By Marianne Matichuk
As the largest and most innovative mining centre in the world, Greater Sudbury’s real strength is in its global partnerships.
We all know the concentration of innovation and entrepreneurship in Greater Sudbury has resulted in the development of a mining services and supply cluster — more than 300 businesses strong — that is second to none. These companies are aggressive world traders doing business on a global scale.
Greater Sudbury has pioneered innovations in exploration, productivity, environmental responsibility and occupational health and safety. This wealth of experience and wisdom gives Greater Sudbury a global voice. It brings opportunity to our door.
There’s no better example of this than the flourishing partnerships between City of Greater Sudbury and the Canada Nevada Business Council, established during the MINExpo conference in Las Vegas I attended late last year.
Not long after, Frank Spady, the CEO of CNBC, Bob Groesbeck, vice-president Government Affairs/General Counsel, and Larry Scheffler, COO, were invited by me to visit Greater Sudbury and make connections with the city’s business and community leaders.
Initially attracted to Greater Sudbury as home to the largest integrated mining complex in the world, CNBC is now developing memorandums of understanding in health care, education and tourism, as well.
“The state of Nevada has a long and proud history in mining,” Bob Groesbeck said.
“Through Mayor Matichuk's leadership, we were able to experience first-hand why Greater Sudbury businesses are recognized globally as leaders in the mining supply and service sectors. That expertise, we believe, lends well to the needs of Nevada businesses in the mining sector and elsewhere.”
“It's a relationship we value and intend to promote aggressively going forward,” Frank Spady added.
Similarly, I had the opportunity recently to attend Toronto Region Board of Trade event at which I met dozens of business people with global reach. I have also met provincial officials about the city’s long-overdue Maley Drive project, and I have met and will continue to meet with leaders from other communities and even other countries to promote Greater Sudbury.
Being able to share with others the wealth of experience, acumen and opportunity in Greater Sudbury is one of the highlights of this office. As mayor, I’m prepared to knock on doors and make these connections.
As a city, we must be committed to fostering these new partnerships. We must be able to say, to ourselves and to potential partners: “We are here to help you realize your goals.”
Our growing reputation as the Silicon Valley of mining innovation is well earned. Our task now is to tell the world that we are open for business.
Marianne Matichuk is Mayor of the City of Greater Sudbury.
