MEDIA RELEASE – For Immediate Release, September 18, 2025
[OTTAWA, ONTARIO] The Ontario East Economic Development Commission (Ontario East) “Doug Ellis Ontario East Economic Development Officer (EDO) of the Year Award” was presented during the Ontario East Municipal Conference (OEMC), hosted at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, September 17-19, 2025. The award is sponsored by ResearchFDI, one of Canada’s leading investment attraction agencies, founded by Bruce Takefman, who was a member of the awards selection committee. The award was renamed this year to honour Ontario East founder and long-time conference chair the late Doug Ellis.
“Ontario East is pleased to recognize Amber Coville, Executive Director, Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation, for her efforts to support economic development in the region through the establishment and delivery of numerous programs in Lanark and Renfrew County and beyond, that have helped communities in eastern Ontario identify new opportunities and contribute to a thriving rural economy. We congratulate Amber on this important recognition and appreciate her continued efforts in support of economic development in eastern Ontario.” commented TJ Flynn, President of the Ontario East Economic Development Commission and head of Investment Attraction at Northumberland County.
Amber is a results-driven strategic leader with over 14 years of experience in championing community growth through her work in Economic Development. Known for an ability to turn vision into action, she excels in planning, organizing, and executing initiatives from concept to completion – always with a sharp eye on both the details and the broader impact.
One of Amber’s most impactful accomplishments has been the Rural Community Inclusion Pilot Project; a three-year initiative delivered across two large counties. Funded through the provincial Rural Economic Development (RED) Program, the project was designed to address rural labour shortages by connecting local employers with skilled newcomers, while simultaneously building the community capacity needed to foster inclusive and welcoming environments. A Workforce Attraction Campaign Strategy was also developed, and Amber led a project team through the strategy design and execution of a Digital Land Plan and Campaign – a highly targeted digital marketing initiative aimed at attracting skilled workers and families to a rural county.
All these projects saw overwhelming success meeting and exceeding all targets and providing much needed services for rural communities. Amber has also made substantial contributions to education within the field of economic development, particularly in rural and regional contexts. The award was presented during the Ontario East Municipal Conference (OEMC) in Ottawa this morning.
Jay Amer, Paul Blais, Vicki Bristow Ferguson, Chris King, Bruce Takefman, Amber Coville, David Paul, Shirley Ellis, Bob Peters, Paul W. Fitzpatrick, Linda Lisle, MPP Steve Clark, Karen Poste