The GTMA represents the 25 communities and 4 regional municipalities contained within the GTA, and on behalf of its regional partners promotes the GTA's investment value proposition to international investors Regions: Toronto, Durham, Halton, Peel, and York.
History
In 1997, former President of the Toronto Board of Trade, George A. Fierheller became the Founding Chair of a new organization "sponsored by the Mayors and Regional Chairs Committee led by Mayor Hazel McCallion and Mayor Gordon Krantz, and an ad hoc group of the 29 Boards of Trade and Chambers of Commerce in the Greater Toronto Area ". They named this new organization 'The Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance' and announced that its directive would be to "expand the economy of the Greater Toronto Area by raising the profile of the region internationally to attract new investment and employment". In 2002 George A. Fierheller retired as Chair of the GTMA. Renato Discenza served from 2002-2005, followed by David Gavsie from 2005-2007 The current chairman is Lou Milrad
Corporate Structure
The GTMA was established as a Public-Private Partnership often known as a PPP. The GTMA receives about 60% of its funding from government, the majority from member municipalities who contribute the bulk of the government support, with the provincial and federal levels making up the rest. The remaining 40% of the GTMA's operating budget comes from the private sector. The GTMA is governed by a 24 member board of directors from both the public and private sector.
Mission
The GTMA's mission and mandate is to expand the economy of the Greater Toronto Area by raising the profile of the region internationally to attract new investment and employment. The GTMA's mandate is to provide all-encompassing services to investors interested in the Greater Toronto Area and to ensure that the Greater Toronto Area is positioned internationally as a preferred business location.
Services
Prospective investors working with the GTMA receive support and guidance from human resource consultants, financial and legal advisors, and commercial/industrial real estate professionals. They also benefit from key contacts with corporate executives and senior government officials. In addition, the GTMA regularly hosts events to promote collaboration between various local and international companies, government organizations, foreign consulates and boards of trade. Notable examples include the GTMA's International Leaders Breakfast Club and the GTMA's Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament
GTMA Publications
The Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance periodically undertakes key industry sector studies and research that profile the GTA and develop GTA-wide regional data useful for both local and international organizations.
