EDCO Regional Economic Development Professional Development Event

Earn 3 Economic Development Certification Points for Attending!

Central Region - Midland

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Registration Closes on Friday, May 3, 2024

Agenda 

8:30 am - Registration

9:00 am - Welcome Mayor Gordon and Land acknowledgement

9:05 am - Welcoming Prayer/Song

9:15 am - Chief Ted Williams (Keynote Speaker) 

Ted Williams is proudly from the Chippewas of Rama First Nation and for over 40 years he has been a noteworthy leader and entrepreneur in the community.

Ted Williams will speak about proper protocols when engaging and working with First Nation communities and more about the process involved with the road transfer from the Township of Ramara to the Chippewas of Rama First Nation. Communities as excellent examples of collaboration and partnership. 

10:00 am - Cultural Alliance Session 

The Culture Alliance was developed as a one-year pilot project in 2019 with the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene, the Townships of Tay and Tiny, and Beausoleil First Nation as partners. Learn how this joint culture committee was created, as well as its successes and challenges, and how it continues to impact the Heart of Georgian Bay.

Presented by Karen Mealing, Manager of Culture and Community for the Town of Midland and Liz Cascagnette, Cultural Development Coordinator for the Culture Alliance

10:45 am - Coffee/Tea Break

11:00 am – 12:00 pm - Barrie: Municipal Accommodation Tax Session with Q & A 

The City of Barrie implemented a Municipal Accommodation Tax in 2019. In this session, find out the strategic steps that were taken prior to the provincial legislation, how the City formalized the process for collection, the partnerships that were strengthened along the way, and how funds are leveraged for the exciting tourism sector, all while using their Tourism Master Plan as their touchstone for each new idea.

Speakers:

Darcy Brooke-Bisschop is the Manager of Business Development for Invest Barrie, the City of Barrie’s Economic and Creative Development department. Darcy supports a team of economic development professionals in fostering an environment that allows businesses to thrive in Barrie. Darcy contributes to the growth of the city’s business community and showcasing Barrie as a premier business investment destination in meaningful and strategic ways.

Kristen Eatch is the Tourism Coordinator for Invest Barrie, the City of Barrie’s Economic and Creative Development department. Kristen drives thoughtful, intentional and strategic tourism development initiatives while creatively collaborating with industry partners, supporting departmental, corporate and community goals.

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Lunch Break

1:00 pm – 2:15 pm - Panel Discussion – Leveraging local resources: How you can maximize businesses supports?

Explore effective ways to utilize local resources and make the most of business supports. This is your chance to gain insights from diverse experiences, discover what various organizations can provide, and learn how to work collaboratively to best support your community.

Panelists include: Community futures south Georgian bay: Gillian Fairley, LaunchIt Business Exploration Centre: Belinda Wick-Graham,

Moderator: Laura Thompson, Manager, Economic Development for Town of Innisfil

2:15 pm - Coffee/Tea Break

2:30 pm – 3:15 pm - Invest Ontario - Funding opportunities and how communities can position themselves for investment with Q & A

Invest Ontario significantly contributes to attracting investments and retaining businesses throughout Ontario. This presentation offers you the chance to discover available funding programs, gain insights into investor expectations, and how your community can stand out to investors. At the end, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions and leverage their expertise to enhance investment readiness and foster economic growth for your community.

Venue:

Midland Cultural Centre

333 King Street, Midland, ON L4R 3M7

www.midlandculturalcentre.com

Accommodations:

Midland Inn and Suites

May 6th, 2024

A room block under 'Economic Developers Council of Ontario Regional Event' hold. 

1-855-566-2320

Reserve at the discounted rate of $99.00 per night plus tax/fees. The hotel will hold these rooms for booking at the discounted rate up until April 15^th. A complimentary hot breakfast is included as well.

Website: Midland Inn & Suites, Midland, ON

Location: 720 Prospect Blvd, Midland, ON

Register Here

*Regional Event Registrations are non-refundable after April 26, 2024. Before this date, registrations are refundable less a $50.00 +HST administration fee*

*Event registrations are transferrable until May 1st, 2024.*