EDCO's Strategic Plan 2026 – 2029

Empowering Professionals. Strengthening Communities. Shaping Ontario's Future.

The Economic Developers Council of Ontario's Strategic Plan 2026-2029 provides a roadmap for strengthening our profession, supporting our members, and advancing economic development across Ontario.

Built on collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence, this strategy outlines how EDCO will increase its impact through stronger advocacy, enhanced member value, strategic partnerships, and organizational excellence.

A Message from the Executive Director

I am proud to launch EDCO's updated Strategic Plan, a roadmap that will guide our organization over the next three years. This plan reflects a year of engagement and consultation with our members, stakeholders, partners, and industry leaders. Your insights, perspectives, and aspirations have helped shape a strategy that positions EDCO for continued growth, relevance, and impact.

Our vision remains clear: to enhance and support the development of an economically vibrant and environmentally responsible Ontario. To achieve this, EDCO will continue to empower professionals, organizations, and communities to drive sustainable economic growth across the province.

At the heart of our work are the values that define who we are and how we serve our members:

  • Advocacy – championing the interests of economic development professionals and strengthening the industries and communities they support.
  • Collaboration – fostering partnerships among municipalities, governments, businesses, and communities to achieve shared prosperity.
  • Professional Excellence – advancing the profession through training, certification, and knowledge-sharing opportunities that equip members for success.
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – ensuring all voices, perspectives, and communities are respected, valued, and represented.
  • Integrity – conducting our activities with honesty, transparency, and accountability to our members and stakeholders.

This Strategic Plan sets the stage for EDCO's future. Over the next three years, we will focus on implementing a targeted advocacy agenda, strengthening our value proposition to support membership growth and engagement, building meaningful partnerships with key stakeholders, and enhancing organizational capacity through strong governance, staff development, and effective operational systems.

Together, these priorities will ensure that EDCO remains a trusted leader and influential voice in economic development across Ontario.

I am excited about what lies ahead and look forward to working alongside our Board of Directors, members, partners, and stakeholders as we continue to strengthen, grow, and advance EDCO. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our shared success.

Together, we will shape a stronger future for economic development in Ontario.

Stephanie Crilly

Executive Director
Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO)

Vision
Enhance and develop an economically viable and environmentally responsible Ontario.

Mission

EDCO empowers professionals, organizations and communities to drive economic growth across Ontario.

Strategic Priorities

Priority 1: Advocacy & Policy Influence

A Stronger Voice for Economic Development

Economic development professionals provide critical insight into the challenges and opportunities facing communities across Ontario. EDCO will strengthen its role as a trusted advocate and policy influencer, ensuring member perspectives are represented in government discussions and decision-making processes.

We Will:

  • Develop and publish an annual advocacy agenda
  • Strengthen government relations and policy engagement
  • Build relationships with provincial and federal decision-makers
  • Increase EDCO's visibility and influence on issues affecting the profession
  • Create responsive tools to support policy advocacy efforts

Outcome

A stronger voice for economic development and greater influence on policies that shape Ontario's future.

Priority 2: Membership Growth & Value Proposition

Delivering Greater Value to Members

Our members are the foundation of EDCO.

We are committed to enhancing the member experience, increasing engagement, and ensuring professionals across every region of Ontario see value in belonging to the EDCO community.

We Will:

  • Enhance member services and benefits
  • Strengthen member communications
  • Increase participation from underrepresented regions and sectors
  • Expand engagement and networking opportunities
  • Clearly demonstrate the value of EDCO membership

Outcome

A more connected, engaged, and diverse membership that reflects the economic development profession across Ontario.

Priority 3: Strategic Growth & Partnerships

Building Stronger Partnerships

Partnerships are essential to advancing economic development.

EDCO will cultivate meaningful relationships with government, business, nonprofit, and educational organizations to expand our reach, strengthen collaboration, and create shared value.

 We Will:

  • Develop a structured partnership framework
  • Identify and engage strategic partners
  • Collaborate on programs and initiatives
  • Expand opportunities for member engagement
  • Integrate partnerships into events and communications

 Outcome

Stronger networks, greater collaboration, and increased impact for members and Ontario communities.

Priority 4: Organizational Capacity & Governance

Building a Stronger EDCO

To effectively serve members and achieve our strategic goals, EDCO must continue investing in strong governance, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability.

