Back to Search2017 continues to exude the momentum experienced throughout 2016 from a development standpoint. While we have been working hard with both new and existing businesses to diversify and grow the local economy, we have also been adjusting to a number of staff changes.
After a storied 28 year career with the City of Brantford, John Frabotta retired as Director of the Division in May of this year. John was instrumental in transforming the City’s economic base, cultivating productive working relationships with the business community and promoting the City as an ideal investment location to the global marketplace.
With John’s departure, the vacant Director position was filled by Kevin Finney, a long-time member of the economic development team who formally served in a development officer role. Kevin Dekok, a long-time member of the City’s Social Services Commission, joined the Division shortly thereafter. Given these changes, we wanted to take this opportunity to reintroduce the members of our team.
Kevin Finney, Director, Economic Development and Tourism
Kevin has been a valuable member of the Economic Development and Tourism Department since first joining the City back in 2004. Kevin has a wealth of experience in business attraction and retention coupled with practical knowledge and skills in land development. As Director, Kevin provides leadership and strategic direction toward the future development and growth of the City.
Robert Ham, Economic Development Officer
Robert has been a key member of the Economic Development and Tourism Department since 2001, first joining the team as an Information Officer to project manage new online and digital assets. Since 2004, Bob has overseen the City’s industrial business retention and expansion (BR+E) program, which provides business support services such as funding opportunities, training & development and location assistance to local business.
Kevin Dekok, Economic Development Officer
Kevin was a valued member of the Social Services Commission for the past 12 years in varying capacities, most recently as the Data and Communications Coordinator. In his development officer role, Kevin is responsible for marketing the City to both new and existing businesses to foster economic growth and community prosperity. Kevin augments his public sector service with broad private sector marketing experience.
Kim Petitti, Administrative Assistant
Kim began her career with the Department back in 2002 with the Business Resource Centre division and subsequently transitioned over to the Economic Development and Tourism Division in 2004. Kim provides administrative support services to both Divisions and is vital to the day to day operations of the Department.
Division Overview
The City of Brantford's economic development office works to facilitate a positive local business environment by focusing on attraction, expansion and retention initiatives. Specifically, our office concentrates on the following priorities:
- Encouraging business retention and expansion
- Facilitating development projects
- Fostering a positive business environment
- Managing the City's industrial land inventory
- Marketing the City to key stakeholders
- Providing economic and community information
For more information on the services and resources available through Economic Development, please contact us at:
Brantford Visitor & Tourism Centre
399 Wayne Gretzky Parkway
Brantford, Ontario, Canada
N3R 8B4
1-800-265-6299
519-751-9900
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