The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) is being recognized internationally for the success of its Newcomer Connection Program.
The organization has been awarded a 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
SLEP CEO Matthew Slotwinski said the award, in the Economic Equity and Inclusion category, will be presented to them during the IEDC Annual Conference in Detroit, Michigan, September 14 to 17.
"The project itself had the objectives of stimulating economic growth by creating newcomer employment opportunities in sectors with the highest workforce demand," said Slotwinski. "Really, putting in place a variety of mechanisms, so that newcomers to the community can be engaged with employers, employment opportunities, and successfully integrate into the Sarnia-Lambton community."
The program ran from April 2023 to March 2024 and engaged with 469 job-seekers and 150 local businesses.
Community bus tours, equity, diversity, and inclusion trainings, and free immigration consultations were provided.
"We couldn't be more proud of the efforts of the team, [and] our community partners, to be able to have delivered upon a project that is being recognized internationally," Slotwinski said.
The program led to the successful creation of 70 job opportunities during the year it operated.
While it has concluded, Slotwinski said SLEP continues to build on its impact by supporting permanent residents through the ongoing Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Hub and helping all job seekers across the region through its Career Accelerator and the Explore Talent Portal.
"The Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Hub is a relatively new program that has been developed and implemented just this year, but will operate over the next two and a half years to support newcomers," Slotwinski said. "The career accelerator program, is one where there are a limited number of seats for potential participants, but is again, available for all job seekers across Sarnia-Lambton and will be in place for the next two months."
Slotwinski said the Explore Talent Portal is a long term initiative, initially created to support newcomers to the community.
"But, we've found the need to be able to support job seekers of all types across Lambton County," he said. "That Explore Talent Portal is one that will be active in the long term that we hope will see continued and heightened engagement from both job seekers, as well as employers."
Slotwinski said the recognition is "a reflection of the dedicated work of Cari Meloche (and economic development officer at SLEP), the project team, and the community partners.”
IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle said the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership has set an example of leadership in advancing economic equity and inclusion with its program.
"IEDC is proud to recognize their efforts and highlight the significant impact they have had in strengthening opportunities for newcomers and building stronger communities," said Ohle.