Sarnia-Lambton didn't win the big prize, but local officials say their Top7 standing at the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) will advance economic development. The 2019 Intelligent Community of the Year was announced in New York City Thursday with Taoyuan, Taiwan taking top honours. Delegates from Sarnia-Lambton met with over a dozen global corporations at the ICF Global Summit to discuss potential business opportunities in the area. Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership CEO Stephen Thompson said making the Top7 category is an outstanding accomplishment. "This recognition will help many local institutions on the journey to achieving their goals by providing opportunities for growth and the development of new partnerships," said Thompson in a news release. Chair of the Intelligent Sarnia-Lambton Taskforce, Chris Gould, said the community has made remarkable strides over the last several years. "Sarnia-Lambton being acknowledged as a global leader will positively impact everyone in the community," said Gould. "The designation, paired with our newly adopted Intelligent Sarnia-Lambton Strategic Plan, will help us attract, nurture, grow and diversify businesses and industries and enrich the quality of life of our residents." The strategic plan, adopted by Lambton County Council June 5, provides guiding principles to position the community to prosper in the rapidly changing new global economy. Sarnia-Lambton was previously named among ICF's Smart 21 communities worldwide from 2016 through 2019 before breaking the Top7 this year.
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership Chief Executive Officer Stephen Thompson. August 28, 2018 Photo by Melanie Irwin.
