canada's Best Locations" award.

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