Dear EDCO Members, Colleagues and Partners:
EDCO’s 60th anniversary milestone is an exciting time for the economic development profession and a time to celebrate our collective achievements. It is also a time to stay connected, explore new ideas and approaches, and expand our reach.
Economic developers across Ontario are dedicated to enhancing the competitiveness and prosperity of the communities in which they work. Economic development professionals collaborate with the private sector, different levels of government, the non-profit sector, academic institutions, local and international chambers of commerce and others to retain and grow existing businesses, facilitate the commercialization of ideas, and attract new investment.
As economic developers, our biggest asset is our knowledge of the local business community and our ability to identify and leverage opportunities and collaborate with strategic partners. Collaboration and capacity building require long term strategies, consistent effort and commitment, and the continued support of our leaders and partners.
In these challenging times, our commitment to strengthening Ontario’s economic future is more important than ever. EDCO has a role to play in Ontario’s future by building member capacity; advancing the profession; and supporting our municipalities to foster economic prosperity in Ontario.
Whether you are with a small community or a large one, it is important to stay current with our changing times. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I encourage you to get involved with our committees, participate in our professional development programs including EDCO’s annual conference and spring symposium, and share your ideas for new programming with EDCO’s Board of Directors.
I look forward to working with the Board, EDCO members and volunteers, provincial ministry partners, and other stakeholders to advance the economic development profession and to continue to build an inclusive association.
Best regards,
Christina Kakaflikas
2017 President