Get ready for an exciting lineup of sessions, keynotes, and networking opportunities at the 2025 Ontario East Municipal Conference. Our program is designed to provide valuable insights, actionable strategies, and meaningful connections for economic development professionals and municipal leaders.
2026 Speakers
Keynote and Plenary Speakers
Defence Plenary: André Delhommeau, Specialist and Defence Sector Expert, BDC
Andre Delhommeau joined the BDC team in April 2026 after serving more than 30 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, retiring as a Colonel, Logistics Officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Andre served at the Squadron and Wing level at 8 Wing Trenton several times during his military career, including unit command. He was fortunate to serve with our NATO allies at CC-Air HQ Ramstein, Germany, working in the Tactical Evaluation Division.
He spent time in various demanding roles in Ottawa including working in Material Group, Canadian Joint Operations Command and twice working in the Strategic Joint Staff, including as Director of Support Operations. As Formation Commander, Andre led Canadian Forces Support Group (Ottawa-Gatineau) and spent time as the Special Advisor to the Chief Professional Conduct and Culture.
Operationally, Andre deployed three times, twice while in Command. He deployed to ISAF HQ in Kabul, Afghanistan as a staff officer in the Air Component Coordination Element and was a member of the “Frozen Chosen” as the Commanding Officer of Canadian Forces Station Alert, the northernmost permanently inhabited place on earth. Finally, he deployed as the Canadian Task Force Commander/KFOR Chief of the Joint Logistics Operations Centre for Op KOBOLD in Kosovo.
Andre is a graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) Kingston, of the Joint Command and Staff Program, and the National Security Programme. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master Defence Studies. He is married and is the proud father of two fabulous children.
Defence Plenary: Marc-André Hawkes is Director General, Investment, Innovation and Security at Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
Leveraging Canada’s global network of missions and regional offices, he leads efforts to facilitate foreign direct investment, strengthen science, technology and innovation partnerships, and advance research and economic security objectives in support of Canada’s long-term prosperity, competitiveness and resilience.
Marc-André joined Canada’s diplomatic service in 2003 and has served in Quito, Miami and Sydney. He holds a Master’s degree in Management from Harvard University and designed and regularly teaches McGill University’s course “Leadership and Governance in Public Organizations”. In his first half-century, he has lived in 11 cities across seven countries and five continents.
Defence Plenary: Chris King, Chief Executive Officer, Quinte Economic Development Commission
Chris King serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Quinte Economic Development Commission.
Chris leads the successful QEDC team guiding the overall direction and operation of the QEDC with programs to attract new business investment and support the retention and growth of targeted existing business in the region.
Defence Plenary: Jayson Myers, Chief Executive Officer, Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen)
Jayson is an award-winning business economist specializing in industrial and technological change and is widely recognized as an influential policy advocate in Canada. He is an advisor to both private and public sector leaders and has counselled Canadian prime ministers and premiers as well as senior corporate executives and policymakers around the world.
Jayson has more than 25 years of experience building alliances among businesses, academic institutions, as well as community, labour, and advocacy organizations. Between 2007 and 2016, he served as President & CEO of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, Canada’s largest industry and trade association. He was also the founding Chair of the Canadian Manufacturing Coalition, Vice-Chair of Canada’s National Roundtable on Skills, and Vice-Chair of the Ontario and Great Lakes Manufacturing Councils.
Jayson studied at Queen’s University and the University of British Columbia in Canada, as well as at the London School of Economics and Oxford University in the United Kingdom. He has held appointments as a Research Fellow at Nuffield College, Oxford, and as a lecturer in politics, economics, and international studies at both Oxford and the University of Warwick.
Defence Plenary: Lieutenant-Colonel Joe Tobin, Deputy Commander, 4th Canadian Division Support Group
Lieutenant-Colonel Joe Tobin joined the Canadian Armed Forces in June 2000 under the Regular Officer Training Program. Upon graduation from the Royal Military College of Canada in 2005, he was commissioned as an infantry officer and was posted to 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment.
