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We invite you to choose Perth County as a place to invest alongside the businesses that experience success in our thriving region. Our businesses enjoy a balance of being technologically advanced and globally connected while maintaining local roots.
We offer affordable development charges and land rates, modern infrastructure and a dedicated skilled workforce. Our entrepreneurial business environment is as progressive as it is diverse, with companies in manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, construction, information, telecommunications, tourism, business services, retail and cultural sectors.
Our residents take pride in our excellent quality of life. Perth County is a great place to invest and a wonderful place to live!
The Economic Development and Tourism Division works collaboratively with our municipal and community partners to assist existing businesses and prospective investors.
Email the Economic Development Team
Meredith Forget - Director of Economic Development and Tourism.
Meredith hails from Bruce County where she grew up the eldest of four. When she wasn’t antagonizing her siblings she was playing ringette and spending her summers at their family cottage in Point Clark. Meredith has a bachelor’s degree in Cultural Studies and English from Trent University. Meredith has worked across the province and Perth County by far is her favorite place to live work and play. Meredith and her husband Jason, with their children Jack and Eleanor in tow, love spending their time exploring all that Perth County has to offer.
Justin Dias - Economic Development Officer.
Justin has been working in economic development since 2013 and is excited to be part of the Perth County team. Justin is a graduate of both Western University and Humber College where he studied History, English and Public Administration. A lifelong learner, Justin continues to build his skills through pursuing studies and certifications through the Economic Developers Association of Canada and the Project Management Institute, including receiving his Project Management Professional (PMP) certification in 2021. An avid golfer, Justin looks forward to exploring the courses that Perth County has to offer as well as taking advantage of the County’s farm gates and markets to satisfy his love of cooking with fresh, local ingredients.
Ricky Zhao - Tourism Officer for Perth County.
Ricky joined the Economic Development & Tourism team in 2022 with a goal of building community. Since joining, he has taken on various roles, including positions in Economic Development and the Digital Service Squad. Ricky brings a diverse and unique skill set, with a background spanning education, finance, and economic development. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Financial Mathematics and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, and is currently completing his Master’s in Economic Development & Innovation at the University of Waterloo. Ricky is deeply passionate about his community and is dedicated to using his expertise to drive sustainable development and innovation.
Clara Leney - Tourism Officer for Perth County (On Maternity Leave).
Clara joined the Economic Development & Tourism team in 2024 and loves to build meaningful relationships and create unique experiences. Clara has a background in marketing and communications, hospitality, and entrepreneurship, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and International Development from Dalhousie University. When she’s not at work, you can find her exploring the Canadian backcountry in a canoe, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, gardening, and hanging out with her dogs.
Maggie Kerr - Transit Project Coordinator for Perth County (On Maternity Leave).
Maggie joined the team in 2020 with the goal of connecting Southwestern Ontario and alleviating transportation barriers for residents. Maggie holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Marketing Management from the University of Guelph. Maggie is passionate about marketing, community and making a difference; and is grateful for the opportunity to help improve the quality of life for residents in her very own hometown. When Maggie isn’t cheering on her favourite athletes, you can find her planning her next adventure and exploring the outdoors with her friends and family.
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