Things are HIPP in Hanover! See our retention and attractions campaign, Hanover’s Innovative People Program (HIPP), an initiative by Hanover’s Economic Development team, to drive the recruitment and retention of people, business and investment to the community. It infuses creativity, culture and business with the tools to accelerate Hanover to the next level. It encourages people to make Hanover their own, by highlighting the cultural layers, business resources and career value.
“By leveraging creativity and culture to attract and retain people as key drivers of innovation and economic growth by implementing an attraction strategy for people, business and investment in Hanover,” said April Marshall, the Town of Hanover’s economic development manager, “we will stimulate positive growth that brings various stakeholders together to work collaboratively, showcase our strengths and centralize our efforts.”
With funding support from Ontario’s Rural Economic Development (RED) Fund, the goal is to speak directly to people who are looking for change, opportunity or enhancement of their current lifestyle. As a result, in consultation with BCHughes Inc., four campaigns were created under the HIPP umbrella.
“Supporting local jobs and development in rural communities like the Town of Hanover is a key part of our province’s economic recovery,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “Hanover’s new Innovative People Program is a wonderful example of how our investments through the RED program, are helping support initiatives that will address barriers to economic development, and better position rural communities for economic growth and job creation.”
“Innovation helps sustain communities and jobs,” said Bill Walker, MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound. “This RED funding will definitely benefit our rural region in such areas as cultural development, the skilled trades, entrepreneurship & youth retention and will result in more jobs in our area and across the province.”
HIPP Campaigns
HIPP Apprentice
Hanover is a huge advocate of youth in apprenticeship programs. In a partnership with Launch Pad to aid in our efforts to retain youth in our community, we will profile and build community apprenticeship opportunities, as well as promote the process and skills training, not only for youth, but for employers as well.
HIPP Entrepreneur
Hanover embraces people with big ideas and has super friendly programs that understand and respect the spirit of the entrepreneur. This campaign will emphasize business start up and expansion resources for entrepreneurs offered through the Community Improvement Program (CIP) and other area resources to attract new creative thinkers, businesses and investment.
HIPP Lifestyle
As regional centre in Grey County, Hanover prides itself on being a progressive and vibrant community. A hub for services surrounded by a rural landscape, within 90 minutes to major urban centres, Hanover is an exciting place to live. With a casino, horse raceway, microbrewery, a live music and theatre scene, as well as lots of recreational sports to keep you busy after your day job, we will position our great quality of life to attract new residents and workers to help fill jobs and the skills gap.
HIPP Culture
Check out our new Cultural matchmaker quiz. No, it’s not a dating site, per se. It is, however, a fun way to match your personality type with the cultural attractions within and surrounding Hanover. The goal is to give you opportunities to become more engaged with our community, through participation or volunteerism.
The Hanover Attraction & Retention Initiative strives to creatively engage youth, Hanover residents, young professionals and entrepreneurs by leveraging the Launch Pad Youth Centre, local cultural organizations, events, entertainment pairings and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Mayor Sue Paterson notes, “This exciting new initiative helps us reach the goals of several strategies.” She added, “It contributes to an environment that supports a thriving economy, enhancement of quality of life for residents, and increases community pride and social involvement. We invite you to be HIPP and come join us in Hanover.”