We Will:

  • Strengthen governance practices
  • Invest in leadership and staff development
  • Improve operational systems and performance tracking
  • Enhance organizational capacity
  • Diversify revenue sources to support future growth

Outcome

A resilient, sustainable, and future-focused organization positioned for long-term success.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Embedded Across Everything We Do

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are fundamental to EDCO's success and central to our mission.

Our commitment to DEI is integrated throughout the Strategic Plan and supported through board oversight, governance practices, leadership accountability, member engagement, and decision-making processes.

We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our profession, improve decision-making, and create better outcomes for the communities we serve.

Why This Matters

 The Future of Economic Development Depends on Strong Leadership

 

Ontario's communities face evolving economic opportunities and challenges.

From workforce development and investment attraction to community growth and economic resilience, economic development professionals play a critical role in shaping the future of our province.

This Strategic Plan ensures EDCO remains:

Responsive

Adapting to changing economic conditions and member needs.

Relevant

Providing value, expertise, and leadership that supports today's professionals.

Influential

Advancing the voice of economic developers in public policy discussions.

Collaborative

Building stronger connections and partnerships across sectors.

Sustainable

Investing in the organizational capacity needed for long-term success.

By strengthening our profession, we strengthen the communities and economies we serve.

Strategic Plan at a Glance

Our Focus for 2026-2029

✅ Stronger Advocacy

✅ Enhanced Member Value

✅ Strategic Partnerships

✅ Organizational Excellence

✅ Inclusive Leadership

✅ Sustainable Growth

Frequently Asked Questions

The Strategic Plan provides a clear roadmap for the organization's priorities, investments, and activities from 2026 through 2029, ensuring EDCO remains responsive to the needs of members and the evolving economic development landscape.

The plan focuses on four strategic priorities:

  • Advocacy & Policy Influence
  • Membership Growth & Value Proposition
  • Strategic Growth & Partnerships
  • Organizational Capacity & Governance

These priorities are supported by a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Members will benefit from stronger advocacy, enhanced services, expanded networking opportunities, increased professional development support, and a stronger voice for the profession across Ontario.

EDCO will monitor progress through regular reporting, performance tracking, governance oversight, and ongoing evaluation of strategic initiatives.

DEI is embedded throughout the Strategic Plan and serves as a board-level responsibility. It informs governance, leadership, programming, member engagement, and organizational decision-making.

Members can participate through committees, advocacy efforts, professional development opportunities, events, networking initiatives, and ongoing engagement with EDCO programs and activities.

Questions about the strategic plan? Reach out to Laura DeMille at laura.demille@edco.on.ca

Tourism Investment Dragons is an exceptional investment attraction initiative that delivers real outcomes. Through EDCO and MTCG's event, Wasaga Beach connected with the Sunray Group, leading to a planned $45M Marriott hotel at Beach Area 1 that will enhance the visitor experience, extend stays, support year-round tourism, and play a central role in our beachfront redevelopment.

Kaitlyn Monsma, Town of Wasaga Beach

"As an EDCO member for over 10 years, being part of this organizations has been pivotal in the development of my career as an economic development professional, as well as my teams success in driving economic growth and prosperity in the communities we serve.  Through scholarships and educational opportunities we continue to learn and grow, and the network of EDCO members is invaluable when seeking support, resources and tools to assist in developing and implementing programs and services that foster overall community development in our Cities and Towns."

Julia Crowder

"As an Economic Development professional in Ontario I see an incredible amount of value in the organizational membership with EDCO. From an organizational standpoint it results in significant cost savings for conferences, training and accommodations. It's a great talent recruitment perk especially when onboarding emerging professionals who can take advantage of EDCO's Scholarship and Mentorship programs, and explore other professional development opportunities like the annual Bright Idea's Competition.

Personally, I've really enjoyed the opportunity to participate on EDCO Committees and collaborate with others to build programming that's relevant to my community. I've built life-long connections and friendships with fellow EDCO members and have benefitted greatly from the insights and expertise of peers across the Province. I would highly recommend membership for anyone in the business support ecosystem: whether your role is in municipal economic development, post-secondary or other business support agencies, all are welcome in the EDCO community!"

Laura Thompson