Wellington County Regional Event

Wellington County is hosting EDCO's Southwestern Regional Professional Development Event on September 9-10th, 2026!

EDCO Regional Economic Development Professional Development Event

Earn 3 Economic Development Certification Points for Attending!

September 9 – 10, 2026

Agenda

Wednesday, September 9, 2026  – Pre- Conference Day 

 

12:30 to 3:30 pm EDCO Pre-Conference Seminar: Investing in Our Future: Why Economic Development Matters

This focused half‑day session is designed for elected officials and senior municipal leaders who want a clear, practical understanding of how economic development influences long‑term community prosperity. Participants will explore what economic development truly is, what it is not, and how municipal decisions directly shape business growth, investment readiness, and overall community vibrancy.

This session offers an accessible, high‑value learning opportunity for councils and leadership teams across Ontario.

Please note: Registration is $25 (+HST) and includes morning refreshments. Please note Registration is required to attend and separate from the regional event registration, limited space is available, secure your spot today!

1:00 to 4:00 pm Downtown Revitalization Workshop: Building the Skills for a Successful Downtown Revitalization Project

This hands‑on workshop focuses on introducing skills needed to plan and deliver a successful Downtown Revitalization (DR) project in your community. Participants will begin their learning on how to assess downtown conditions, collect and work with meaningful data, and better understand what the information is telling them about local opportunities and challenges.

Through guided exercises, the session walks through practical assessment tools, data review techniques, and the key steps required to turn findings into a clear and achievable action plan. This workshop helps participants move from understanding their downtown to being able to start planning informed, realistic action.

Second part of this pre-event workshop:

4:00 to 5:30 pm  Reviving Elora: A Walking Tour Through Heritage & Renewal

Downtown Elora Walking Tour – Reviving Elora: A Walking Tour Through Heritage & Renewal

Location: Starts at the Elora Pedestrian Bridge and ends at Elora Distillery

Explore the heart of downtown Elora on a guided walking tour led by municipal staff. Stroll through its charming streets as you learn about local revitalization efforts, discover its unique architecture, and gain  insight into the area's rich cultural history. Along the way, connect with local business owners and hear    firsthand how they are contributing to the community's growth while shaping the township's future.

Please Note: Registration for this workshop is separate from the main event. Very limited spaces, more details and registration below.

6:00 pm onwards Welcome Reception, Networking and Dinner at the Patio, The GrandWay

Kick off your conference with a fun and relaxed evening at the races. Enjoy a drink and dinner on the GrandWay Patio while experiencing the thrill of live racing, connecting with others, and exchanging ideas in a welcoming setting.

Thursday, September 10, 2026

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM – Registration, Networking and Light Refreshments

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM – Welcome Remarks

9:15 AM – 9:45 AM – Keynote Presentation: Main Street Reality: What Actually Drives Business Growth 

Business owners don't wake up thinking about programs — they wake up thinking about payroll. In this keynote, retail business owner and entrepreneur Pete Mohr shares real-world insight into what actually moves businesses forward. Drawing on lived experience and local examples, Pete explores why people spend where they work, how trusted advisors often become the true connectors to support programs, and why economic development must think beyond administration toward clarity, positioning, and relationship-driven outreach. Attendees will leave with practical ideas to strengthen local job creation and build communities where more people both live and work.

Speaker: Pete Mohr, entrepreneur, business coach and owner

Pete Mohr is a small-town Ontario retail business owner, entrepreneur, and business coach. He owns two Shoetopia footwear stores and works with business owners across North America on building stronger, more transferable businesses.

With lived experience navigating growth, cash flow pressure, and community-based support programs, Pete brings a practical perspective on what business owners actually need to succeed and how strong local businesses drive stronger communities.

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM – Conversations That Count: Practical BR+E Strategies for Business Engagement Panel Discussion

This session highlights how rural Ontario communities are designing and delivering Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) programs using a variety of practical approaches. Learn from Bruce County's continuous, countywide data collection model; Wellington County's collaborative system for supporting BR+E projects and reporting across its member municipalities; the Town of Minto's municipal led BR+E initiative guided by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs model; and the Township of Oro-Medonte's blended approach using both municipal staff and external consulting expertise. Speakers will share lessons learned, best practices, and candid insights into the pros and cons of each method—offering actionable strategies to strengthen business engagement and economic resilience in rural communities.

Moderator: Kristel Manes, Executive Director, Business Centre Guelph Wellington

Speakers:

Heather Hyde, Economic Development Manager, Bruce County

Belinda Wick-Graham, Director of Economic & Community Development, Town of Minto

Jennifer Whitley, Economic Development Officer, Township of Oro-Medonte

Kristel Manes is a Change Management Specialist, having spent the last 20 years coaching entrepreneurs as they start and grow businesses. Kristel has an extensive history in communication and negotiation amongst such prominent groups as boards of directors, sponsors, core funding partners, senior management, peers, and aspiring business owners.

