FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 10, 2026
Ontario – February 2026 – The Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) proudly celebrated outstanding achievements in economic development across Ontario at the 69th Annual Conference President's Dinner and EDCO Awards of Excellence in downtown Toronto. The EDCO Awards were proudly sponsored by Enbridge Gas. During this prestigious event, held on February 4th, EDCO recognized the exceptional contributions of economic development leaders and initiatives that have positively impacted the province's economic landscape.
The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, attended the EDCO President's Dinner and Awards of Excellence, where she personally presented the London Economic Development Corporation with the prestigious Lieutenant Governor's Award for Marketing Excellence in Ontario for its "Don't Tell Toronto" Campaign. "The EDCO Awards highlight the essential role played by economic developers in bolstering Ontarians' shared prosperity," said the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. "Many of this year's award-winning initiatives are dedicated to partnership, collaboration, and connecting people. It's inspiring to see how economic developers are fostering unity across Ontario, from Bay Street to the Bay of Quinte."
As Canada's largest provincial professional economic development association, EDCO serves a network of over 1,400 members, providing a platform for collaboration and innovation in economic development. The recognition of excellence highlights the dedication, hard work, and leadership of professionals who have played a significant role in driving growth, creating jobs, and fostering prosperity across Ontario.
"Each of this year's award recipients demonstrates the power of collaboration, creativity, and commitment to community. Their work is transforming local economies, attracting investment, and creating opportunities for residents across Ontario. EDCO is honoured to celebrate these accomplishments and to champion the professionals who are building a more resilient and prosperous province." said Jeff Loney, 2026 EDCO President.
"Ontario's competitiveness depends on the vision and dedication of economic developers working on the front lines of community growth," said Scott Nieboer Vice President, Energy Services, Enbridge Gas. "Enbridge Gas is honoured to support EDCO in recognizing leaders whose work strengthens local economies and drives new opportunities across the province. We remain committed to supporting municipalities and industry with reliable, affordable energy solutions that help keep Ontario strong."
2025 EDCO Awards of Excellence Recipients
This year's awards honoured a range of individuals and initiatives that have made a significant impact in their communities.
Lieutenant Governor's Award for Marketing Excellence in Ontario was presented to London Economic Development Corporation for the Don't Tell Toronto campaign.
The Joseph A. Montgomery Economic Development Achievement Award was awarded to George Borovilos.
Other notable award recipients include:
- President's Award: James Lynn and Brock Dickinson
- Inclusive Community-Based Initiative & Programming: Markham Small Business Centre, City of Markham, York University, Yspace, Black Entrepreneurship Alliance – Founder Fundamentals Certificate Program
- Planning and Strategic Development (Rural, under 100,000 population): Town of Innisfil – Innisfil Heights Investment Readiness Initiative
- Planning and Strategic Development (Urban, over 100,000 population): Regional Municipality of York – 2024-2027 Agriculture and Agri-Food Sector Strategy
- Business Attraction and Retention (Rural, under 100,000 population): County of Brant – 2025 Downtown Dig
- Business Attraction and Retention (Urban, over 100,000 population): City of Windsor – Securing Minth Group: Building Windsor's Future Through Global Investment and Collaboration
- Visitor Attraction & Tourism Product Development (Rural, under 100,000 population): Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc – Canvas and Culture Night
- Visitor Attraction & Tourism Product Development (Urban, over 100,000 population): The City of St. Catharines & The Town of Lincoln – The St. Catharines-Lincoln Destination Partnership: Building Niagara's Unified Visitor Economy
- Workforce Development & Talent Attraction (Rural, under 100,000 population): Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board, City of Belleville and City of Quinte West – Work in Quinte Career Fair and Local Jobs Website
- Workforce Development & Talent Attraction (Urban, over 100,000 population): London Economic Development Corporation – Don't Tell Toronto
- Excellence in Rural Economic Development: County of Brant – 2025 Downtown Dig
- Excellence in City Building: City of Cambridge – Core Areas Community Improvement Plan
These recipients were honoured for their creative and impactful contributions to the field of economic development, from strategic planning and business retention to tourism product development and workforce attraction. EDCO is proud of the many initiatives and projects it has helped celebrate that have contributed to the overall excellence of Ontario competitiveness. A complete list of 2025 Award Finalists and Recipients can be found on the EDCO website at edcoawardsofexcellence.ca/
The EDCO Annual Conference remains a significant event for professional development, networking, knowledge sharing, and recognition of the continued success of the province's economic development professionals.
About EDCO The Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) is Canada's largest provincial professional economic development association, with over 1,400 members. EDCO provides professional development, resources, and advocacy for economic developers in Ontario, helping to build strong, vibrant communities through effective and innovative economic development strategies.
P.O. Box 86, Toronto, ON M5C 2H8 T 519-377-4462 info@edco.on.ca www.edco.on.ca
For more information about EDCO or to learn more about the Awards of Excellence, please visit www.edco.on.ca and our Awards of Excellence website at www.edcoawardsofexcellence.ca
For media inquiries, please contact:
Laura DeMille
Economic Developers Council of Ontario
