To identify the needs of the community's existing businesses, including development opportunities, expansion and relocation, the Economic Development Division for the City of Hamilton will work closely with local businesses to provide them with assistance for future growth. "Economic Development is everybody's issue...We are the city that has growth potential," said Eisenberger. "We are the city who hasn't really grown out like Burlington, Oakville or Mississauga, and if we can grow our city properly, we will have one of the finest cities in the country, if not Ontario."

Director of Economic Development and Real Estate Division of the Planning and Economic Development Department, Neil Everson, presented guests at the breakfast with a review of the city's progress in 2007 to better highlight the city's positive shift.

Last year, the city broke the economic growth record with approximately $800,000 in building permits, a more than $100,000 hike from 2006. "That's a pretty positive trend," said Everson.

The city also reaped the benefits from the film industry, which had a $12-million economic impact on Hamilton. In addition, a number of new businesses located in the city and 682 jobs were created last year.

To further boost the city's growth, communities must focus on existing small- to medium-sized businesses, said Eisenberger, stressing that Hamilton's air, rail and port connections - as well as its growing airport - make it a perfect location for any industry. But, he added, the spotlight must also shine on the city's rural sector with its bountiful agricultural industry.

But no matter what industry currently operates out of Hamilton, the city is ready to tune into the demands of the local businesses in an effort to help boost the economy.

Sue Coverdale, Business Development Consultant of the Economic Development Division for the city, was on hand to connect with business owners. To help city officials better understand Flamborough businesses' needs, guests in attendance were asked to complete a questionnaire.

"We need a better idea and depth of knowledge in the community," said Jennifer Patterson of the City of Hamilton, noting that the city has devised tools to better gather information garnered by local businesses, which in turn will help identify trends.

"It's being proactive about what you need," she said.

Coverdale, a life-long resident of Flamborough, has been assigned the task of meeting with local businesses to assess individual needs. The information collected by the city will remain confidential. Business owners at the meeting were urged to complete the questionnaire and contact Coverdale for further information.

And it is "this kind of collaboration, cooperation and alignment, in terms of economic development, that is important to help strengthen our city," said Eisenberger.