Welcome to the Invest in Middlesex March 2025 Newsletter. This quarterly e-newsletter has been designed for local businesses, prospective investors and our economic development partners. | |
Making it in Middlesex: Stories of Business Success in the County | Baribeau Construction, Dorchester
Middlesex County is filled with small businesses, many family run, that were established decades ago and have continued to grow, support and provide the foundation for the local economy. A great example of one of these businesses is Baribeau Construction, located in Dorchester, Thames Centre. Specializing in non-residential construction projects, they provide a wide range of services for industrial and commercial renovations, additions and new builds.
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Middlesex County Tariff Information and Resources
Amid tariff discussions and policy changes, Middlesex County is maintaining an up-to-date inventory of articles, resources, announcements, and supports that businesses and community leaders can tap into to stay on top the tariff discussion. These can be found here on our Invest in Middlesex website - Updates and Resources on Canada-US Tariffs.
The Middlesex County Economic Development team has also just launched a Business Retention & Expansion initiative. You can keep an eye out for information on this on our Invest in Middlesex social media channels, or email dmakrakos@middlesex.ca for more information for how you as a local business can participate.
Tariff Updates and Resources
| | | A Middlesex Gem: Doug and Marion's Bike and Repair Shop | | |
Nestled in the heart of Strathroy, Doug and Marion's Bike Sales & Repairs is a family-owned business that has been the go-to destination for cycling enthusiasts in the area for over 35 years. Offering a wide selection of bicycles from renowned brands like Norco, Haro, and Genesis, they cater to riders of all kinds, from beginners to seasoned pros.
In addition to their impressive bike inventory, Doug and Marion's pride themselves on their exceptional service department. Whether you need a quick tune-up or a major repair, their expert team provides free, no-obligation estimates and ensures that every job is done right the first time. They also offer flexible walk-in service, accommodating riders in need of immediate fixes, and scheduled appointments for those who prefer planning ahead.
With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Doug and Marionβs is the trusted name in bicycle sales and repairs in Strathroy. Stop by and experience their personalized service today!
Doug and Marion's
| | Middlesex County Launches Business Retention and Expansion Initiative | | |
Middlesex County is excited to announce the launch of our Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) initiative, a proactive program designed to support and strengthen the local business community. This structured approach aims to foster job growth, address business needs, and enhance the economic vitality of our region. We invite businesses from every industry and sector to participate.
The BR&E program is more than just a survey. Itβs a chance for local businesses and government to connect so that we understand their challenges and opportunities, helping us develop targeted action plans to support them better. By engaging with existing businesses, we can prioritize efforts that retain jobs, encourage expansion, and improve the overall business climate. Studies show that 76 to 90 percent of new jobs come from existing businesses, making them the backbone of our economy. Through this initiative, we aim to build stronger relationships, provide an early warning system for potential issues, and connect businesses to valuable resources they may not yet know about.
Participation is easy and flexible. While multiple methods of participation are available, we encourage in-person discussions, as they allow for deeper conversations beyond the preset survey questions, giving you the chance to share insights that matter most to your business.
The BR&E process will involve confidential interviews conducted by a team member from Middlesex County Economic Development as well as a local Municipal staff. Any strategic planning initiatives to address the needs of the business community, as guided by the results of the consultations, will be shared with Municipal government, County government as well as the business community. This initiative is a collaborative effort, harnessing the expertise of local leaders and organizations to ensure meaningful outcomes. Whether youβre a small startup or an established company, your voice matters, and your participation can help us create a stronger, more resilient and more competitive Middlesex County.
Ready to get involved? Follow the links below to select your a time that works for you.
In-person meeting times for businesses from Adelaide Metcalfe, Strathroy-Caradoc, Southwest Middlesex and Village of Newbury: https://calendly.com/dmakrakos-middlesex/in_person_meetings_day_1
In-person meeting times for businesses from Lucan Biddulph, Middlesex Centre and North Middlesex: https://calendly.com/dmakrakos-middlesex/in-person-meetings-day-2
In-person meeting times for businesses from Thames Centre: https://calendly.com/dmakrakos-middlesex/in_person_meetings_day_3
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Virtual meeting times available: https://scheduler.zoom.us/demetri-makrakos/middlesex-county-bre-meeting
Survey Option: If you are unable or not interested in participating in an in-person or virtual BR&E meeting, but would still like to fill out a survey, email dmakrakos@middlesex.ca.
