Ontario East Economic Development Commission Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held in Toronto during the EDCO Annual Conference in the Yonge Room, at the Westin Harbour Castle on Wednesday, February 5th at 5:00 pm.
Join us for an update on Ontario East activities, financials and to welcome the new directors to the board.
This event is free and open to all Active and Associate members of the Ontario East Economic Development Commission.
Wednesday, September 17 to Friday, September 19, 2025
at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre
The 2025 Ontario East Municipal Conference (OEMC) will be in person from Wednesday, September 17 to Friday, September 19, 2025 at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre.
OEMC is the most popular, and longest running, annual regional municipal conference held in eastern Ontario.
Each year our speakers, delegates and exhibitors comprise a diverse group of elected officials, economic development professionals, entrepreneurs, municipal service providers, private sector business leaders and provincial and federal government partners involved in community economic development.
In attendance will be CAOs, Wardens, Mayors, Business Development Professionals, Clerks, CEOs, Community Outreach Professionals, Councillors, EDOs, Planners, and more.
PRESENT AT OEMC - CALL FOR SPEAKERS
This is your chance to share knowledge, showcase best practices, and help foster economic opportunities and successes in Eastern Ontario and beyond!
Submit a proposal for your opportunity to be considered to present at OEMC!
Deadline to submit: February 21, 2025
Please forward this Call for Speakers to any other individuals/organizations you feel could contribute to the conference.
Support OEMC and take advantage of the many opportunities to connect with
Ontario East Members and OEMC attendees.
OEMC presents an incredible opportunity for extended networking with attendees! The meal room is directly across from the exhibit hall with all the food stations and buffets located right in the exhibit hall. This setup enhances the ease of mingling and maximizes your opportunities for meaningful connections!
Meet with CAOs, Wardens, Mayors, Business Development Professionals, Clerks, CEOs, Community Outreach Professionals, Councillors, EDOs, Planners, and more.
Please contact Megan Howes at oemc@ontarioeast.ca if you are interested in purchasing a sponsorship and/or exhibit booth.
Limited space available - don't miss this opportunity to support and participate in this eastern Ontario event that has key decision makers in attendance!
The Ottawa Conference and Event Centre is less than 10 minutes from Parliament and national museums, and only minutes from the highway, train station and airport access.
One connected location! The accommodations are connected directly to the meeting space. You can walk directly from the conference floor to your room!
OEMC is pleased to provide a special group rate for OEMC delegates at the Courtyard Ottawa East by Marriott for $209-$239.00 per night — the same great rate as last year!
Special room rates are only available until August 16, 2025 (subject toroom availability). Limited rooms available – please book as soon as possible to secure your room!
The University of Waterloo Economic Development Program Presents "What Trump Means: Economic Development, Canada and the 47th President of the USA" with Brock Dickinson and Dan Ujczo
Overview
President-Elect Donald Trump has proposed a range of startling and challenging ideas about trade and economic development with Canada and the world. This Inauguration Week session will explore:
America First and its implications for Canada
Trump’s economic policies and what they mean for Canadian communities
The possible introduction of tariffs, and their effects on Canadian industry
The 2026 renegotiation of the CUSMA/USMCA trade agreement
If you have any news that you would like us to share, please forward to info@ontarioeast.ca.
Dan Borowec, Ontario East Honorary Life Member
Celebrates Retirement
Several Ontario East members joined with colleagues and friends in Cobourg to celebrate the official retirement of Dan Borowec as Northumberland County's Director of Planning & Economic Development.
Dan was named an Honorary Life Member, taking effect upon his retirement, at the Ontario East Municipal Conference in Ottawa in September.
Dan is a past President of Ontario East and contributed to many important economic development initiatives for the region in his roles with Ontario East and Northumberland County.
Pictured here celebrating with Dan (middle) at The Mill in Cobourg are, L-R Carey Bidtnes, Bonnie O’Neill, Chris King, TJ Flynn, Vicki Bristow Ferguson and Jay Amer.
Threats of US Tariffs - Insights into the Automotive Sector from Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing
Podcast
Dr. Brendan Sweeney, a presenter at OEMC in the past and Managing Director of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing hosts insightful podcasts on key issues in manufacturing.
Check out the latest with Rob Wildeboer the Executive Chair of Vaughan-based Martinrea International, one of the few Canadian companies that consistently make the Auto News ‘Top 100’ Global suppliers list.
Rob shares frank opinions on trade & tariffs, geopolitics, the transition to EVs, lessons learned from past crises, and why he’s still bullish about automotive.
This episode is guest-hosted by Greg Keenan, the Trillium Network’s Strategic Adviser and an automotive industry journalist with three decades of experience at the Globe & Mail.
Enabling Opportunity: Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Strategy
Learn about the Ontario Ministry of Rural Affairs' plan to help develop and grow local business, attract and retain rural workers, and build safe, strong and vibrant rural communities.
The Enabling Opportunity: Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Strategy focuses on three key areas: • Safe and Strong Rural Communities – improving local economic development capacity and championing local leadership, supporting the rehabilitation of municipal and community infrastructure, optimizing rural connectivity, and supporting communities in developing plans for housing and transportation to ensure rural communities are places where people want to live, work and play. • Business Development and Attraction – supporting rural communities and other economic development partners in strengthening and growing rural business, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation, attracting investment, revitalizing downtowns and diversifying regional economies. • Growing the Rural Workforce – helping grow local talent, raising awareness of job opportunities available in rural Ontario, supporting workers in obtaining the skills needed to succeed, and attracting and retaining workers so rural communities and small towns thrive.
Ontario East Economic Development Commission, 100-623 Fortune Cres, Kingston, Ontario K7P 0L5, info@ontarioeast.ca, 613-634-8569