Lieutenant-Colonel Tobin’s regimental service includes assignments as a rifle platoon commander, direct-fire support platoon commander, assistant adjutant, operations staff officer, rifle company second-in-command, adjutant, and rifle company commander. His diverse extra-regimental assignments include service at the Land Force Central Area (now 4th Canadian Division) Training Centre as Training Officer, Operations Officer, and Chief Instructor; a command tour as Officer Commanding Joint Personnel Support Unit Eastern Ontario Region; service on the Army Staff as a desk officer for the Canadian Army International Programme, and as Executive Assistant to the Deputy Commander Canadian Army. He most recently served on the Strategic Joint Staff, leading a team of strategic planners for the Middle East, Africa, and peace support operations.
Lieutenant-Colonel Tobin’s expeditionary deployments include Operation ATHENA in Kandahar, Afghanistan from 2008-2009, Operation IMPACT in Baghdad, Iraq as a member of Combined Joint Task Force Operation INHERENT RESOLVE Forward Headquarters in 2017, and Operation PRESENCE Mali in Bamako, Mali as a strategic planner for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali from 2022-2023, where he also served as the Deputy Task Force Commander for the contingent of Canadians deployed there.
Lieutenant-Colonel Tobin is a graduate of the Canadian Army Command and Staff College and the Canadian Forces College. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Defence Studies from the Royal Military College of Canada, and a Master of Arts from King’s College London. He is a recipient of the United States Joint Service Commendation Medal for his service in Iraq, and the Chief of the Defence Staff Commendation for his service in Mali.
Lieutenant-Colonel Tobin is married to a remarkably understanding woman, who is an accomplished professional in her own right. Together, they are the proud parents of two exceptional teenage children. Lieutenant-Colonel Tobin is an outdoor enthusiast and avid whitewater canoeist. Having recently exhausted the goodwill of family and friends to accompany him on increasingly adventurous whitewater outings, he now spends his free time as a volunteer, planning and leading whitewater river expeditions for the Wilderness Canoe Association.
Nuclear Plenary: Jay Amer, EExecutive Director Ontario East Economic Development Commission
Jay’s economic development experience includes twelve years as a senior executive with Peterborough’s economic development agency and since 2010, operation of his own professional consultancy, Amer & Associates Economic Development. He has delivered a successful portfolio of work that includes economic development strategic plans, economic research and analysis for investment attraction and trade, marketing communications, government relations and funding programs, as well as organizational development and governance.
Prior to discovering his passion for economic development, Jay served in a variety of technical and communications management roles with Ontario Power Generation, and he has also volunteered on numerous non-profit boards. He is a past President of the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC), has been a member of Ontario East since 2000 and was Ontario East’s representative on the Eastern Ontario Leadership Council (EOLC).
Nuclear Plenary: Dwayne Campbell, Director, Economic Development, Tourism, Land Use Planning Department, Northumberland County
Bio tbc
Nuclear Plenary: Philip Kompass, Director, Corporate Communications, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL)
Currently the Director of Corporate Communications with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, a position I have held since joining the company in 2006 following several years working in the communications field.
The nuclear industry, particularly nuclear science and technology is a fascinating challenge for communicators. Outreach to the public is a compelling challenge – never a dull moment – and Philip worked to engage audiences from every demographic, with opinions and interests which vary just as widely. In this position, Philip holds responsibility for internal and external communications programming to meet the regulatory requirements, build trust and credibility for laboratory operations, and build support for the continued revitalization of the sector.
The Chalk River Laboratories is Canada’s largest scientific institution, home to more than 120 unique facilities and an exciting 70-year history of cutting edge scientific and technical achievement. In this position, Philip works side-by-side with an incredibly diverse team of our nation’s brightest minds, experienced engineers and skilled trades people delivery a portfolio of work relevant to every industrial sector in this Canada.
Philip holds a degree in Anthropology from York University and a diploma in Corporate Communications from Centennial College, as well as a number of professional certifications in a range of disciplines.
