News & Updates

EDCO Celebrates Excellence in Economic Development

February 7, 2018 - Toronto, ON:  Award-winning economic development initiatives from around the province were announced and celebrated at the 2017 EDCO Awards of Excellence, the grand finale to the 61^st Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) Annual Conference.  The President’s Dinner and Awards Ceremony took place at the Sheraton Centre Toronto and showcased the winning entries chosen through a rigorous judging process by an expert panel. In total, 118 submissions from 55 communities and organizations were received.  Almost 400 industry leaders attended to recognize the achievements of their peers and success in the areas of promotion, collaboration and building initiatives.

The Lieutenant Governor’s Award, the highest award for the best business marketing achievement in Ontario was awarded to Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board for Bay of Quinte Discovery Guide 4^th Edition.  In addition to recognizing communities of all sizes, the evening honoured individuals who influence the communities in which they work and exhibit a high standard of professionalism in economic development through leadership, mentorship, and collaboration.  EDCO Leadership Awards were awarded to Savanna Myers of Grey County for Young Professional Influencer of the Year and Mayor Jeff Lehman, City of Barrie - Invest Barrie received the Community Influencer of the Year award. EDCO President’s Award recognized two recipients: Lauren Millier of MDB Insight Inc. and the City of Toronto. Belinda Wick-Graham from the Town of Minto received EDCO’s prestigious honour - the Joseph A. Montgomery Economic Development Award.

“The EDCO Awards of Excellence Program continues to help communities raise their profile and enhances the work that economic developers are doing in Ontario,” said Alison Newton, EDCO 2018 President. “Sharing the creativity and innovation of the winning projects is transforming how economic development is practiced, increasing our competitiveness for business attraction and investment.”

EDCO is proud of the many initiatives and projects recognized annually through the Awards of Excellence program. 

2017 EDCO Awards of Excellence List of Recipients

The Township of Lake of Bays has released an RFP 2018-08 for Branding and Visual Identity with a closing date of February 27, 2018.

Qualified branding companies with municipal experience are encouraged to respond to this opportunity.  

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
“Why Invest in Economic Development?” Video

Services Required
A Consortium consisting of: the Economic Developers Council of Ontario; Economic Developers Alberta; BC Economic Development Association; Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers; Conseil de développement économique de l’Alberta; Economic Developers Association of Canada; International Economic Developers Council; and, Saskatchewan Economic Developers Association and the Nunavut Economic Developers Association is  seeking a qualified Proponent to conceptualize, design, source and develop a short, powerful video.

Summary

The Consortium is a group of professional, not-for-profit organizations that have come together in order to produce both a publication and accompanying video that demonstrates the value in investing in economic development. 

Each individual group has significant membership in their geographic areas that will be the end user of the video and supporting documents. 

The key objective of the video is to visually highlight the importance of economic development in communities, regions, territories, etc.  The viewers of the video will come away with a greater understanding of the profession and its importance in a community.  It is important that the production steer viewers away from the traditional understanding of the profession (industrial development) and convey the message of the changing profession to include the broad range it covers now.

It is the group’s intention to launch the video during Economic Development Week, May 7-12, 2018.

PROJECT Scope

The key objective of this video will be to deliver a powerful, compelling case for local investment in economic development through video.  The production should leave no doubt in the viewers’ mind as to the importance of having a strong economic development mandate in communities.  A project Steering Committee will work with the successful proponent to ensure objectives are met during each milestone of the project. 
There will be three phases to the project including:

1. Creation of outline for messaging, images and goals
2. Content development including sourcing stories, scenes, and speakers to be highlighted in the video.
3. Video production – filming, editing and creating the final product

PROJECT DELIVERABLES

1. The video should be no more than 3 minutes in length.
2. The video should be comprehensive, inclusive and reflective of the diversity of the economic development profession.
3. The impact should be personal and deliver a message to confirm the importance of economic development in a community.
4. The video must align with the consortium’s standards, missions, beliefs, visions, and values
5. The videographer will be responsible for pre-production technical advice an developing the video, setting up individual shots for best possible sound and video (including lighting and makeup), lighting and filming individual clips, directing, editing, and assembling the final product. The Steering Committee will serve as producers for the project, and will liaise with the proponent to coordinate, write and cast the production.
6. The proponent will meet as-needed in person, phone or email to assist with the development of the video including its format and production schedule.
7. The proponent will be responsible for setting up all aspects relating to sound and lighting for actual filming of the production.  The filming will take place either in studio or in pre-determined locations.
8. The proponent will edit and organize the final clips and complete any other digital manipulation of the material necessary for project completion.
9. The proponent will provide the consortium with copies of the final video in both official languages in digital format and DVD form.  The clips should be formatted in such a way to allow the Consortium to easily translate the material to another digital format in the future.
10.  All present and future rights to the materials produced during the project will be assigned to the Consortium and reuse or reproduction of the materials for any purpose will not be permitted without the written permission of the Consortium.

