The London Chamber in Partnership with the Cultural Community, advocates for important amendments to

Advocacy Win: The London Chamber in Partnership with the Cultural Community, advocates for important amendments to the City of London’s Strategic Plan
 

As the City of London develops and finalizes its new strategic plan to carry us through the next five years, the London Chamber of Commerce is watching with great interest and is providing its input to help ensure that the final version of the plan will be one which supports a strong economy and facilitates an environment where business and culture can thrive. Businesses cannot thrive and prosper without a thriving and prospering cultural community. Likewise, the cultural community cannot thrive and prosper without a thriving and prospering business community. The relationship is symbiotic. And tourism is essential to both communities. Essential!

Members of the London Chamber recently participated in a focus group with City staff about the proposed strategic plan, and while most felt that the plan as presented would move the City in the right direction, several suggestions and edits were offered to help make the plan even stronger.

On February 28th, London Chamber CEO, Graham Henderson attended City Council’s Strategic Priorities and Planning Committee (SPPC) to present the proposed edits that were drafted in collaboration with Pillar Nonprofit Network, Grand Theatre, Museum London, and other members of the business and cultural communities.

The Chamber is pleased to report that many (though not all) of the proposed changes were adopted. Some of the notable edits were:

• Adding the London Chamber of Commerce and Pillar Nonprofit to the list of mentioned key service partners of the City.
•  Including as one of the expected results that London is a regional center that proactively attracts and retains talent, business, and investment.
• Including as one of the strategies that we must use existing and create new assets in creative ways that support London’s profile as a destination for arts, culture, sport, and recreation.
• Making the language of the plan more inclusive in order to encompass more industries and sectors of the business and cultural communities.

There is still time for concerned businesses and citizens to make their opinions known to the City. The fact that the business, cultural and not-for-profit community stand as one on this presentation, should speak to the importance that we all together place on culture, creativity and the arts. From a business perspective, tourism together with a thriving, cultural and sporting tapestry is absolutely essential for growth and prosperity. 

To hear a full list of what was asked for, click here to view our CEO’s presentation to the City Council.