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3| The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,M arch 8,2018 theifp.ca Region chair Gary Carr didn't mince words when it came to talk about busi- ness in Halton. A region known for its wealth and economic sta- bility is underperforming in international exports, compared to the national average. Carr told the crowd at the unveiling of the Halton Global Business Centre that the new programs and supports available through the region will help make the region a global competitor. "Think of us as an ex- tension of your company," said Carr, explaining that he has been travelling to offices in the US who are distributors for Canadian businesses, as well as con- sular offices. Carr has a presentation that he makes to these po- tential partners that fo- cuses on what the Halon region has to offer a pro- spective company. "When I go through the presentation, they get a better understanding of what we're all about," he said. Carr noted that Halton has boasted some of the lowest crime rates in the country for 10 years, and has a strong, diversified local economy. He said that companies like Pricewaterhouse- Coopers, Siemens and Lowes look for areas where their employees will want to live when they set up offices. "If we can keep the busi- nesses successful, people will want to live here," said Carr. "We're going to have a reputation around the world." The Halton Global Business Centre, located in the lower floor of the Halton Region offices, of- fers supports, consulta- tion services and connec- tions to help small and me- dium sized businesses ex- pand outside of Canada. John Davidson, direc- tor of economic develop- ment with the region says that globally connected businesses on average have greater longevity and can pivot more easily in fluctuating markets. "We have a talented and increasingly diverse ex- pert labour force," said Da- vidson, explaining that the centre aims to harness local talent, "growing that next generation of global- ly competitive firms." Consultants also travel offsite to work with busi- nesses in the north end of Halton, holding sessions at the Milton Education Village Innovation Centre and the Georgetown li- brary. "We want to take the in- timidation out of going global," said Stephanie Mezhari, manager of en- trepreneurship services at the region. She said the Global Business Centre is a one- stop shop for small and medium sized businesses. "We think it will be a great asset for the Halton community," she said. NEWS Halton Region to help local businesses go global From left, Gary Carr, Stephanie Mezhari, and John Davidson at the grand opening of the Halton Global Business Centre in Oakville. The office is set to be a one stop shop for small and medium sized businesses looking to expand into global markets. Alexandra Heck/Metroland ALEXANDRA HECK aheck@metroland.com 72 Trafalgar Road, Hillsburgh. www.centurychurchtheatre.comCentury ChurchTheatre Media Partners Season Sponsors Jacqueline Guagliardi Erin Optimists Club Fri, Sat 8:00pm Sun 2:30pm $20 Box Office 519.855.4586 Not suitable for children PG14Fes tival E ntry Produced by kind permission of Samuel French Inc. Century Theatre Guild Fatal Attraction Bernard Slade AMystery-Thriller by Nick Forrow Directed by March 16-25 Be Part Of The Show You're invited to participate with our: • Businesses • Community Groups • Sports Organizations • MarketVendors The Show will feature: • Safe at Home in the Hills interactive displays • Live music and entertainment • Prizes • Food Meet your customers in person Get a booth now! Sponsorship OpportunitiesAvailable Mold-Masters SportsPlex Georgetown Friday,April 20 1pm - 8pm Saturday,April 21 9am - 4pm 2018 FREEADMISSION CALL FOR MORE INFO TODAY 905-877-7119 haltonhillschamber.on.ca GEORGETOWN LOCATION 185 Guelph Street ACTON LOCATION 374 Queen St. E. BRAMPTON LOCATIONS 9485 & 9521 Mississauga Rd. GEORGETOWN LOCA BRAMPTON LOCA 9485 & 9521 Mississauga Rd. HIPPITY HOP BEFORE IT'S GONE! For a limited time only. At participating McDonald's® restaurants in Canada. ©2018 McDonald's. CADBURY CREME EGG is a trademark of Mondeléz International group, used under license.