Rideau Heritage Route Tourism Association

Request for Proposal

Tourism Economic Impact and Product Feasibility Study

Issued: Monday, September 19, 2016

Closing, Wednesday, October 19, 2016 

The Rideau Heritage Route Tourism Association (RHRTA) Board of Directors is seeking professional business consulting services to undertake a comprehensive tourism economic impact and product feasibility study of the Rideau Canal. 

• Quantify economic assets, contributions, employment and government revenues from tourism businesses, municipalities and organizations along with federal and provincial agencies such as Parks Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport along the Rideau corridor. 
  
• Determine the feasibility of creating a world-class paddling destination, its economic impact along with its benefits. 
  
• Identify tourism investment opportunities and foreign direct leads related to the Canal and adjacent municipalities. 
  

EDCO President John Regan recently shared his experiences of running business incubators with EconomicDevelopment.org. 

You can read the full story below! Follow John on Twitter at @JohnreganEcDF.

The Higher ED Blog: Advice from the trenches on running a business incubator 

Join EDCO’s Advanced Manufacturing Network!

This is your opportunity to join EDCO’s Advanced Manufacturing Network.  Launched earlier this summer by several Ontario communities, this exciting initiative will allow Network members to collaborate and share vital information about the diverse manufacturing sector that contributes significantly to the overall Provincial economy. This Network focuses on research and the development of key tools and activities that will support economic developers in their business retention and expansion as well as investment attraction strategies that target the manufacturing sector.

Built on the similar platform developed for the Food & Farming Alliance’s Agri-Food Asset Mapping Project, the Network is already well underway on its first research project – Asset Mapping for the Manufacturing Sector. The mapping, or inventorying of all the assets; tracking the supply-chains within the sub-sectors; determining the “gaps”; identifying strengths as well as synergies within the participating communities and regions – All of this research is a crucial first step and will become the platform to support the economic development activities of the participating communities/regions as well as the overall Network. 

To date, nine communities/regions have come together to form this Network and welcome further participation from across the Province. There is a cost to participate; however, it will depend on your level of engagement in the Asset Mapping Research Project.  There is also a yearly commitment to ensure the sustainability of this research as well as future activities determined by EDCO’s Advanced Manufacturing Network.

For more information, please contact the EDCO office at edco@edco.on.ca

RFP: Professional Services to perform a sector-based assessment and analysis, and develop a sector strategy - Invest Sault Ste. Marie

The overall purpose of the sector-based analysis and assessment is to provide for:

1.) Identification and assessment of key sectors with the greatest prospect of:

    a. attracting inward investment to the community
    b. increasing the export of local goods and services
    c. building on existing expertise, infrastructure and competitive strengths

2.) An investment readiness and market assessment for the identified sectors;

3.) A business capacity analysis for the identified sectors;

4.) An assessment of the most effective way to promote Sault Ste. Marie in the context of the sectors; and

5.) Recommendations for implementing a business attraction strategy including work plan.

Submissions due: September 23, 2016 at 4 p.m.

View the RFP here.

The Town of Blind River is looking for a partner community to participate in a First Impression Community Exchange (FICE) program. Blind River is a community of 3,500 located on the Trans-Canada highway on the shores of Lake Huron. Ideally the partner community would be of a similar size and also located in Northern Ontario, as we feel there may be greater similarities with, or unique opportunities for, northern communities.

If anyone is interested in this exciting (and very useful!) program please contact:

Betty Ann Dunbar at bettyann.dunbar@sympatico.ca

or 

William Elliott at welliott@elnos.com

EDCO YPN in association with Ontario East and the Ontario East Municipal Conference will be holding a EDCO Young Professionals pub night, Thursday, September 15 at  8pm at Tir Nan Og Irish Pub.  Young professionals and young professionals at heart are welcome! 

We hope to see you there!

Tir Nan Og Irish Pub 

200 Ontario St

Kingston, ON K7L 2Y9

(613) 544-7474  

https://www.facebook.com/kingston.tirnanog/

"As part of our government’s trade and investment agenda, we are committed to support Canadian communities looking to attract job-creating foreign investment to their regions. I am therefore pleased to announce that the Invest Canada - Community Initiative (ICCI) program is accepting applications for 2017 as of today, September 6, 2016.

ICCI provides financial support to communities for foreign direct investment initiatives and activities which create economic prosperity here at home. ICCI is one of the pillars of the Global Markets Support Program (GMSP). Other pillars of the GMSP support Canadian exporters, associations and innovators.

Please find further application details below, and do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Let’s join forces in showcasing Canada’s advantages to international investors,".

Sincerely,

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland
Minister of International Trade

ICCI PROGRAM LAUNCH:

·        As of today, September 6, 2016, the Invest Canada-Community Initiatives (ICCI) component of the Global Markets Support Program is accepting applications from Canadian communities seeking financial support for their foreign direct investment initiatives for 2017.

