1. Why Choose Marathon to Locate Your Business?

2. Why Marathon? The opportunities. In Marathon, plenty of reasonably priced land is available for development, or take advantage of one of the many fully- serviced pre-existing buildings which are available. Marathon is the economic hub between Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie, making it a prime trading area. The location. Marathon is centrally located on Highway 17 in Ontario with proximity to major markets in the United States Midwest (including Minneapolis, Milwaukee and Chicago), as well as Southern Ontario (Toronto). Take advantage of Marathon’s transportation network. This includes major highway, freight rail, harbour, and airport access. The quality of life. Marathon’s quality of life is second to none. Its modern telecommunications infrastructure, excellent health and social services, retail shopping, abounding recreation opportunities, and its friendly people, make Marathon a genuinely unique community.

3. Strategic Location The Town of Marathon is strategically located on Trans Canada Highway #17, the primary land corridor linking Canada from east to west. United States border crossings at Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario (east) and Pigeon River, Ontario (west) are four hours away. Major U.S. Midwestern and Southern Ontario markets such as Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Chicago, and the Greater Toronto Area are located only 1200 kilometres/800 miles away. Marathon

4. Transportation Access A number of transportation options are available to ensure your business is competitive. Transportation options available include: major highway access, freight rail, municipal airport, and a deep water harbour.

5. Available Land There are a number and range of fully- serviced, commercial and industrial properties available for sale, lease or rent. If building is your preference, options are also available.

6. Competitive Business Costs Marathon has competitive business costs which will be an advantage to your business: Competitive industrial/commercial tax rates Competitive development costs Economical electric and water rates Excellent transportation network Low cost telecommunications

7. Skilled Labour You need well trained labour to establish or operate a successful business. And Marathon has just that. The majority of Marathon’s workforce falls in the 20 – 54 age category, and is well trained and highly skilled.

8. Prosperous Business and Industry Marathon has a number strong economic sectors that support the community. These sectors include: natural resource-based industry, manufacturing industry, retail, and health.

9. Growth Potential and Development A recent report by the Town of Marathon Economic Development Office illustrates current and future economic growth for Marathon in the sectors of mining, health services, wholesale and retail trade, business services, and value-added products/services. The Town of Marathon in partnership with Marathon Pulp Inc. is currently undertaking a feasibility study to determine the potential of constructing and operating a 20MW wind farm in Marathon. The Town of Marathon is currently undertaking a $5 Million dollar waterfront/marina development project. Recent $3.5 Million dollar upgrade to Wilson Memorial General Hospital. Proposed $2 Million dollar expansion to Marathon High School in 2004.

10. Lifestyle Marathon has an exceptional quality of life. It offers both residents and businesses alike excellent facilities, quality services, tremendous recreation opportunities, and a safe and friendly community with small town charm.

11. Amenities and Facilities Marathon has a number and range of community facilities to meet all your leisure and recreation needs. These include: indoor arena, public golf course, indoor swimming pool, indoor curling club, indoor bowling lanes, downhill and cross country skiing and snowmobile trails.

12. A Proactive Team The Town of Marathon Economic Development Team and senior administration work closely with you to help you build your business in Marathon. We foster a “how can we help” attitude.

13. Contact Us Daryl Skworchinski – Economic Development Officer – Town of Marathon Telephone: (807) 229-1344 Fax: (807) 229-1999 Email: edo@town.marathon.on.caedo@town.marathon.on.ca