Contact: Gwen Manderson, Director of Strategic Initiatives, 905-771-5483, gwen.manderson@richmondhill.ca

Richmond Hill Promotes Economic Growth Through Twinning with City of Netanya in Israel

RICHMOND HILL – Today, Richmond Hill Mayor Dave Barrow and Netanya Mayor Miriam Fierberg-Ikar signed a Twinning Agreement between the Town of Richmond Hill and the City of Netanya to further enhance the economic and overall wellbeing of both communities.

Some of the key objectives of the new partnership agreement include:

• the exchange of information, experiences and ideas in respect to all aspects of culture, youth, heritage and sport through projects, social welfare, cultural, educational, recreational and/or commercial nature directed towards public and community life in both cities;
• the promotion of exchange visits by the citizens of Netanya and of Richmond Hill and their representatives, the development of tourism initiatives, as well as the active fostering of close and friendly contacts between citizens in both locations;
• the promotion of economic and business links between the City of Netanya and the Town of Richmond Hill that would eventually lead to the creation of commercial transactions and trading activities, the exchange of technical knowledge on how to improve the efficiency of service delivery, the business sector and commercial links between the two cities.

Prior to the signing, the Mayor and delegates met with Israeli business leaders during one-on-one meetings at the Poleg Industrial Park, home to some of the biggest technology companies in Israel including Cisco, HP and Silcom Israel, the largest telecommunications company in Israel.

“Developing strong ties with other high-tech communities is significant for both Richmond Hill and Netanya in cultivating a mutually beneficial relationship,” said Mayor Dave Barrow. “Richmond Hill is part of Canada’s largest technology sector. Both regions are leaders in the high-tech sector and this agreement will support our businesses to compete on a global scale.” The Town has actively engaged companies in Netanya who have plans to set up offices in Richmond Hill, providing them with the assistance they need to make a smooth transition.

Yesterday, the Mayor and delegates attended meetings in Matam Park, the largest and oldest high-tech business park in Israel. Heartbeat Technologies, located in Matam Haifa, has already set up an office in Richmond Hill and is conducting pilot projects with local hospitals including Baycrest Health Sciences and Southlake Regional Health Centre.

Thursday, the Mayor will meet with the Chief Scientist’s Office to further solidify relations. Additional business to business meetings will also take place. Connecting with potential investors and business leaders in Israel will generate economic growth in terms of new business investment, job growth and economic diversity in Richmond Hill for both the immediate and distant future.