investStratford marks year of growth, innovation and collaboration innovation at 11th annual general meeting

The investStratford AGM was open to the public to discuss the future of Stratford’s economic growth.

Housing, youth employment and business support took centre stage at investStratford’s AGM this year.

The 11th AGM for the Stratford Economic Enterprise Development Corporation (SEED Co.), more commonly referred to as investStratford, took place at the Stratford Festival Theatre and quickly erupted with discussion of impactful community growth. 

John Krastner, former general manager of the Stratford Perth Museum, was in attendance as a guest speaker at the meeting. He mentioned the importance of the relationship shared between the City of Stratford’s Grand Trunk renewal project and community culture. 

Joani Gerber, investStratford CEO, said that it's her belief as a lifelong Stratford resident that if people are willing to work among the local businesses and provide their talent and time, they can have the expectation of living in the community. 

Gerber added that community feedback has been positive, with the understanding that investStratford is on the correct trajectory. She notes that investStratford will ensure that they work with the community through unstable economic conditions.  

“One of the things that we take great pride in is the concierge service that we provide. We want every business large and small in the city of Stratford and the surrounding areas to know that we can be their one phone call,” said Gerber.

Gerber said that there will be workforce development to address the challenge of the unemployed youth in the community. Gerber admits that the trend is a provincial and national issue, but they will continue to develop ways to allow youth to obtain successful job growth within the community. 

“Housing in general is also going to continue to be a high priority for our council and community. It is an ever-evolving discussion,” said Gerber. “There are a number of large developments that are underway, but we really want to make sure that we are providing the right kinds of housing for the right people for the right time – and that’s a bullseye that’s constantly moving as well.” 

Gerber said that investStratford has community beneficial projects in motion, where city  council is considering the use of remnant parcels and city owned residential properties that are vacant in public-private partnerships. 

“Which I think is going to be a huge opportunity for this community and it goes without saying that all parties, whether they are public, private or otherwise, need to be coming together to solve this problem,” said Gerber. “It's not just a government problem or a private sector problem and the housing discussion is going to continue.”