EDCO Regional Economic Development Professional Development Event

Central Region

416 Centre Street South, Whitby, Ontario

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Register for the Whitby Event Here

Agenda

9:00 AM         Welcome 

9:15 AM         Session 1: Current and Future Trends of Economic Development

Micro-credentialing has become a popular approach to upgrading and transitioning skills in our workforce.  This session will explore this popular trend and the economic development implications for the future workforce.

Speakers:

Scott Henderson, Dean and Head, Trent University Durham GTA

Debbie Johnston, Dean, Centre for Professional and Part-time Learning, Durham College

10:30 AM       Break 1

10:45 AM       Session 2: Bringing Housing, Business Support Services and Connections to Downtowns

This session provide insight into the importance of housing and community connections in downtowns and the benefits to businesses. This session will also explore the implementation of the recent My Mainstreet Program in Whitby and Oshawa.

Speakers:

Christy Chrus, Manager of Creative Communities – discuss mixed use and residential projects and the funding uptake for leveraging a Community Improvement Plan

Placemaking and culture – bringing connections together

12:00 PM       Lunch Break & Networking

1:00 PM         Session 3: In-House Economic Strategy Development

In 2021, the Town of Whitby developed its first in-house economic development strategy. This session will explore the approach to developing a strategy, the process and lessons learned. The session also draws from the Region of Durham’s business retention and expansion practices for the local food sector in rural Durham.

Speakers:

Paul Pirri, Senior Manager of Economic Development – describe the experience gained and different approach to BR+E presented in this strategy

Lisa MacKenzie, Tourism Coordinator, Region of Durham

Allison Brown, Agricultural Economic Development Specialist, Region of Durham

2:15 PM         Break 2

2:30 PM         Session 4: Current and Future Trends of FDI

This session provides insight into the post-COVID business environment as it concerns foreign direct investment attraction. The session examines business expansions into Canada, new foreign delegation approaches and key factors when evaluating locations.  Innovation in Ontario will be explored in terms of locational advantages for businesses.

Moderator: Dennis Croft, CEO, 1855 Whitby

Panelists:

Daniel Hengeveld, Vice President, Investment Attraction, Toronto Global

Simon Gill, Director of Economic Development and Tourism, Invest Durham

Dan Ruby, Sector Manager of Automotive and Mobility, Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network

3:45 PM         Question & Answer Period from the day – EDCO representative

                       

4:00 PM Farewell & Thank you

Register for the Whitby Event Here

Accommodations:

Residence Inn Whitby by Marriott

September 13-14, 2022 EDCO Group Rate

Studio suite ( one Queen bed and a double bed pullout couch) -$179 + taxes 

Book your group rate for Economic Developers Council EDCO online or by calling 905 444 9756