National BIA Conference helping build local economies

TORONTO, April 18, 2013 /CNW/ - Over 3 days, 300 delegates from across Ontario came together to share ideas, network and learn more about how to build their local economy in their community, and 8 communities walked away with awards.

The 2013 National BIA Conference held in Toronto from April 14 to 17, 2013 featured over 24 sessions that provided the delegates with ideas and tools that they can apply in their local community.  The three keynote, which included Gil Penalosa of 8-80cities, Ian Troop of the 2015 PanAmerican Games and John Kiru of the Toronto Association of BIAs brought their passionate views about building the economies through urban design, partnerships and understanding the 'State of Main Street'.  Gil Penalosa's empassioned speech about building a community based on walkability for all residents, shoppers and businesses received a standing ovation!  Ian Troop gave the gathered delegates an overview of the enormity of the 2015 PanAm Games and their planning and breadth while highlighting partnerships and the economic impact of the upcoming Games.  John Kiru's speech gave the delegates information of the retail trends that are the new economy; how E-Commerce is affecting local economies and strategies for implementation for local BIAs and their retail and business members.

Delegates were delighted to welcome the Premier of Ontario, Kathleen Wynne as she brought greetings to the delegates and took time to speak with them as well as answer well thought out and thoughtful questions.  Premier Wynne's participation reassured delegates of the 2013 National BIA Conference to feel the plight of "Main Street" is understood and recognized by the Ontario Government.

On Monday, April 15 the Ontario BIA Association was delighted to present eight (8) communities with a 2013 Ontario BIA Association Award.  The communities that were honoured are:

• County of Bruce
• Brussels Build Business Association
• Port Perry BIA
• Downtown London
• Galt on the Grand Downtown Cambridge BIA
• Albion Islington Square BIA
• Downtown Yonge BIA

The final award, the Alex Ling Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Maureen Luoma of Downtown Sudbury for her work with her BIA and her work with the Ontario BIA Association.  Maureen has worked with and for the Downtown Sudbury BIA, since 1977 making her the longest running BIA (BID, BIZ) staff person, in Ontario, Canada and the World!

The Conference Committee is delighted with the 2013 National BIA Conference and congratulates the Award Recipients.

This was a joint conference held, in partnership, with the Ontario Association of BIAs and the Toronto Association of BIAs.

FACTS

The first BIA Legislation, in the world, was created in 1970 in a partnership with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs (the Government of Ontario), Bloor West Village and the City of Toronto.

The Ontario BIA Association (OBIAA), since 2001, acts as an important resource for education, partnership and collaboration to each BIA across the province. OBIAA recognizes the power of networking, the strength in numbers and the value of sharing common concerns and finding resolutions specific to our individual communities. OBIAA, represents over 290 Business Improvement Areas within (and including) Toronto, who in turn represent more than 60,000 businesses and property owners.

The Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) is a non-profit umbrella organization working with the over 74 Business Improvement Areas within the City of Toronto who in turn represent more than 35,000 business & property owners.

TABIA's Objectives

• To promote strong, successful and effective BIAs in the City of Toronto.
• To encourage joint initiatives and collaboration that are mutually beneficial to groups within the BIA on issues and projects, including studies and research in marketing.
• To encourage and facilitate the exchange of information, experiences and ideas among BIAs through such means as our website, newsletters, seminars, workshops for the benefit of the BIA and their individual members.
• To assist BIA's in pooling their resources to achieve the maximum benefit possible.
• To provide advocacy, to influence policies affecting BIAs, and to obtain support funds and services for BIAs from all levels of government, institutions, agencies and other organizations.
• To protect the interest of BIAs in government tourism policies and in the implementation of those policies.

Together the levies of the 290 plus BIAs of Ontario invest over 40 million dollars
back into their local economy and the economy of Ontario and Canada.

Image with caption: "John Webster - City of Markham Town Crier (CNW Group/Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130418_C6640_PHOTO_EN_25723.jpg

Image with caption: "Premier Kathleen Wynne (CNW Group/Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130418_C6640_PHOTO_EN_25743.jpg

SOURCE: Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas

Kay Matthews, Ontario BIA Association: 647-521-5341 or 1-866-807-2227 | [email protected]
John Kiru, Toronto Association of BIAs: 416-889-4111 or 416-263-3229 | [email protected]