Skip to content

Baylor University to help and study North Bay's Economic Development

Baylor University teaming up with the City of North Bay
baylorUsept2015
Kevin Hutchison unveils the plan for the Baylor University and North Bay unique business partnership. Photo by Chris Dawson.

The city of North Bay and Baylor University have reached an agreement that will see the high profile U.S. based school have its students and the business program create a long term economic development plan for the city that is called a “Focus Firm.”  

The idea came from Kevin Hutchison, who is not only a member of the Invest North Bay Economic Development Group, but he and his brother Tim Hutchison, are Baylor alums. 

Kevin Hutchison made the presentation at city hall today explaining the two phase project will be run by four Baylor students. 

“The key outcome is, does it drive value in terms of a positive impact on job creation, public perception, and raise the visibility of North Bay on a global stage?” said Hutchison.   

The project is expected to start in November and be completed by the spring.  

North Bay Mayor Al McDonald says initiatives like this are the reason why they set up Invest North Bay eight months ago. 

“We wanted to tap into business leaders that have connections right around the world and Kevin Hutchison was able to do that,” said McDonald. 

“We have a lot of bright individuals who have connections around the world, Kevin is the first one out of the gate with this proposal and it's something we can be very proud of.  It is a significant gift to the city of North Bay and Baylor has worked with some Fortune 500 companies like Coca-Cola and HP, this is the first time they have taken a municipality on.”  

Guided by local alumni, Baylor’s graduate students will work alongside municipal, business and community leaders to create an accurate vision and identify strategic priorities that will act as a catalyst for progress, sustain and improve capacities and ideally foster job creation within the region.

“Economic development is more than just infrastructure, employment, and services,” said Dr. Gary Carini, associate dean for graduate programs at Baylor University in a release.  

“It is a strategic plan to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for a community. We are excited for the opportunity to connect our Baylor MBA students with the City of North Bay to study the competitive landscape for municipalities in the Ontario region.”

Hutchison says the students will put in close to 3,000 hours into this project.  

"I would say to get a major institution such as Baylor involved and more than 3000 hours devoted by the students, you would be north of seven figures just to get it off the ground," he said.  


Chris Dawson

About the Author: Chris Dawson

Chris Dawson has been with BayToday.ca since 2004. He has provided up-to-the-minute sports coverage and has become a key member of the BayToday news team.
Read more

Reader Feedback