Heather Hyde is the Economic Development Manager at Bruce County. She started her career in marketing, and after moving to Bruce County in 2012 used her marketing experience to support local economic development objectives in her community before officially transitioning into a municipal role. Heather has a passion for collaborating with those interested in improving the livability and economic prosperity of the County. She attributes her success to the community members and organizations she's been able to work with, and learn from, over her decade long career in economic development.

Belinda is the Director of Economic and Community Development and has been working in this area with the Town of Minto for 21 years. In her role she has been actively involved in all areas of economic development including investment attraction, business retention and expansion, small business development, workforce development, tourism and culture, and downtown revitalization.

Belinda is a Certified Economic Developer with the Economic Developers Association of Canada and the International Economic Development Council, holds an Honours Bachelor of Tourism Studies, and a Certificate in Downtown Revitalization.

Belinda is passionate about the economic development profession and speaks frequently to rural municipalities interested in economic development. She is known for her collaborative and innovative approach to economic development and as such was recognized in 2017 with the prestigious Joseph Montogomery Economic Development Achievement Award and has led the Town of Minto to receive numerous awards in the field. She is also a past President of the Economic Developers Council of Ontario.

Jennifer Whitley is currently an Economic Development Officer with the Township of Oro‑Medonte, where she leads initiatives that support local businesses, strengthen community identity, and champion sustainable rural growth. Her work spans business engagement, strategic communications, and the creation of business resource tools, ensuring entrepreneurs and local businesses stay informed and connected. She manages a range of economic development projects with a strong focus on collaboration, working closely with local and regional partners to enhance economic vitality and support the township's distinctive rural character. Her approach brings together relationship‑building, community insight, and strategic planning to foster long‑term success for Oro‑Medonte's business community.

She brings extensive experience in tourism development, marketing, and destination management. Before joining the Township, Jennifer served as Executive Director for the region's Destination Marketing Organization, Ontario's Lake Country, where she led major tourism initiatives and helped elevate the area's profile as a premier destination.

10:45 AM – 11:00  AM – Coffee and Networking Break

11:00 AM – 11:45 AM – Fireside Chat: Connecting Businesses and Global Talent Fireside Chat

Internationally trained professionals want to work in their fields, yet local employers often struggle to integrate this talent effectively. With an estimated 65% of permanent resident approvals expected to be internationally trained professionals, communities must be ready to connect skilled newcomers with meaningful employment. This session will explore how the Workplace and Immigrant Network (WIN) model helps bridge the gap between employers and internationally trained talent in both rural and urban communities. The model supports businesses in building inclusive workplaces while helping communities attract and retain skilled newcomers, reducing out-migration within Canada.

Participants will learn about the challenges, successes, and growth of the WIN model, and gain practical insight into how to assess and adapt it for their own communities.

Speakers:

Charlene Hofbauer, CEO, Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin

Dana Skirten, CEO, Four County Labour Market Planning Board

Charlene Hofbauer is the CEO of the Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin. Charlene understands both sides of the talent landscape having worked in HR, education, literacy and has spent 18 years in workforce development. Her goal is to build relationships with partners looking to find unique solutions for local labour market challenges and tackle some of the bigger ones that go beyond our region. Her greatest strength as a local leader is sharing research and trends in easy to understand pieces and connecting the dots for governments, schools, employers, students and jobseekers alike.

With a background in Economic Development, Business Administration, and Human Resources, Dana brings extensive experience and a strong commitment to community and workforce development. Throughout her career, she has held leadership roles that have allowed her to support and strengthen the communities she serves.  Dana gained comprehensive knowledge of the Region's workforce through various roles. These experiences led to her current position as Chief Executive Officer of the Four County Labour Market Planning Board.  In this role, Dana works closely with local partners, employers, and community organizations to ensure a strategic and evidence-based understanding of current and future workforce needs across the region. She is recognized for her collaborative leadership style and her commitment to informed decision-making, guided by the principle that effective solutions are achieved through knowledge, partnership, and accountability.

11:45 AM – 1:15 PM – Lunch and Networking

12:45 PM – 1:15 PM – Optional Lunch Time Activity: Overview of Grand River Agricultural Society (GRAS)

Guided by: Debrah Whale, Grand River Agricultural Society

The Grand River Agricultural Society (GRAS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering innovation and education within the local agricultural sector, and is a key partner in local economic development. The society's vision is to "nourish people, animals, and the planet", and they have done so through philanthropic initiatives, scholarships, impact investment, and the operation of Grand River Raceway and The GrandWay Event Centre.

Speaker: Debrah Whale

1:15 PM – 2:15 PM – Panel Discussion: Supporting the Future of Agriculture

Explore how municipalities can better align with the needs of an essential and evolving sector. This discussion will feature influential local leaders bringing a wealth of experience across agriculture, innovation, and sustainability.

Moderator: Mike McMorris

Speakers:

Janet Harrop, Owner, Harrcroft Acres Ltd

Stephen Duff, Chief Economist, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture

Greg Hannam, Owner, Woodrill Farms

Stephen Duff is currently the Chief Economist for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. He has chaired several federal-provincial-territorial committees, serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Guelph and is on the board of Farm Management Canada. Steve and his wife Robyn operate a beef and cash crop farm near Colborne, Ontario.