·        Applications must be submitted before 15:00 (Eastern Daylight Time), on Friday, October 14, 2016. Communities must submit the final draft of their application by the deadline to be considered for funding. Incomplete applications will be rejected. Applications submitted after the deadline will be rejected. We would like to remind you that only one submission is allowed per applicant.

·        Communities and organizations having submitted a funding request will be informed of the results of the adjudication process around mid-December. Should there be any delays in announcing the results, recipients will be given at least 12 months to undertake and complete their projects.

PREPARING YOUR APPLICATION:

·        We invite you to visit our website for more information on program eligibility. 

·         In order to assist you with the preparation of your application, ICCI program management will be holding tutorial webinars on September 15th, 2016 in both official languages. The English tutorial will take place at 13:30 EDT. The French tutorial will take place at 10:30 EDT. We expect the tutorial to last about one hour. For more information about the webinar, please consult the ICCI website.

 

ACCESSING THE APPLICATION THROUGH THE PORTAL:

·         Please read the How to Submit an Application for Funding page from the ICCI website in order to familiarize yourself with the application process.

·         In order to apply for 2017 funding, you are required to register to the Partners@International Portal at the following link. Once registered, it may take up to 2 business days for you to be able to log in to your new account for the first time.

·         You will only be able to access the ICCI Application Form once you have (1) registered on the Portal, (2) uploaded the letter of incorporation/proof of legal status of your organisation, and (3) downloaded the PDF application form from the Partners@International Portal. The deadline to submit your application isOctober 14, 2016.

The only way to submit an application is through the Partners@International portal. Mailed, emailed or faxed applications will not be accepted.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPERS COUNCIL OF ONTARIO (EDCO)

Marketing Awards Presentation

Request for Quote

Services Required

The Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) is seeking a qualified consultant to provide professional services in the form of creating, coordinating and producing an enhanced multimedia presentation for the 2016 EDCO Marketing Awards ceremony to be held on February 9, 2017.

What is EDCO?

The Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) is Canada’s largest provincial economic development organization. Celebrating its 60th year, EDCO has increased the capacity of those who practice economic, industrial, and community development through professional development initiatives, information exchanges among members and the promotion of the economic development profession.  It has also been a catalyst for assisting in the development and promotion of Ontario and its municipalities.

The membership of EDCO is comprised of specialists from various disciplines.  Each contributes his or her expertise to the complex job of economic development.

The Council consists of:

• Municipal, Business and Economic Development Professionals
• Municipal, Regional, Provincial, Federal Government Officials
• Land Developers
• Educators and technology assistance developers and facilitators
• Industrial and Commercial Realtors
• Tourism Industry Representatives
• Industrial/Commercial/Tourism Development Specialists from Banks, Public Utilities and Transportation Companies

EDCO enjoys a close working relationship with the provincial and federal governments as well as links with other professional associations.

For further information, visit the EDCO website at www.edco.on.ca   

Project Background

Each year the Economic Developers Council of Ontario recognizes excellence in marketing through the Ontario Economic Development Awards of Excellence.  Coordinated by the EDCO Awards Committee, all Ontario municipalities, development corporations, Chambers of Commerce, practitioners of economic development, and, tourism associations/groups are encouraged to submit marketing materials in the following categories (with sub categories):

Awards of Excellence

·      Promotional Award

This category recognizes marketing initiatives created to promote business development in Ontario. Products recognized include:

·      Collaboration & Partnership Award

This category is designed to recognize significant partnerships formed to support economic development initiatives and results achieved by working together, including:

·      Planning and Building Initiatives

The Planning and Building Initiatives category recognizes creative forms of improving community’s competitiveness. Awards are presented to organizations that have developed leading edge and innovative marketing programs, or designed and implemented new initiatives or best practices to foster economic growth in their jurisdictions.  This category includes initiatives related to:

o   Strategic Plans and initiatives (Includes Strategic Plans, Research Report/Study, Workforce Development, Business Retention & Expansion, Physician Recruitment)

Award winners in each category are eligible to receive the Lieutenant-Governors’ Best of Show Award for outstanding effort in economic development.

EDCO Leadership Awards

These awards recognize outstanding leaders in the public and private sectors who are advancing economic development in their communities. One individual will be presented in each category.

·      Joseph Montgomery Economic Development Achievement Award

Celebrating one of the founding members of EDCO, the Joseph Montgomery Economic Development Achievement Award was created in 2010 and is awarded at the discretion of a selection committee upon receipt of nomination packages received.  The award recognizes innovative contributions to EDCO and the economic development profession that go above and beyond.

·      Community Leader Influencer Award

This award celebrates the excellence of elected officials and their support for the economic development mandate within their community. Criteria include recognition of an organized economic development function within the community and their support for economic development programming. 

·      Young Professional Influencer Award

This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a young, emerging leader in the economic development profession who demonstrates notable professional accomplishments to date and shows great future potential.

• DIGITAL INFLUENCER AWARD

This award recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual who excels at advancing their community through social media channels.

• INNOVATIVE COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR

Nomination made by video submission and judged by EDCO members.

