City announces members of Mayor’s Taskforce on Economic Recovery
HAMILTON, ON - Hamilton’s economy has been recognized as the most diversified in Canada. That is a strength that will help us as we advance into the recovery phase of the pandemic.
The Conference Board of Canada tells us that Hamilton is poised to rebound in a big way once we get past the economic retraction we are now experiencing. Following a retraction of 3.2 per cent in real GDP this year, Hamilton’s economy will rebound next year with projected growth of 6.0 per cent, the Conference Board says.
“Our city’s strength lies in its diverse economy. By bringing together leaders from all corners of Hamilton’s economy, we can take decisive action now to help our community recover and thrive. Working together, Hamilton will prosper once again.”
- Mayor Fred Eisenberger
As encouraging as those numbers are, it will not happen by itself. That’s where the Mayor’s Taskforce on Economic recovery comes into play. The Taskforce will seek to answer this question: What are the key, rapid decisions and actions can we take to springboard Hamilton back to recovery?
Our diversified economy is reflected in the membership of the Mayor’s Taskforce on Economic Recovery. The Taskforce represents a diverse cross-section of many of Hamilton’s key partners and growth sectors including our three Chambers of Commerce, our Business Improvement Areas, our restaurant, hospitality and entertainment sectors and our academic and non-profit communities. Also participating will be Mayor Fred Eisenberger along with Hamilton City Councillors John-Paul Danko, Nrinder Nann and Terry Whitehead.
At the inaugural meeting of the Taskforce, Ron McKerlie, President of Mohawk College, was selected as Chair and Terri Johns, Board Member, West End Home Builders’ Association, was selected as Vice-Chair.
This Taskforce will provide multi-sectoral leadership and direction to guide Hamilton’s economic recovery. It will create an aggressive, action driven plan for immediate, near-term results. At the same time, it will look to position the City of Hamilton for long-term and sustainable economic recovery.
The members of the Hamilton’s Economic Recovery Taskforce are:
- Matt Afinec, President & COO of Business Operations, Hamilton Tiger-Cats & Forge FC
- Florencia Bernstein, Executive Director, Workers Art & Heritage Centre
- Rondalyn Brown, Manager, Westfield Heritage Village
- Kelly Duffin, President and CEO, Amity Goodwill
- Erin Dunham, Owner, The Other Bird
- Mark Ellerker, Business Manager, Hamilton-Brantford Building and Construction Trades Council
- Patti Hall, Executive Director, The Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce
- Kerry Jarvi, Executive Director, Downtown Hamilton BIA
- Terri Johns, Board Member, West End Home Builders’ Association
- Lisa La Rocca, Director of Operations, Sonic Unyon Records
- Keanin Loomis, President & CEO, Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
- Brian Lubbers, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott
- Anthony Marco, President, Hamilton & District Labour Council
- Kim Martin, Executive Director, Social Planning and Research Council of Hamilton
- Rob McCann, Founder, Clearcable Networks
- Ron McKerlie, President of Mohawk College
- Bob Munroe, Producer/Director/VFX supervisor, Blacktop Recess
- Matteo Patricelli, Executive Director, Flamborough Chamber of Commerce
- Cathie Puckering, President and CEO, Hamilton International Airport
- Ty Shattuck, Chair, Synapse Life Science Consortium
- Drew Spoelstra, Chair of Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee
- Judy Travis, Executive Director, Workforce Planning Hamilton
- Henry Wegiel, Director of Government and Trade Relations, ArcelorMittal Dofasco
- Gay Yuyitung, Executive Director of the McMaster Industry Liaison Office