EDCO Awards of Excellence

The EDCO Awards of Excellence is an annual program that recognizes the innovative, collaborative and distinctive work that economic development teams are doing across the province.

About the Awards 

Award recipients become economic development best practices of the future and are viewed as leaders in economic development and often asked to present their efforts and accomplishments at speaking engagements including the EDCO Conference and Showcase. 

All entrants receive feedback from expert judges on their entries. Winners in each category are eligible to receive the Lieutenant-Governors' Best of Show Award for outstanding effort in economic development. Past award winners have found the recognition very useful within their own communities. 

The EDCO Awards of Excellence celebrate the innovative projects, partnerships, programs, and leaders shaping the future of economic development across Ontario. Open to municipalities and organizations undertaking economic development initiatives, the program recognizes excellence in areas such as business attraction and retention, workforce development, tourism, strategic planning, rural economic development, city building, and leadership.
Submitting an application is an opportunity to showcase your community's achievements, elevate local success stories, and gain recognition among peers from across the province. Award recipients are recognized as leaders in economic development and their award-winning initiatives often become examples of best practices that inspire communities throughout Ontario.

All applicants receive valuable feedback from a panel of experienced judges, providing insight that can strengthen future projects, programs, and initiatives. Finalists and winners benefit from increased exposure, provincial recognition, and the opportunity to highlight their accomplishments to community stakeholders, partners, and elected officials. Winning entries are also eligible for the prestigious Lieutenant Governor's Best of Show Award, recognizing exceptional achievement in economic development.

The 2026 EDCO Awards of Excellence application period is now open. Submit your entry by October 16, 2026.

Visit the EDCO Awards of Excellence website for application details, award categories, eligibility requirements, and submission guidelines.

We are proud to launch the EDCO Award Winner Spotlight Series, a special collaboration between Hyper Local Podcast and the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO).

Over the coming months, Mason Ainsworth with Hyper Local: Economic Development in Ontario – Podcast. will sit down with recipients of EDCO's Awards of Excellence to uncover the stories behind their award-winning projects, the challenges they overcame, and the impact they're making in communities across Ontario.

Award-winning ideas. Real community impact.

Stay tuned as we spotlight the leaders, innovators, and changemakers shaping the future of economic development. New episodes Tuesday's and Thursday's weekly.  

Episode 1: George Borovilos – Joseph A. Montgomery Economic Development Achievement Award

Episode 2: Work in Quinte: Jobs, Talent & Community Power – Workforce Development & Talent Attraction Winner

Episode 3: Canvas & Culture Night Market – Visitor Attraction & Tourism Product Development – Rural award

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