We are very proud to announce that Norfolk County was awarded the #1 Place To Invest in Ontario; and #2 Place to Invest in Canada - by ReNew Canada Magazine:http://renewcanada.net/2010/canadas-best-places-to-invest/.

The Revitalize Norfolk Forum (RFN) is a group of citizens from Norfolk County who have the support of Norfolk District Business Development Corporation and The Simcoe & District Chamber of Commerce and the generosity of other individuals, businesses and local government. The goal has been to explore and act as the renewal “engine” for responsible and dynamic redevelopment;  and to broadcast that Norfolk County has the talent, resources and drive to be one of the best areas in Canada to live, work, play and invest in!

 The “10 best Places To Invest in Canada Award” recognition acknowledges the rich past of Norfolk and predicts a promising future. But, the efforts do not end with the recognition. There is more to do: ideas to explore, partnerships to be built, governments to be engaged at all levels, etc. This Forum is committed to act as the engine for redevelopment in Norfolk. You can be a valuable contributor to a greater future.

 Background

 Why did Norfolk County win this award?

 The survey questions are listed below.

1. RENEWAL URGENCY Our citizens feel strongly motivated to boost our economy, enhance our quality of life, and improve our environmental health?
2. RENEWAL VISION Our community has a widely-shared, clearly-described vision of the characteristics we wish to add, delete, change, and preserve?
3. RENEWAL CULTURE Our community has revitalization-friendly policies, regulations, building codes, zoning, and incentives to attract and support desirable investors/ redevelopers?
4. RENEWAL PARTNERING We effectively partner with the private sector, and with other levels of government?
5. RENEWAL ENGINE We have a permanent public-private organization to initiate, accelerate, and/or perpetuate our revitalization?
6. ENGAGE vs. IGNORE We effectively engage all stakeholders in major public or private projects affecting our future?
7. INTEGRATION vs. ISOLATION We manage our natural, built, and socioeconomic environments in an integrated manner?
8. DEWEALTH vs. REWEALTH Our economic growth is based less on dewealth (developing raw land, demolishing historic buildings, depleting natural resources) and more on rewealth (redeveloping properties, renewing buildings, restoring natural resources)?
9. RENEWAL LEADERSHIP Our leaders effectively and transparently promote rapid, resilient renewal and de-emphasize sprawl?
10. RENEWAL MOMENTUM Our community is already revitalizing. Our economy, quality of life, and environmental health have all been getting better in recent years?

We won our award through our documenting, in the submission,  that recognized that Norfolk is rich in the resources, talents, culture and community that are att