 TIMELINES

• RFP Issued December 8, 2017
• RFP Submissions due by 4:00pm EST January 5, 2018
• Award Contract no later than January 19, 2018.  Contract Completed by May 1, 2018
  

PROPOSAL CONTENT

Your proposal should include a demonstrated understanding of the scope and particulars of the assignment, the estimated expenses to complete the assignment, and should clearly and concisely address the following evaluation criteria:

1. Proponent Overview (15 points)
   Provide a company profile, verification of liability insurance policy and describe the relevant experience of the proponent in projects completed of a similar scope and scale.  Also provide references (minimum of three) of projects that the proponent has done in the last three years – should include company, address, and contact person, telephone number, email and website (where possible).

1. Understanding of Objectives/Approach (20 points)

Provide a brief statement of understanding of the work to be done and a positive commitment to perform the work within the specified time period. 

1. Experience and Qualifications of Key Team Members (20 points)

Identify the Project Manager and key team members of the project team to be assigned, including those from specialized sub-consultants, and describe their individual capabilities, respective roles and availability for this project.  Resumes should be included where appropriate.

1. Work Plan and Schedule (25 points)

Provide a work plan and schedule, including a breakdown of the major tasks and the level of effort by individual team members in sufficient detail as to allow a complete understanding as to how and by whom the work is to be carried out.        

1. Budget (20 points) 

Provide a detailed budget for the project.

SELECTION PROCESS

An evaluation team from the Consortium will review all expressions of interest received and score the proposals in relation to criteria that are identified.  One or more proponents may be invited to attend a formal interview with the evaluation team the week of January , 2018, and/or to provide written clarification on their proposal.

Consideration will be given to firms who can demonstrate support through partnership of the organization.

The Consortium is not bound to accept any proposal and reserves the right to modify or revise the successful submission in discussion with the proponent following acceptance of the original proposal.

SUBMISSION OF PROPOSAL

Please provide an electronic copy of your proposal in Word or PDF format to edco@edco.on.ca. Proposals must be received by no later than 4:00 p.m. EST on January 5, 2018. Late submissions will not be given consideration.

ENQUIRIES

Enquiries regarding terms, conditions and proposal process or format of response should be directed to edco@edco.on.ca no later than December 18, 2017. Responses to enquiries will be provided no later than December 22 , 2017. 

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The Proponent will identify any perceived conflict of interest before the proposal is submitted to the Consortium.

OWNERSHIP OF COLLATERAL MATERIAL

Upon completion of project, all material collected and created will become the property of the Consortium.

ICF has named the world’s Smart21 Communities of 2018. This select group of communities, which emerged from a group of nearly 400, will now move on and remain in contention for the prestigious designation of an Intelligent Community Top7, to be named in February 2018.  One of the seven will then be named Intelligent Community of the Year at the ICF 2018 Global Summit in London in June 2018. 

The Ontario Smart21 Communities of 2018, in alphabetical order:

• Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
• Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
• Pickering, Ontario, Canada
• Sarnia-Lambton County, Ontario, Canada
• York (Regional Municipality of), Ontario, Canada

Click here to read the full announcement or click on the image below to watch the video announcement.

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs	Ministère de l'Agriculture, de l'Alimentation et des Affaires rurales
3rd Floor 1 Stone Road West Guelph, Ontario N1G 4Y2 Tel: (519) 826-4445 Fax: (519) 826-3460	3  e étage 1 Stone Road West Guelph (Ontario) N1G 4Y2 Tél.:(519) 826-4445 Téléc.:(519) 826-3460

Business Development Branch

Subject: Meet with OMAFRA Investment Officers at 2018 EDCO Conference

Dear EDCO Members,

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) is excited to again offer, one-on-one consultation meetings at the 2018 EDCO Conference at the Sheraton Centre Hotel, Toronto.

As in the past, Ministry staff will host one-on-one confidential meetings between Ministry, communities, and economic development professionals to discuss investment opportunities in Ontario’s food and beverage manufacturing industry.

The OMAFRA team is scheduling 1 hour consultations, to share strategies and discuss approaches to successful investment attraction within the food and beverage manufacturing sector. Consultations will be booked in advance on a first come, first serve basis.

