Is CEO of Pitt Meadows Economic Development. Contact her at kzanon@ thinkpittmeadows.ca

The focus and work by the development community, the City, and the Pitt Meadows Economic Development Corporation (PMEDC) is resulting in increased investment in Pitt Meadows.

The fall of 2012 saw two new large tenants sign deals to locate within the Golden Ears Business Centre, which will result in an additional 300,000 square feet of industrial space with construction beginning in 2013.

Two hundred to 300 jobs are forecast as a result of these new tenants.

In addition, inquiries from international companies looking for investment opportunities in agri-food production, aerospace, and light assembly manufacturing are also increasing.

Inquiries in 2012 were from companies in Europe and Asia.

The PMEDC team recently had an opportunity to provide a community tour for an international company.

Dignitaries were amazed by the number of opportunities that Pitt Meadows offers. This one visit has already resulted in additional investment inquiries for Pitt Meadows.

Every time the PMEDC team has an opportunity to showcase Pitt Meadows, the community always exceeds our visitors' expectations.

Big picture for 2013

PMEDC has a busy year planned for 2013 with activities and projects planned in each of our core service areas.

Those area include business retention and expansion, marketing and attraction, community outreach, and capacity building.

Here's a peek at some of our work-plan items:

. Expanding the business retention and expansion program - lots of valuable information comes out of these interviews with Pitt Meadows business owners and managers;

. Participating in regional transportation conversations;

. Plotting investment opportunities and projects on a dynamic mapping tool;

. Distributing and compiling results from a business survey;

. Continuing to implement the Invest North Fraser BC Jobs Plan projects;

. Identifying and coordinating business mentorship resources;

. Conducting a trade area and asset analysis;

. Rolling out enhancements to the www.thinkpittmeadows.ca website; and

. Supporting the implementation of the new inter-municipal business licence program.

So, as you can see, it's going to be a productive and exciting year.

If you have any questions about the work PMEDC is doing, the direction we're heading, or would like to contribute to our initiatives, we'd love for you to connect with us at 604-465-9481 or by email EDinfo@thinkpittmeadows.ca. Information is also available online at www.thinkpittmeadows.ca.