Mayor Bryan Paterson says Kingstonians should expect "a big announcement very soon" about a new business opening up in the city.

"An international company is about to announce they’re coming to Kingston," Paterson said.

"Hopefully, it will be a matter of days when the announcement is made. KEDCO staff and city staff have been instrumental in it."

The mayor refused to reveal the name of the business, its area of manufacturing or how many jobs were in the equation.

He confirmed the company operated in one of the four business categories being targeted by Kingston — health care, defence, information technology or agri-food.

Paterson referred to the pending announcement during an interview with the Whig-Standard about recent criticisms of the Kingston Economic Development Corporation.

Last week, a group of local businessmen calling themselves Kingston First took out a half-page newspaper advertisement questioning KEDCO’s record of bringing new business to the city and its $3.1 million annual budget.

The ad showed KEDCO receiving more than twice the amount of public funding as development corporations in other cities.

Paterson noted that Kingston’s numbers include tourism marketing while those in other municipalities do not.

"I think it’s a great exercise to compare ourselves to other municipalities across the board. It’s important we at least make sure the numbers are roughly comparable. We do put our tourism numbers in," he said.

He pointed to the fact that KEDCO had made such a successful case to yogurt manufacturer Chobani that the company bought a plant here.

The deal fell through because of federal marketing board restrictions and delays.

"Chobani to the end was very positive on dealing with KEDCO and the city," Paterson said. "That’s definitely a positive sign. We had an international company locating in cities all over the world and they said Kingston was doing an excellent job."

Paterson also hinted at further business successes.

"I think we have some good news stories on the horizon," he said, "but there are valid concerns being raised."

Paterson said that during the coming fall budget process, he will be looking for more transparency from KEDCO, as well as "demonstrated value for tax dollars."

As a member of the agency’s board of directors, the mayor said, he was "happy with the information I’ve received."

paul.schliesmann@sunmedia.ca