The City of Thunder Bay, along with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, will be hosting Biking Means Business—the first-ever Bike Summit taking place at the Da Vinci Centre on April 14. The key theme of the summit is “Attracting and Retaining Young Professionals.” The event will have several sessions, including a business breakfast with keynote speaker and an evening public forum.

“This Bike Summit is about sharing knowledge and helping our community learn how to attract and retain young professionals,” said Councillor Shelby Ch’ng. “It’s a chance for us to learn what young professionals in Canada want, what their needs are, and what they value, so that as we change, we are making deliberate choices, choices that position Thunder Bay as one of the best cities in Canada, and a city that attracts Canada’s best and keeps our brightest.”

The breakfast and keynote is geared towards employers, businesses, and developers. Dr. Markus Moos, a leading Canadian researcher on the changing economy of cities, will share his research on what professionals look for in a city and how cycling is at the heart of these changes. Guest speakers Jamie Stuckless, Executive Director, Share the Road Ontario, and Adam Krupper, City of Thunder Bay Mobility will talk about what Thunder Bay has done and where it needs to go to make cycling accessible for everyone.

The evening Public Forum is a public presentation that outlines what Thunder Bay has accomplished in cycling and why these developments are important to Thunder Bay’s economy.  This is followed by the Thunder Bay Cycling Club’s Spring Bike Expo. “This is a learning opportunity for decision-makers, employers, and community leaders who want to position Thunder Bay to attract the best talent and retain the talent coming out of our two post-secondary institutions,” said Adam Krupper, Mobility Coordinator for the City of Thunder Bay.

Interested residents are encouraged to attend. For more information, and to register, visit bikingmeansbusiness.eventbrite.ca