In April of 2008, the Economic Development and Real Estate Division launched its "Hamilton Calling" program. Since then, the division's Business Development Officers have been meeting with Hamilton's top employers and engaging them in a comprehensive 90 minute survey. The survey's 40 questions cover everything from growth and expansion plans, labour needs and research and development investments to opinions about city taxes, planning processes, infrastructure and development charges. An aggressive target of 250 companies has been established for the remainder of the year and the division hopes to reach at least 400 businesses in 2009.

The latest technology is also being used to assist in this work. The first is the Synchronist System. This is an internet based software tool designed to organize, analyze and report company information derived from an intensive 2 hour interview. The greatest benefits being that it provides incredible insight into the dynamics of the local economy by identifying companies with the best growth potential, by predicting companies at risk, and by measuring a city's strengths & weaknesses in comparison to other municipalities. The second investment was Sales Force which is a web based Contact Resource Management (CRM) tool that streamlines customer relationship management. Sales Force enables staff to build detailed profiles on our local companies and international contacts and then immediately connect them to important economic development initiatives (i.e. trade mission, new funding programs, etc.) related specifically to their business.

This program has already had an immediate effect for one Hamilton company. Sunrise Metals is an international recyclable metal wholesaler and distributor who was recently looking to expand its Canadian operations.

"This program not only came along at the perfect moment for my company, but played a large role in helping it grow," says Amandeep Singh Kaloti President of Sunrise Metals. "Economic Development staff were attentive to my business needs, introduced me to key contacts at the Port Authority where I eventually relocated, and helped make for a very smooth transition."

Sentiments echoed by the Hamilton Port Authority. "Hamilton Calling yields results for business in Hamilton," said Port Authority Vice-President of Marketing and Business Development Ian Hamilton. "Through a connection facilitated by Economic Development, Sunrise realized the opportunity for operational efficiencies provided at the port and the move reflected the port's strategy to develop throughput cargo flows and short sea services."

If your business would like to be part of the Hamilton Calling program call the Economic Development & Real Estate Division at (905) 546-2424 Ext. 4222 or email us directly at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it