Terry Besner supports economic development in United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature Terry Besner uses her personal corporate and small business experi- ence to provide economic develop- ment support for local companies, while attracting new business to east- ern Ontario's United Counties of Stor- mont, Dundas and Glengarry (SDG) The SDG economic development and communications officer supports an economic development plan through the Regional Eastern Ontario Warden’s Caucus. Besner and her team look at local projects to ensure they gain the needed momentum, while ensuring they are co-ordinated effectively within the region to lever- age opportunities and avoid duplica- tion of efforts. “There may be incentive programs for retail opportunities where differ- ent chambers are examining op- tions,” she said. “If they are all looking for funding for instance, there are more opportunities and they have a stronger voice when they work to- gether.” Besner says the focus for eco- nomic development in her region has changed since she started working for SDG seven years ago, shifting from larger companies to small and medium enterprises. Social media has changed the mar- keting model. Besner turns to her ad- ministrative and communications assistant Shauna Baggs, who uses her background in municipal planning and development and will eventually add her expertise in social media to help get the word out. Both network extensively. “A lot of opportunities come out of the normal course of discussion, of people meet- ing people,” Besner said. “Part of our job is creating those opportunities so those discussions can take place.” She says regular meetings be- www.sdgcounties.ca 24 – Winter 2014 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report tween like-minded people generate great ideas and possibilities. Then there's a need for tools and protocols to measure and ensure the initiatives' success. Besner, who is studying to earn her professional economic develop- ment designation through the Univer- sity of Waterloo, acquires resources from the Economic Developers Asso- ciation of Canada (EDAC) and the Eco- nomic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO). The associations provide per- formance modules to deliver tangible results and the training and education to allow her to hone and further de- velop her skills. The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (SDG) SDG on the St. Lawrence Seaway shares borders with Quebec, the United Counties of Prescott and Rus- sell, the City of Ottawa, and the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville. It is equidistant to Montréal and Ottawa and is strategically lo- cated on Highways 401, 416 and 417. Besner says SDG offers business rural charm, economic advantages in- cluding existing infrastructure, effi- cient suppliers and one of the lowest cost locations in North America. She says the area has a fascinating history. Influenced by both French and English cultures, the region is home to significant heritage build- ings, sites and events. Today, she says SDG is noted as much for its Scottish festivals as for its active Fran- cophone community. “Situated on the St. Lawrence River, SDG is home to beautiful beaches, marinas, recreation trails and provincial parkland. Three hospi- tals, long-term health care facilities, excellent schools and clean, safe communities contribute to a high standard of living.”