Nuclear Plenary: Sean Conway, Manager, Indigenous Engagement, AtkinsRéalis
Sean Conway is a business development, public policy, and community engagement leader living in Curve Lake First Nation, Ontario, Canada.
His day-to-day is spent managing teams and developing opportunities for Indigenous participation at Candu Energy Inc. with AtkinsRéalis. Sean also works at advancing the rights and well-being of the members of Curve Lake First Nation as a Councillor where he serves the Finance & Audit, Capital & Infrastructure, and Economic Development portfolios.
Closing Featured Speaker: Sébastien Labrecque, Executive Director and Chief Economist of the StrategyCorp Institute of Public Policy and Economy
Sébastien is the Executive Director and Chief Economist of the StrategyCorp Institute of Public Policy and Economy. He is responsible for the development and the execution of the Institute’s editorial calendar and thought leadership. Sébastien also hosts the Intended Consequences podcast. Prior to joining StrategyCorp, Sébastien was a Manager, Public Policy and Issues, for a major national organization representing the Canadian professional accounting profession. He also previously worked in the federal government in Ottawa. During his time at Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, he worked extensively on housing finance policy and the digital economy. Sébastien holds a Master of Public and International Affairs from the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science from Université Laval. He also has a Certificate in Economic Development from the University of Waterloo.
Session Speakers
Jamie Batchelor, Senior Planner, J.L. Richards & Associates Ltd.
Jamie Batchelor is a Senior Planner with J.L. Richards and Associate Limited. Jamie has extensive knowledge and experience in analyzing and interpreting policy, legislation, regulations, zoning by-laws, and official plans. He was the lead for JLR on the Municipality of Mississippi Mills on the Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan (CIP).
Louis Bedard, Regional Development Advisor, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming
Louis Bedard is a Regional Development Advisor with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. Louis is the connection between the Eastern ON Tourism industry stakeholders and Ontario government programs and services such as Experience ON, Summer Employment Opportunities, Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund and also supporting RTO’s and DMOs in the region.
Sepideh Beigi, PMP, Employer Engagement Coordinator, WCG Services
As a PMP-certified professional, Sepideh Beigi, Employer Engagement Coordinator with WCG Services brings a strong project management and partnership-building perspective to developing workforce initiatives. Specializing in employer engagement, workforce development, and employment services, her work focuses on strengthening employer relationships, supporting inclusive recruitment, and creating meaningful employment opportunities that respond to both employer needs and labour market demands. She is passionate about building collaborative solutions that help individuals and employers succeed in an evolving workforce.
Marylee Boston, Executive Director – Fenelon Falls Chamber of Commerce (Downtown Revitalization)
Marylee Boston is the Executive Director of the Fenelon Falls & District Chamber of Commerce, where she supports local businesses, strengthens tourism, and advances community development initiatives in Fenelon Falls and the surrounding area. Her role includes business advocacy, destination marketing, hosting events, building community partnerships and two downtown revitalization projects. Marylee is passionate about practical, collaborative approaches to rural economic development and creating opportunities that help small businesses and her community thrive.
Drew Brennan – Senior Planner, Municipality of Mississippi Mills
Drew Brennan is the Senior Planner for the Municipality of Mississippi Mills, supporting the Development Services and Engineering Department in managing planning applications, policy development, and long-term growth initiatives. He contributed to the Municipality’s successful CMHC Housing Accelerator Fund application, leading several required housing initiatives, including the Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan (CIP).
Justin Bromberg, Chief Executive Officer, Frontenac Municipal Services
Justin Bromberg is the Chief Executive Officer of Frontenac Municipal Services, appointed in early 2025 to lead the strategic direction and operations of the municipal service corporation and future utility. He brings 15 years of experience in municipal government, with previous leadership roles in regional advocacy, government relations, project management, and communications.
Laurie Caouette, Economic and business Advisor, Ministry of Rural Affairs
Laurie Caouette is an Economic & Business Advisor with the Ministry of Rural Affairs. Based in Brighton, she connects rural municipalities, nonprofits, Indigenous communities and small businesses throughout Eastern Ontario with training, tools and funding that advance economic development.
