Press Release
For Immediate Release
SSMEDC hire to focus on attracting business and investment
Sault Ste. Marie, ON (February 19, 2016) – The Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation (SSMEDC) recently hired a Manager of Trade, Investment & Community Marketing. Following a competitive recruitment process, Nevin Buconjic began in the position this week. The role is responsible for the development and implementation of international investment attraction programs, marketing strategies, and programs to attract and grow investment while fostering employment in key sectors.
“The SSMEDC has always worked to attract external business and investment to the community, and we’ve seen much success in these endeavours. The hiring of Nevin enables our organization to dedicate additional time and resources to these efforts,” said Dan Hollingsworth, Executive Director of Business Development for the SSMEDC. “Essentially, this position allows us to ramp up our investment attraction activity.”
The Manager of Trade, Investment & Community Marketing position enables the SSMEDC to implement its Invest Sault Ste. Marie initiative. The three-year investment attraction program is being made possible with funding from FedNor – Industry Canada and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation. The ultimate goal of the project is to generate more business startups, job opportunities and wealth generation for the community.
“I am excited to start begin this new position with SSMEDC and look forward to working with the team to further advance economic development projects and make a real impact within Sault Ste. Marie,” said Nevin. “Generating investment and employment opportunities is always crucial for the long-term sustainability of a community, and this is especially important given the Sault’s current economic challenges.
Nevin has a wealth of experience in business development and marketing. He spent the past decade working for the Province of Ontario as a Strategic Business Advisor with the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry and as a Northern Development Advisor with the Ministry of Northern Development & Mines. Prior to this, Nevin spent four years working as General Manager of Enterprise and a Small Business Advisor with the SSMEDC.
Along with his employment experience, Nevin is also a serial entrepreneur, having launched five different companies. As well, he is the author of two books on small business and the Founder of StartUP Sault Ste. Marie, a volunteer organization connecting new entrepreneurs with the small business resources available in the community. Nevin holds a Master of Business Administration degree, undergraduate degrees in Business Administration and Computer Science, and certificates in Economic Development and Internet Marketing.
About the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation
The SSMEDC supports existing businesses, along with current and aspiring entrepreneurs, and works to attract external businesses to the community. The overall goal of the organization is to help generate wealth, create and retain jobs, and increase the Municipal tax base. Between 2010 and 2015, SSMEDC activity generated 194 business startups and expansions, which led to the creation or retention of more than 1,700 jobs.