Topics of discussion will include (but not limited to):

• U.S. FDI program – Come meet and learn from the U.S. perspective what U.S. investors are looking for.  OMAFRA’s U.S. Investment Lead Consultant out of Florida will provided first-hand knowledge on U.S. food companies and approaches to FDI outreach
• OMAFRA FDI team will share our 2018/19 program and discuss opportunities for collaboration
• Leverage your BRE (Business Retention and Expansion) programs to incorporate FDI activity

Don’t miss out on this chance to learn how your community can be ready to take advantage of investment opportunities in the food and beverage industry. 

To book your meeting, or if you have questions, please feel free to contact me. 

Yours truly,

Bill Harvie

Investment Attraction Consultant

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs 

Phone: 519-826-4405 email: Bill.Harvie@Ontario.ca

Register for #EDCO2018 and take advantage of the 

incredible Early Bird rates for members!

That wait is over! Registration is now open for EDCO's 61st Annual EDCO 

Conference and Showcase — Mission Possible: Agents of Change — 

taking place at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, February 5-7, 2018. 

Escape from the office and go undercover in a place where you can imagine, create and discuss issues facing economic developers with some of the most imaginative and strategic minds in the industry.  Join us at #EDCO2018 and decode the secrets to your community's economic growth! You told us what your hot topics are and we've listened. The program has been designed to reflect these topics in keynote presentations, highly practical and interactive workshops and round tables, and a new and exciting iPoliticsLIVEjournalism event.

But, there's more…

Join our cutting-edge vendors and leading innovators on our expanded Showcase floor! Connect with colleagues at the many fun filled networking events, including the opening reception and Taste On Reception. Register today and take advantage of the early-bird rates for EDCO members until January 19, 2018! Book your room at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotelearly to avoid disappointment.

Get ready to be an Agent of Change for your community!

Find out more...

For information on partnership opportunities, please visit the EDCO Conference website or contact Marie-Claude Bureau, by email / (819) 230-5565. For information on your registration, please also contact Marie-Claude Bureau.

Join the conversation for #EDCO2018 on Twitter at @edco1edco and on Facebook at edco1edco! 

The City of Orillia has heard from several local business owners recently with concerns around the availability and delivery of affordable, reliable high speed/broadband internet. City staff have communicated concerns to our main local service providers (Rogers & Bell) which has led to some limited success. However, the City is also exploring the role of the municipality moving forward, in helping to ensure broadband internet for business. We are looking for examples and/or approaches where municipalities have taken a more active role in providing and/or facilitating broadband internet in the community, along with information on process and potential costs.

Please contact Dan Landry at dlandry@orillia.ca

Thanks in advance.

We received over 115 submissions to the EDCO Awards of Excellence this year! We were impressed and encouraged by the quality of work being done around the province.

The finalists will be notified in November. The winners will be announced at the 61st Annual President's Dinner and Awards Ceremony on February 7, 2017 at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel. Stay tuned for more information on purchasing tickets!

Click here to view this year's submission gallery.

For a full list of past EDCO Award winners, click here.

The Economic Developers Council of Ontario and the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, will be hosting the fourth annual Tourism Investment “Meet in the Investor Dragons” event in Toronto.

Date: November 23, 2017, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  

Location: Ontario Investment and Trade Centre (OITC), 250 Yonge St, 35 floor, (Toronto Eaton Centre).  

Confirmed Investment Dragons include: 

• CBRE Limited 
• CFO Capital 
• Dipolia Real Estate 
• Fram Developments
• Holloway Lodging
• LJM Developments 
• Masterbuilt Hotels
• Red Roof Inns
• TBD
• TBD

The “Dragons” are interested in commercial land sites consisting of waterfront parcels, parking lots, agricultural plots, parklands, vacant buildings, or local historical assets in need of new investment.  These sites could be repurposed for Accommodations, Attractions, Entertainment, Food and Culinary, Land Space to Host Major Events, Retail and Travel-Related Operations.  

You have the choice of a morning or afternoon session. 

Unfortunately, space is limited to only 20 communities. No more than three people per community will be able to attend the event.

Cost per person to register is $60 + HST which includes lunch and the opportunity to get private face-time with investors / developers and influencers of potential new builds in your region.    

New tourism investment is coming to Ontario.  This is your opportunity to showcase your region to Investors interested in meeting you, and learning of what you have to offer. 

Register now!

ECONOMIC DEVELOPERS COUNCIL OF ONTARIO (EDCO)/ EDCO INVESTMENT ALLIANCE

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

Lead Generation Services for EDCO Investment Alliance

Services Required

The Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) on behalf of the EDCO Investment Alliance is seeking a qualified consultant/company to perform lead generation services on behalf of the Investment Alliance.

Download the RFQ.