MEDIA RELEASE – For Immediate Release, September 12, 2024
[OTTAWA, ONTARIO] The Ontario East Economic Development Commission (Ontario East) recognized Karen Fischer, Advisor, Economic and Business, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness as the “Ontario East EDO of the Year” during the Ontario East Municipal Conference (OEMC) hosted at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre September 11-13, 2024. 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.
“Ontario East is pleased to recognize Karen Fischer for her efforts to support economic development in the region through the establishment and delivery of numerous programs that have helped communities throughout eastern Ontario to identify new opportunities and contribute to a thriving rural economy. We congratulate Karen on this important recognition and appreciate her continued efforts for our organization as a government member of the board of directors along with her support of economic development in eastern Ontario.” commented Stephen Paul, President of the Ontario East Economic Development Commission and Director, Community and Development Services, Lennox & Addington County.
Karen Fischer is a passionate community developer and rural champion who has been working in economic development in Eastern Ontario for the Province of Ontario for over 24 years. She has been a leader within numerous economic development programs that have been developed and delivered in Eastern Ontario including the Ontario model of BR+E, Selling Food to Ontario, Teeny Tiny Summits, First Impressions Community Exchange and CED 101. She was on the team that brought BR+E to Ontario. As a regional advisor she has supported countless initiatives at the local level including twelve (12) downtown revitalization projects and over 35 BR+E projects throughout the region.
She has often created programs for her own clients that have since been applied across the province – Selling Food to Ontario being an example as well as the Local Food First Impressions Community Exchange
program being another example of programs created by Karen and exported to benefit the rest of the province.
The nomination submission was substantial and thorough, with letters of support from peers, clients, and colleagues who have worked with Karen during her career. The award was presented following the government address during the Ontario East Municipal Conference in Ottawa this morning.
2024 EDO of the Year Karen Fischer with OMAFA Colleagues