Adam Cameron, Regional Program Manager, Employment and Training Division, Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
Adam Cameron is a Regional Program Manager with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) in the Employment and Training Division, where he supports communities within East Region across various program lines, collaborating on training, skills development, labour market supports and workforce development.
Dan Carpenter, Director, Employer Services, Ottawa Education Group
Dan Carpenter, Ottawa Education Group: Dan Carpenter leads workforce development initiatives at Ottawa Education Group, specializing in experiential learning and competency-based assessment programs and consulting. With expertise in connecting internationally trained professionals with employers, his work focuses on rapid employment pathways that bridge skills gaps while supporting newcomer economic integration in Ottawa.
Heather Cayouette, CIPP/C, CIPT, Founder & CEO, Firefly Strategic Consulting
Heather Cayouette is the Founder and CEO of Firefly Strategic Consulting. With over 20 years of experience, she works with small and mid‑sized organizations to strengthen operations, governance, and risk practices in ways that are practical, scalable, and fit for purpose.
Heather’s background spans strategy, project and program management, governance, information technology, and privacy. She is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/C) and Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT), with extensive experience leading operational reviews and advising organizations on risk, accountability, and decision‑making in complex and evolving environments.
Her work increasingly focuses on how organizations govern emerging technologies, including AI, as part of broader resilience and preparedness efforts. She helps organizations establish clear boundaries, accountability structures, and documentation that align day‑to‑day operations with external obligations and public trust.
Heather is the author of Reset the System: A Practical Guide to Rethinking the Way You Work, to Power Why You Do It.
Emily Cowan, Director of Community Services, Programs and Initiatives – Prince Edward County (Agriculture BR&E, Youth Engagement Strategy
Emily Cowan is the Director of Community Services Programs and Initiatives (CSPI) for the County of Prince Edward. Emily’s portfolio includes community and economic development, corporate communications and corporate customer service. After 10 years in Agricultural manufacturing, sales and exports in the United Kingdom, Emily returned to Canada with a desire to make meaningful contributions to her home community. After heading up the Prince Edward County Chamber of Commerce for two years, Emily joined the municipality of Prince Edward County in 2018, working in Community and Economic Development. The CSPI department aims to foster an informed and engaged citizenry, develop a sustainable, diverse and year-round economy, recognize and leverage opportunities for equitable community improvement, and help foster a sense of belonging for all residents of Prince Edward County.
Alex de Wit, Senior Business Advisor, Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Alex de Wit is a bilingual a Senior Business Advisor with the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade working within the Business Advisory Services Branch. Based in Cornwall along with his colleagues he also supports communities and small and medium sized enterprises in Eastern Ontario
Mike Elms, Manager of Community Planning & Development, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Ali Enad, General Manager of Para Operations & Driver Programs, Coventry Connections Inc
Ali Enad brings over 30 years of experience in the taxi and transportation industry. As General Manager of Para Operations and Driver Programs, he combines extensive operational knowledge with a strong commitment to professional driver training and accessible transportation.
Ali is an experienced Taxi and Accessible Transportation Courses Instructor as well as a Defensive Driving Instructor, helping drivers develop the skills, knowledge, and safety practices needed to provide professional and reliable service.
He also previously served as President of the Taxi Union in Ottawa, where he represented and advocated for drivers and gained valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the transportation industry.
Tracy Eso, BFA, CIP, CRM, ACI, Risk Assessment & Solutions Specialist, Intact Public Entities
Tracy Eso is the Risk Assessment and Solutions Specialist in the Risk Management Department at Intact Public Entities with expertise in insurance claims, risk management, captive insurance, and climate change. She has over 20 years’ experience in the insurance industry. Tracy is an instructor for the Insurance Institute of Canada and has spoken at various industry conferences and writes articles on topics ranging from climate change to liability claims. Her focus at Intact Public Entities is to research risks that municipalities across Canada are facing, develop ways to mitigate those hazards and educate municipal clients in best-practice solutions to create resilience in the face of an ever-changing risk landscape.
