How do we get people to come to Durham and Stay in Durham?

Nancy’s group discussed existing events, venues, promotional tools, and build on what we have.

We need to promote a regular winter event.

Recognize the manufacturing based foundation / culture in our communities and build on this.

Branding our region: How can we promote the region to people passing through our region?

Continual re-training of staff and workers – Business Advisory Centre of Durham Region needs to be expanded to support the entire region.

Youth retention – opportunities exist at College / Universities / apprenticeships.

Communications:

-Social integration of Durham as a community. -Promote the region through social marketing. -Promote the region at community centres, rinks, -Monthly event calendars for festivals and events to be distributed across the Region.

Ideas that came out of the group included:

Authentic communications / experiential content.

Culture: we need a Regional Cultural Plan for the Region.

How can we let people express themselves in an inclusive / accessible way?

Local flavour, but regional identity.

Awareness, pride, and community spirit

The need for a regional, cultural hub.

Break down barriers.

Ideas discussed:

-Celebrate Durham in a one week event – create a destination for people to gather / visit.

We need a strong brand, connect urban and rural communities.

Eliminate red tape: create more networking opportunities.

Celebrate our achievements – use communications tools to celebrate the positives in our communities!

Build on what we have – grassroots / and build strong regional networks.

Packaging and partnering is important.

Provide an incubator / farmer’s market / hub.

We need a champion to lead this.

Re: SMEs (Small and Medium Sized businesses)

1-Education 2- Money: financial support 3 -Services: need resource support.

How can we create “open doors”?

Collective Durham Thinking. Building pride / cultural ambassadors to promote the region.

Gap: how do we engage the youth?

What does engagement look like? Take the fine arts to the plowing match! Mix it up.

Remove competition – and make it community.

Culture: AOT needs to continue. It needs to transition and be a part of the artistic communities – keep the story going – keep it alive!

Marion’s group suggested the creation of a major signature event for emerging artists.

The group discussed the need for a major piece of public art in each access route to the region such as the 401 entrances.

Re: Small / Medium Sized Businesses

The group created STAN: and the idea that we need ongoing gatherings for the creative community / also recorded live to be broadcast via internet.