Any member in good standing may self-nominate or nominate one or more candidate(s) for consideration. The entries detail their significant career achievements to date and the impact of those achievements on their economic development organization and the community as a whole, and also explain how they see these achievements contributing to the advancement of economic development as a profession. Applicants must be no more than 35 years of age on the deadline submission date set by EDCO for that year’s awards competition in order to be eligible for this award and must note their date of birth on their application.

·      President’s Award

Each year, the EDCO President may present up to three awards to individuals who have contributed above and beyond the call of duty. Awards are presented at the discretion of the President and no application is necessary. Past winners of this prestigious award have included members who have demonstrated leadership in a variety of projects related to EDCO.

PROCESS

The Ontario Economic Development Awards of Excellence process is initiated in early fall with marketing materials being submitted to the EDCO Marketing Awards Committee in early November.  Judging takes place in early-November. Winners are announced at the EDCO Annual Conference, President´s Dinner and Awards Ceremony in early February.

Awards of Excellence Media Presentation

The Ontario Economic Development Awards of Excellence are presented at the President’s Dinner & Awards Ceremony.  There are two components to the Awards Media Presentation:

• Following the President’s Dinner, the Awards are announced and presented to the recipients by the MC and the EDCO President. 
• A themed multimedia presentation is played during the Awards announcements.  The PowerPoint presentation includes a creative theme that relates to the award categories, music, embedded video, images (EDCO can provide images where needed), the awards category title and the names of the award recipients and honorable mentions.  Voice over for the awards winners should be part of the video presentation.
• The presentation video is expected to be approximately 30 - 45 minutes in length to accommodate breaks between award announcements, allowing award recipients to go to the stage and accept their award prior to the announcement of the next award.

Project Deliverables and Timelines

1. The development of a minimum of three possible storyboards.  The storyboards will include proposed themes related to the award categories (consideration should also be given to the broader EDCO Annual Conference theme “Ontario’s Economy- Driven by Innovation”, images, and music. 
2. A draft version of the selected multimedia presentation and dinner loop will be presented to the EDCO Marketing Awards Committee by January 3, 2017.  The EDCO Awards Committee will provide final input and changes to the proponent by January 16, 2017.
3. A final version of the multimedia presentation to the EDCO Marketing Awards Committee by January 23, 2017. 
4. It is expected the successful proponent will be in attendance at the dinner to run the presentation during the evening on February 9, 2017 at the Toronto Marriott Eaton Centre Hotel.
5. Contract to be completed by February 9, 2017.

Skills Required of the Contractor

The Project Manager should possess the following skills and demonstrate these within the submitted proposal:

• Registered company with a minimum $2 million liability insurance policy.
• Background and education of proposed team members.
• Documented experience in enhanced PowerPoint production – three sample works must be submitted with proposal.
• Experience in working for committees and awards presentations involving similar projects.

Project Budget

Total budget for this project is $4,000 which includes provision for incidentals, travel, and meetings, excluding applicable taxes. 

Submission of Proposal

Please provide an electronic copy of your proposal in Word or PDF format to Heather Lalonde, Ec.D. , Chief Executive Director, Economic Developers Council of Ontario at edco@edco.on.ca

The Proposal is to be submitted as soon as possible, but no later than Friday, September 16, 2016.

Conflict of Interest

The consultant will identify any perceived conflict of interest before the proposal is submitted to the Economic Developers Council of Ontario. 

Ownership of Collateral Materials

Upon completion of project, all material collected and created will become the property of the Economic Developers Council of Ontario Inc.

Next year will mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation in Canada. How will your community be celebrating? 

As one of the founding members of Confederation, Ontario will mark this milestone with a number of events and opportunities across the province showcasing the province's rich history, innovative spirit and diverse culture. 

Municipalities, community organizations and Indigenous groups will also be able to access funding programs designed to bring people together, while laying the groundwork for a strong economic, social and cultural legacy for Ontario's next 150 years. These include:  

• A Community Capital Program that will be administered by the Ontario Trillium Foundationand will provide $25 million to help municipalities and non-profit organizations renovate, repair and retrofit existing community and cultural infrastructure to increase accessibility, improve safety and maximize community use (applications close on September 14, 2016).

Learn more about the Community Capital Program

• A Partnership Program that will provide $5 million to support new partnerships and collaborations that engage, enable and empower youth as the next generation of Ontario leaders (applications close on September 30, 2016).

Learn more about the Partnership Program

• A Community Celebration Program that will provide $7 million to help connect Ontarians to their communities and with opportunities to explore their heritage, allowing Ontarians the opportunity to celebrate this historic year in a way that is appropriate and meaningful for them (applications close on September 2, 2016).

Learn more about the Community Celebration Program

If you have questions about one of the programs, please use the links above. For general questions about the Ontario150 program, visit Ontario.ca/150 or contact them directly at:

Email: ontario150@ontario.ca

Phone: (416) 212-8846

Toll-free: 1- 888-450-0495

TTY: 416-325-0866 or 1-800-853-2137