| For Immediate Release |
Monday, June 27, 2005 |
Toronto - FDI Magazine, a subsidiary of the Financial Times of London, awarded the Greater Toronto Area the distinction of the Top City Region of the Future, receiving top honours for Best Transport, Best IT and Telecom, Best Quality of Life and Best FDI Promotion Strategy. The announcement was released and published on May 17th in the U.S., European and world-wide editions of the Financial Times. ”We’re extremely delighted to have been recognized by such a prestigious publication, and particularly proud of the Best FDI Promotion Strategy category which speaks to the heart of the GTMA, and our ability and success in promoting the Toronto region internationally,” said Karen Campbell, President & CEO of the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance.
FDI Magazine is a premier publication for global businesses. The magazine is read by senior decision-makers across the spectrum of companies involved in overseas investment – from Pharmaceutical to Finance, and SMEs to multi-national corporations. On average, readers of FDI magazine represent company executives managing companies that have 10 offices across 7 countries, employing a worldwide staff of 4000 with turnover in excess of one billion dollars.
The GTMA’s submission was a clear winner of the FDI’s competition, according to a panel of judges which included corporate and location consultants, taking first place in four of the seven judging categories:
City of the Future
“With a population of five million people, the Greater Toronto Area is Canada’s largest and most diverse consumer and commercial/industrial marketplace. What makes it a Powerhouse, has much to do with its location…within a one-day drive of 125 million Americans – more than 40% of the US population.”
Best Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Promotion
“The GTA is well-promoted. The GTMA promotes the region to international audiences at trade shows, seminars, conferences and through targeted investment attraction missions and ‘pre-qualified meetings’ in Europe, the U.S, as well as India and Australia.”
Best Transport
“The Toronto Region is one of Canada’s major transportation centers. Its airports, major highways, seaports and rail services give the city’s business easy access to prosperous consumer and industrial markets.”
Best It and Telecoms
“The GTA is Canada’s premier business region, and telecoms play a key role. Broadband is available to 90% of businesses and households.”
Best Quality of Life
“There are many reasons why the GTA offers the best quality of life, cost and availability of housing…excellent healthcare facilities…leading educational institutions and its cosmopolitan nature with 44% of all immigrants in Canada settling in the Greater Toronto Area.”
“Competition for investments in both the States and Canada is fierce, and standing out over your competition is a tough task. We congratulate the GTMA on your success,” commented David East, Associate Publisher, Financial Times. Announcement of the GTA’s award and achievement appeared in a series of ads in the Financial Times Newspaper, as well as, published in the June/July 2005 issues of FDI that will be distributed at BIO 2005 and other major industry events.
This is welcome news for the GTMA, and validates the GTA competitive message that we have been promoting to the world’s business leaders in attracting new international investment to the region.
About the GTMA
The Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance (GTMA) is the primary marketing voice for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and is the key point of contact for prospective international investors looking to invest or locate their business in the region. Through its complimentary and confidential advisory service, the GTMA, with the resources of its public and private sector partners, provides essential business information and site selection services to help companies invest in the GTA. For more information visit us at www.greatertoronto.org.
Media contact:
Karen Campbell
President & CEO
416-360-3844
kcampbell@greatertoronto.org