OMAFRA’s Regional Economic Development Branch (REDB) re-launched its First Impressions Community Exchange (FICE) Program today. There have been over 200 First Impressions Community Exchanges completed since the Program pilot in 2005. The FICE is a highly effective and fun community assessment process that provides an opportunity for communities to gain a fresh perspective of how they are seen through the eyes of first-time visitors, potential business investors, or potential new residents. It helps identify priorities that lead to the development of action plans to improve a community’s ability to attract tourists, investments, businesses and create jobs.
What is your role in the Regional Economic Development Branch?
As an Economic Development Specialist, my
role is to promote and lead two of the Ministry’s programs: Business Retention + Expansion (BR+E) and First Impressions Community Exchange (FICE). Most importantly, my role is to help municipalities and rural stakeholders access these programs. Continue reading Staff Profile: Robert Humphrey→
The First Impressions Community Exchange program (FICE) facilitates an exchange between two communities who are looking for an unbiased “first impression” of a specific area of their community such as a downtown, tourism related infrastructure or an evaluation of their entire community.
A First Impressions Community Exchange (FICE) is a structured and cost-effective process that reveals the first impression a community conveys to potential visitors, investors and new residents. The results can serve as the basis for action plans to enhance or build on community strengths and address challenges. Continue reading Overview of the First Impression Community Exchange Program→
Regional Economic Development blog focusing on agriculture and rural economic development for Ontario
