"AWAKEN THE GIANT"

A comprehensive plan to revitalize Thunder Bay and realize our true potential

Pullia's Economic Vision and Action Plan

As Councillor at Large, I will help initiate a multifaceted action plan to revitalize Thunder Bay. This action oriented plan will help create opportunities for our young people, good paying jobs on which to raise a family, and bring back vitality, pride, and prosperity. My years of work with small, medium, and large companies in the city and region, plus my vast experience in economic development, business, and labour, give me the knowledge and expertise to implement this forward-thinking action plan. 

The difference between Pullia's Plan and the Community Strategic Plan 

This plan provides a link between the Community Strategic Plan and the City's Corporate Plan. It will build on the broader Fast Forward Community Plan and through an inspired Council move quickly towards achieving the clear, realistic and measurable objectives that I will help set for each year. These goals are:

How are we going to accomplish this:

We CAN do so by uniting the new Council behind ONE VISION, ensuring that mutual cooperation and respect are the fundamental premises on which we stand in serving our community.

We CAN do so by creating new economic opportunities and growth, and create.. good paying jobs.. on which to raise a family.

We CAN bring back.. financial accountability.. to ensure that we, the taxpayers, are getting value for our tax dollars, and the municipality is able to maintain the services and infrastructure needed for a GREAT quality of life.

We CAN play a leadership role in the region, and work in full partnership with the provincial and federal government, especially in ensuring that we have the health care professionals that we need.  

We CAN initiate a process of renewal for our community through open communication and inclusion for all the people of Thunder Bay.   

Solutions

These are ambitious goals, but very much needed. Here is why! The rest of the province is booming, so should we! While there are pockets of growth in certain sectors, the overall economy of Thunder Bay is in decline.

It should be obvious to anyone that the time for more studies is over. It's now time for action! It's time for leadership and vision that will appeal to our young people and give them a reason to stay.

This will be accomplished through the following 10-action items:

  1. THUNDER BAY FIRST POLICY
    A policy that will develop our economic base by calling upon the expertise of our own employees, local consultants, contractors, suppliers, etc. rather than a policy of outsiders first.
     
  2. ATTRACT INVESTMENT
     Reduce red tape and control bureaucracy     to facilitate investment. Make City Hall one-stop for investors. Market Thunder Bay to the world through a "Thunder Bay Ambassadors" initiative, through former citizens who are successful elsewhere and maintain links to the city. 
  3. EXPORT DEVELOPMENT
    We must revitalize and build our export potential to international markets, by enhancing the U.S. Midwest and Northwestern Ontario relations. Build the Information Technology industry, and take further advantage of our prime location in the centre of the continent (also a good way to keep our young people). Develop a "Team Thunder Bay" approach.
  4. RESEARCH, INNOVATION AND HEALTH CARE
    Further support our Technology Centre, research and development programs at Lakehead University (i.e. DNA Lab and ATAC building) and Confederation College (i.e. Aviation and other innovative programs). Enhance our ability to attract and retain doctors and other health care professionals through the new hospital and Northern Medical School. Further expand the Biotech clustering concept and help create new, good paying jobs.
  5. PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY
    Build meaningful relationships with the Aboriginal community through win-win business alliances in the areas of native arts and crafts, eco-tourism, financial services, housing, education, and health.
  6. TOURISM
    Improve tourism by beautifying the city, developing the waterfront, and developing regional marketing partnerships
  7. TRAINING
    Work closely with training boards and education institutions to develop the skill-sets needed in a changing economy. Develop proactive programs to match labour resources to employers' needs.
  8. TASK FORCE ON POVERTY
    Re-establish the task force to ensure that proper attention is given to the homeless, disabled, and others who are in need of help.
  9. STRATEGY OF INCLUSION & COMMUNICATION
    To ensure transparency of action (accountability) and two-way communication with the community.
     
  10. ADVISORY BOARDS
    Form advisory groups comprising of retired private and public former executives and leaders of our community, to advise Mayor and Council on the long term strategies for the city.
     

During the coming weeks I will elaborate more on the above Plan. In the mean time, please feel free to e-mail me at frank@frankpullia.com or phone 474-8294 if you have any questions about the plan, or would like to discuss any other topic.

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