MEDIA RELEASE - For Immediate Release, September 7, 2023
[OTTAWA, ONTARIO] 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. 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 Vicki for her efforts to promote her community and the region as a premier business location. We congratulate Vicki on this important recognition and appreciate her continued support for our organization and towards 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.
Vicki is an accomplished economic developer who demonstrates a business approach with a strong customer service attitude for clients, partners, and stakeholders. As Business Development Officer for the Quinte Economic Development Commission, she has been a key player in attracting new investment to the Bay of Quinte Region. She was recently the lead in a site selection project that resulted in the 1.1 million square foot Amazon Distribution Centre coming to Belleville. The centre will be operational later this fall. Vicki has been involved in the past in a variety of investment projects including the Schutz manufacturing, a German manufacturer that opened their first Canadian facility in Belleville.
Vicki creates and executes marketing programs for the Bay of Quinte Region as well as Eastern Ontario including her role as the Ontario East Economic Development Commission’s food sector lead. Vicki is also the co-Chair of Ontario Food Cluster, a pan-Ontario group of economic development organizations working collectively to attract foreign direct investment in the food processing sector. Vicki leads economic developers to align on strategies and executes investment attraction initiatives and missions.
Vicki has developed a network of influencers including corporate real estate executives, site selectors, and government investment officials including MEDJCT, Invest Ontario, OMAFRA, and Canadian Consulates around the world. Last year Vicki participated in investment attraction missions to various US markets, Germany, and France.
Her marketing background also helps drive the implementation of the Proudly Made In Quinte programs which celebrate the region’s manufacturing sector, individual companies, products, and people involved in the sector including social media, in-store promotions, and events, traditional advertising and more.
“Vicki is a team player with a strong appreciation for collaboration and regional development. She is the epitome of the modern economic development professional and the Bay of Quinte Region and eastern Ontario benefit greatly from her dedication to advancing economic development opportunities throughout the region,” stated Jay Amer, Executive Director of the Ontario East Economic Development Commission. “As an active participant with Ontario East programs, Vicki is a valuable member and leader well deserving of this recognition.”
The nomination submission was substantial and thorough, with letters of support from peers, clients, and colleagues who have worked with Vicki over the last decade. Those who supported her nomination referenced Vicki’s consistent display of professionalism and expertise in the field, her ability to always listen to and support both clients and colleagues when providing valuable feedback and advice while going above and beyond in her roles with both QEDC and the Ontario East Economic Development Commission.
The award was presented following the government address during the Ontario East Municipal Conference in Ottawa this morning.
