Relocating into the Centre for Engineering Innovation will further its work to attract and grow businesses in the region, says the WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation.

The economic development agency and its WindsorEssex Small Business Centre will move into the building at the corner of Wyandotte Street and California Avenue this weekend.

“The WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation looks forward to the opportunity of moving to this regional address and to continue partnering with the University of Windsor and St. Clair College on a number of initiatives,” says spokesperson Lana Drouillard. “We will work with them to leverage their comprehensive research for strategic planning purposes as well as focus on building the talent pipeline that will continue to ensure our region remains competitive globally.”

She says a robust economy depends on creating a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. The agency’s new location, adjacent to the UWindsor Faculty of Engineering and the Odette School of Business, will facilitate its collaboration with key community stakeholders.

UWindsor President Alan Wildeman says the combination of academics, business, industry and agencies will make 700 California Avenue “an address for innovation.”

“Our University is fully committed to being a hub for the manufacturing sector and for industry and business across our region,” he says. “We welcome the addition of the Economic Development Corporation as a partner in creating a regional address that business and government can point to as the place to go for ideas and innovation that could support investment in our community.”