City and Downtown Management Board combine efforts to improve messaging to new business

For immediate release (May 25, 2015) – The City and the Downtown Orillia Management Board (DMB) have combined forces to create a more user-friendly information package for new businesses locating in the downtown core. 

“When a new business looks to set up shop in Orillia, we want them to feel completely welcome and a part of our community,” said Mayor Steve Clarke. “The new business packages are a great resource to help introduce these businesses to our community, while providing a summary of both regulations and policies, as well as available incentives and support.” 

New business packages are provided to anyone interested in setting up shop downtown and contain information related to guidelines, policies and procedures for things such as parking, garbage collection and signage. The packages also include key contact information and templates for commonly used applications such as the façade grant program. Businesses are also provided with community information, upcoming dates for festivals and events, helpful contact information and local business networking opportunities.

A review of the packages was suggested earlier in the year by City Council which led to the co-operative exercise between the Orillia Economic Development Office and staff at the DMB. 

"We really just took a fresh look at how the information was being presented and put it together in a more user-friendly fashion," said Dan Landry, Manager of Economic Development. "Most of the key information is already there. It was more of a re-design and repackaging." 

Councillor Sarah Valiquette-Thompson says it's important the City and the Downtown work together to make the process of maneuvering through the system as easy as possible. 

"We want all businesses to succeed, and the simpler we can make the process, the more owners can focus on running their businesses," said Valiquette-Thompson. 

“Orillia’s downtown is a key part of the local business community,” said Landry. “Finding ways to communicate more effectively can be a big help to businesses.” 

Ron Spencer, chair of the Downtown Orillia Management Board says the packages, “will help to ensure new businesses have the tools they need to put their best foot forward and make them aware of all of the support the DMB has to offer in the areas of professional development and special marketing promotions.” 

Packages are available in hard copy and electronic formats and are being distributed to downtown property owners and agents as well as other business-related community organizations. 

The initiative is part of the ongoing efforts by both the City and the DMB to keep downtown business owners and operators better informed. Earlier this year, City staff also worked with DMB staff to create a campaign targeting owners of vacant downtown locations to alert new tenants to contact the DMB before setting up shop. 

For more information contact the Downtown Orillia Management Board at 705-325-3261 or visit www.downtownorillia.ca.

-30-

Dan Landry
Manager of Economic Development
705-325-4900
dlandry@orillia.ca
 
Laura Thompson
Manager of Communications
705-325-8929
705-826-4399 (cell)
lthompson@orillia.ca