Economic Developer of the Year Award

Ontario East Economic Development is seeking nominations to recognize an economic development practitioner in Eastern Ontario as the Economic Developer of the Year at the Ontario East Municipal Conference. The Ontario East Economic Development Commission (Ontario East) recognized Vicki Bristow Ferguson, Business Development Officer, Quinte Economic Development Commission as the “Ontario East EDO of the Year” during the Ontario East Municipal Conference (OEMC) hosted at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre September 6-8, 2023. Learn more…

The award is sponsored by ResearchFDI, one of Canada’s leading investment attraction agencies, founded by Bruce Takefman, who is a member of the awards selection committee.

Sponsored by

Congratulations to our Ontario East EDO of the Year Award Recipients

2023: Vicki Bristow Ferguson, Business Development Officer, Quinte Economic Development Commission


2022: Bob Peters, Manager of Economic Development, City of Cornwall


2021: Donna Gillespie, CEO, Kingston Economic Development Corporation


2019: Katie Nolan, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs


2017: Ann Weir, United Counties of Leeds & Grenville


2016: Anne Marie Young, County of Frontenac


2015: Linda Lisle, City of Quinte West


2014: Rob Hunter, EcD, Township of North Dundas


2013: David C. Paul, EcD, City of Brockville


2011:  John Paul Shearer, Kingston


2010: Judy Selvig, Municipality of Port Hope


2009: Mark Boileau, City of Cornwall


2008: Rita Byvelds, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs


2007: Karen Poste, City of Belleville


2006: Norman Anderson, Renfrew Industrial Commission


2005: Jay Amer, EcD, Peterborough


2004: Shellee Evans, Town of Perth


2003: Paul Blais, County of Lennox & Addington


2002: Terry Lapierre, EcD, County of Renfrew


2001: Paul W. Fitzpatrick, City of Cornwall


2000: Chris King, Quinte Economic Development Commission


1999: Vic B. Allen, South Grenville


1998: James de Pater, United Counties of Stormont Dundas & Glengarry


1997: David C. Paul, EcD, City of Brockville