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Exciting News: Updated Invest in Middlesex Guide Released for 2025
We are thrilled to announce the release of the updated Invest in Middlesex Guide for 2025, a comprehensive resource designed to help investors and entrepreneurs make informed decisions about relocating or starting a business in our vibrant county. Whether you're a business looking to expand, an investor seeking new opportunities, or an entrepreneur ready to establish your venture, this refreshed guide is the essential tool to navigate the economic landscape of Middlesex.
We invite you to explore the updated Invest in Middlesex Guide and discover the wealth of opportunities Middlesex County has to offer. With our thriving community, strategic location, and strong support for business growth, Middlesex remains the ideal place to invest in the future.
To access the full Invest in Middlesex Guide 2025, click here Investors Guide.
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Check out the Middlesex County Economic Development and Tourism 2024 Year End Summary
As we close out another successful year, we invite you to explore our Year-End Review Summary. This report highlights key milestones, achievements, and growth in Middlesex County over the past year. From business expansions and infrastructure developments to new partnerships and community initiatives, it's all covered in one comprehensive summary.
ο»ΏStay informed about the progress we've made and the exciting opportunities ahead. To read the full Year-End Review Summary, click the link below.
ο»ΏRead the Year End summary here
| | Available Property - Adelaide Metcalfe | | |
24637 MELBOURNE RD, Adelaide Metcalfe
This unique commercial/light industrial/residential property offers great potential for investors or owner-occupiers, with an income potential of over $135,000 per year. Located on a high-traffic area of County Rd 9, just 4 km southwest of Strathroy, the property includes three buildings totaling 7,600 SF on 0.859 acres, with room to expand.
The property is well-maintained and includes key services such as natural gas, 3-phase hydro, fiber optic internet, and ample parking. Zoning permits a wide range of uses including light manufacturing, retail, automotive services, offices, and more. Situated in a strategic location with easy access to London, Sarnia, and major border crossings, this is a prime opportunity.
| | Attract More Visitors to Middlesex County with Visit Middlesex Sponsorship! | | |
Are you a tourism operator, community organization, or local municipality looking to create exciting new experiences that draw visitors from outside Middlesex County? Visit Middlesex is offering sponsorship opportunities to help you develop attractions and events that boost our local economy, increase regional awareness, and showcase what makes our community unique.
This sponsorship is designed to foster partnerships and support initiatives that drive tourism dollars into Middlesex County by attracting new visitors from beyond our borders. Events intended solely for local audiences do not qualify for funding, as our focus is on tourism-based initiatives that expand our reach and economic impact.
Funding Details:
- New events & experiences: Up to 50% of the cash budget (max $2,500 per project)
- Recurring events: Max $1,000 per project
- Total sponsorship per operator/organization per year: Max $5,000
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Attention Tourism Businesses! We need your flyers and postcards π°
Visit Middlesex has visitor racks in libraries and other select locations across the County showcasing tourism businesses and events in our area and we want to ensure we're providing residents and visitors with a variety of information and places to check out. If you have any print material like a brochure or rack card that you would like to see in the hands of our residents/visitors, please contact us at info@visitmiddlesex.ca.
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Middlesex County is conducting a comprehensive assessment of inter-community transit services in the County and has retained Left Turn Right Turn Ltd. (LTRT), a third-party consulting firm, to lead the assessment. As part of this assessment, LTRT is conducting a public survey on the Middlesex County Connect and Strathroy-Caradoc Inter-Community Transit routes serving municipalities in Middlesex County and surrounding areas.
ο»ΏMiddlesex County Connect routes include:
- Route 1: Lucan, Ilderton, Arva, and London (weekdays only)
- Route 2: Woodstock, Ingersoll, Putnam, Dorchester, and London (weekdays only)
- Route 3: Dorchester, London, St. Thomas, and Southwold (Monday to Saturday)
Strathroy-Caradoc Inter-Community Transit connects Sarnia, Strathroy, Mt. Brydges, Komoka, and London (Monday to Sunday)
The survey, open until March 21, 2025, is crucial for assessing the needs of our communities. Your feedback will help ensure that our transit services effectively serve those needs, whether or not you have used the service.
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Are you, or do you know the perfect candidate to join our team? We are looking to hire two amazing Summer Interns β an Economic Development Intern and a Tourism Intern. If you are between the ages of 18-30, have access to your own vehicle and have always wanted to work in the Economic Development or Tourism field, follow along on our social channels and be ready for the two exciting postings that are coming soon!
To see all Middlesex County employment opportunities visit the link below.
Click Here for More
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