WHEREAS Economic Development Week is an international campaign created by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) to increase awareness for local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities, and increase the quality of life; and 

WHEREAS economic development is the programs, policies, and activities that seek to improve the economic wellbeing and quality of life for a community by creating and retaining jobs and providing a stable tax base; and 

WHEREAS during Economic Development Week, Smiths Falls businesses and residents are invited to attend networking events and programs to learn more about the services available to support local business growth; and 

WHEREAS economic development is a vital component to our success as an internationally competitive and supportive municipality for businesses; and 

WHEREAS we leverage strong partnerships with the Smiths Falls and District Chamber of Commerce, Smiths Falls Downtown Business Association, Small Business Advisory Centre, Valley Hartland Community Futures Development Corporation, and our other Economic Development organizations who work together with the Town to foster a thriving and prosperous community. 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT I, Shawn Pankow, Mayor of the Town of Smiths Falls, do hereby proclaim May 6th to May 10th, 2024 as Economic Development Week in The Town of Smiths Falls.