R Mark introduced R Chris King. Chris is the CEO of the Quinte Economic Development Commission (QEDC).
QEDC represents the City of Belleville, City of Quinte West and the Municipality of Brighton. These municipalities are linked through their workforce. 47% of Brightonians are employed in the Quinte Region.
R Mark sits on the board of directors. QEDC is funded by the three Municipalities at rate of $3.95 / capita. They have a 3x's multiplier to leverage funds.
QEDC's object is to attract investment of manufactures and retention. The Quinte area is good at food manufacturing and processing. Manufacturing creates wealth in the area. It brings in net new dollars to the local economy. From the Quinte region, products are shipped around the world.
11,000 work in manufacturing.
QEDC is an award winning organization, recognized for the work they do. They attend many trade shows, network, and use social media to promote the region. They also assist manufacturers access funding, and help them find opportunities to expand.
Chris stressed need to network, contact prospective influencers multiple times to work to get them to the area.
Chris had a box of local goodies, all produced in the Quinte Region (including the box). The box was auctioned to members and R Victoria was the happy recipient at a cost.