"A city is measured by the strength of its business community and I want you to know you have a champion in the mayor's office," she says.

The Mayor listed four areas of focus:

• investing in transit and transportation
• maintaining a thriving local economy
• fostering a culture of innovation
• maintaining strong civic leadership

Mayor Crombie says the city is well positioned for economic growth.

There are 60,000 businesses employing 400,000 people; 750,000 residents who speak 20 different languages; a talented and skilled workforce where two thirds have received post secondary education; 63 Fortune 500 companies, and an airport that provides a gateway to the world. She says Mississauga is a net importer of jobs with a GDP of $40 billion. With 23 million square feet of office space, Mississauga now has office development outpacing residential development.

On transit and transportation Mayor Crombie says gridlock is costing $6 billion annually in productivity. She says we need to invest in building a regional strategy -first by completing the north/south the LRT along Hurontario Street connecting Mississauga and Brampton.  And, she says, two-way Go service is also critical to future growth.

"We are 25 years behind where we should be on transit."

On economic development she pledges to create a global business magnet, where Mississauga can effectively compete in the global marketplace.

"We need to be retaining and attracting domestic and international business. We will work with MBOT and business leaders to determine who we need to meet to better serve our community. We need to capitalize on our strengths- diversity and skilled workers -  and focus where we are strong in manufacturing, life sciences and information and communications technology."

Mayor Crombie talks about creating an innovation eco system, building on the work of MBEC, UTM and RIC Centre, providing support and leadership to build a hub for new ideas. To that end she will launch a Mayor's Taskforce on Innovation to determine the best approach.

Mayor Crombie says she understands the challenges facing business today and promised that the voice of business would be heard at city hall. 

Mayor Bonnie Crombie at MBOT AGM 2014