Janet is the past President of the Wellington Federation of Agriculture, Board member with the local Chamber of Commerce and Municipal Economic Development Committees to bring the farmer's voice to each discussion. Harrcroft Acres is a multigenerational dairy farm north of Fergus where Janet works with her husband Ian and son Ryan, and is a current Living Lab – Ontario research partner measuring GHGs using different management practices on their farm.

Greg Hannam is a dedicated farmer and owner of Woodrill Farms, a family-run, full-service crop input supplier with over 90 years of history. Woodrill Farms is known as a leading agricultural enterprise that blends traditional farming expertise with modern technology.  Their reputation for good stewardship includes strong advocacy for soil health and innovations in precision agriculture.

2:15 PM – 2:30 PM – Coffee and Networking Break

2:30 PM – 3:45 PM –  Lightning Talk: Toolkits and Takeaways for Rural Resiliency

This lightning talk presentation will be a quick tour of actions which have had local success in building rural resiliency. It will outline innovative yet practical municipal initiatives where collaboration, creativity, and community-partnered work are helping to weather big threats like climate change or the affordability crisis.

We want you to steal these ideas – you will leave with a template takeaway kit so that lightning can strike twice!

Session Lead: Justine Dainard, Smart Cities Manager, County of Wellington

Speakers:

Justine Dainard, Smart Cities Manager, County of Wellington

Gabrielle (Gabby) Andres, County of Wellington

Tova Davidson, Executive Director of SWR Sustainable Waterloo Region

Adam McDowell, Community Outreach Coordinator, County of Wellington

Eman Shoeib, Energy Data and Engagement Coordinator, County of Wellington

Karen Chisholme, Climate Change and Sustainability Manager, County of Wellington

Heather Vasey, Economic Development Coordinator, County of Wellington

Blaine Burman, Ontario Works Caseworker, County of Wellington

Anterra Vsetula, Agriculture Coordinator

Justine managed Wellington County's participation in the four-year, federally-funded Our Food Future project (foodfuture.ca), working with the City of Guelph to create a circular economy of food.

She works within the County's Economic Development department and is focused on regional resiliency, with a portfolio which includes circular economy, agriculture, food access, and digital equity.

A former recipient of the City of Guelph Mayor's Award of Excellence and member of the Guelph Mercury's Top 40 Under 40, Tova is known for leading by example while inspiring others to do the same. Under Tova's leadership, the social enterprise nonprofit SWR has rolled out programs and projects across Waterloo Region, Guelph, Wellington County, Perth County, and Oxford County.

Eman works with the Climate and Sustainability team, tracking emissions and creating programmes for positive change. Collaborating with internal departments as well as running public engagement events, Eman's work is a key support for the County's Climate Change Mitigation Plan.

Heather works with Wellington County's Economic Development team and is the lead organizer of the County's much-loved Rural Romp events. She also manages the County's business directory, the Taste Real map, and contributes to social media content that highlights local businesses, food, and experiences across Wellington County.

Heather works with Wellington County's Economic Development team and is the lead organizer of the County's much-loved Rural Romp events. She also manages the County's business directory, the Taste Real map, and contributes to social media content that highlights local businesses, food, and experiences across Wellington County.

Anterra works with the Smart Cities Office, leading the County's agricultural supports. She runs the Experimental Acres Programme as well as enabling knowledge sharing and partnership events with local agrifood associations. She has a lifelong passion for food and farming.

Adam is a key staff member at Green Legacy, a tree planting programme run from the County of Wellington's two tree nurseries. Through partnerships with local school boards, Adam's work enables thousands of school children to learn how to plant and care for trees.

Karen is the author of the County's Climate Change Mitigation Plan and has created several award-winning programmes which address emissions reductions and energy savings. She is currently preparing the County's Climate Adaptation Plan.

Blaine's work as a key staff member with County Social Services includes outreach with local food access organizations and working with the Market Bucks team. Market Bucks runs on an annual cycle, requiring coordination with local farmers' markets across the County.

3:45 PM – Closing Remarks

Venue:

The GrandWay Events Center

7445 Wellington County Rd. 21

Elora, ON

N0B 1S0

Accommodations:

Best Western PLUS Fergus Hotel                            

830 St. David St. North

Fergus, ON

N1M 2L2

Make your reservation by calling the hotel directly at +1 (519) 843-2100 or by email at Reservations@bwfergus.com. Please note that reservations within the block cannot be made online. Please mention the event name  (EDCO Regional Event) and event date when booking their rooms.

Rate: $189 – $209.99 / night

Cut Off Date: July 8, 2026

*Regional Event Registrations are non-refundable after August 27th, 2026. Before this date, registrations are refundable less a $50.00 +HST administration fee*

*Event registrations are transferrable until September 2nd, 2026.*