(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – April 23, 2018): Students in Algoma University’s Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program will be presenting their ideas on how to attract foreign direct investment to Sault Ste. Marie area experts.

This past semester, students in the International Business Management course participated in a project focused on attracting foreign direct investment to the Northern Ontario city. Students collaborated with the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) to complete research on four sectors: digital information technology, energy, advanced manufacturing, and aviation.

The project required student teams to take the role of consultants and research the attributes and barriers facing Sault Ste. Marie in attracting foreign direct investment. Students also identified the needs of businesses in their assigned sectors and outlined the best strategies to attract businesses and foreign direct investment to the region.

“I’m proud of my students’ efforts,” said Adjunct Professor Larry Little. “Most impressive is the originality of their ideas in the final projects. The interaction with the experts and professionals that presented in class gave the students an opportunity to share with them their perspective as young adults, and to situate their research purposely and meaningfully.”

The top three student teams will present their findings to members of the EDC, SSMIC, and other sector experts. The following teams will present their findings at City Hall:

• Digital Information Technology: A Hub for Innovation: presented by Courtney Dukes, Reng Gum, Lauren Nanne, and Nikola Zorcic;
• Energy: A Business Attraction Strategy: presented by Holly Reynolds and Samantha Emerson
• Advanced Manufacturing: Attraction Strategy for Sault Ste. Marie: presented by Gabriella Bauer, Diana Stoker, and Heather Zayachkowski

The project has provided students with the opportunity to link theory with practice, network with potential employers, exhibit critical thinking skills, and showcase their research abilities and talents.

“It was a fun assignment to be a part of. It was nice to be able to network with professionals and to get advice and gain a stronger understanding about a growing sector (digital IT). As a local student, I really enjoyed analyzing our city and generating ideas that could actually be considered for implementation to bring change in the future,” said Lauren Nanne, a third year BBA student.

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