Doris Fiander, AI Leadership Strategist & Founder, QuantumGrowth AI
Doris Fiander is an AI leadership strategist specializing in applied AI readiness and decision governance. She works with leaders to examine how AI reshapes decision-making environments, helping clarify accountability, protect decision authority, and maintain public trust before AI becomes embedded in critical operations.
Kent Fitzhugh, Senior Business Advisor, Small Business and Program Delivery Division, Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Kent Fitzhugh is a Senior Business Advisor with the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade working within the Business Advisory Services Branch. Based in Kingston, along with his colleagues he supports communities and small and medium sized enterprises in Eastern Ontario.
Sarah Gobeil, Succession Ontario Project Coordinator, Kingston Economic Development
Sarah Gobeil is a program management professional dedicated to strengthening Ontario’s small business community through education, engagement, and capacity-building initiatives. She works collaboratively with economic development partners to deliver succession planning materials across the province. Sarah is known for her relationship-driven approach and commitment to inclusive, practical programming that supports business continuity and long-term success.
Brian Gordon, Senior Manager, Regional & Community Engagement
Brian is a seasoned stakeholder relations professional with over 15 years of experience, primarily dedicated to supporting municipal stakeholders. As a Senior Manager at the IESO within the Regional and Community Engagement Department, Brian is responsible for developing and executing the IESO’s municipal stakeholder engagement strategy. In this role, he fosters strong relationships and facilitates collaboration between the IESO, municipalities and the community. Beyond his IESO responsibilities, Brian shares his expertise as an instructor at George Brown College. He is passionate about empowering stakeholders with a deeper understanding of the IESO’s initiatives and their impact on local communities. This passion for working with stakeholders is the driving force behind his efforts to ensure effective and transparent communication from an IESO perspective. His approach is both strategic and hands-on, reflecting a commitment to building trust and achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.
Stephen Green, Managing Partner, Green and Spiegel
Stephen Green is one of the two Managing Partners at Green and Spiegel and is Certified as a Specialist in Immigration Law by The Law Society of Ontario. Stephen has been practicing immigration law for over 35 years and has extensive experience in all areas of Canadian immigration. Stephen has been identified for many years as a leading practitioner in immigration law. Stephen is considered a subject matter expert and dynamic speaker in the field, frequently asked to speak as a panelist, moderator and lecturer.
Stephen’s expertise includes all areas of Canadian immigration law, specializing in corporate employee transfers, express entry applications, family class applications, provincial nominee applications, business applications, work permits, Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA) and start-up visas. Stephen also leads the Investment and Entrepreneur Department at the firm, which assists experienced businesspeople and high net worth individuals to invest in Canada to obtain Permanent Residence. Stephen also has particular expertise in CUSMA confirmation exemptions, work permit approvals for strategic, expert and key professional employees and high-level executives.
Stephen’s clients range from the largest multinational corporations in the world to many start-up and entrepreneurial clients crossing all industries: IT, telecommunications, hospitality, transportation and consulting to name just a few. Stephen travels around the globe to speak to various business organizations and clients regarding Canadian immigration. Stephen champions Canada as a country with incredible potential for prospective immigrants both in terms of economic growth and quality of life. The following are awards that Stephen has received: Rank by Best Lawyers Canada for Immigration Law, 2006 – 2025 Ranked in the Chambers and Partners Canada and Global Guides, 2019 – 2025 Ranked as Chambers and Partners Band 1 Lawyer in the field of Immigration Law, 2022 – 2025. Recognized in the Legal 500: Business Immigration Hall of Fame, 2023, 2024 Toronto’s Top Lawyers, 2024 France Canada Chamber of Commerce – Community Engagement Award 2024 Listed in Who’s Who Legal: Canada, 2023, 2024 Listed in the 2022 Canada Legal 500 guide as the Leading Canadian Immigration Lawyer Listed in the 2022 Canadian Lexpert ® Directory
Brenda Guy, Manager of Planning and Development, Town of Gananoque
Brenda Guy is the Manager of Community Development for the Town of Gananoque, where she has led the Town’s planning, development, building, and by-law functions. With more than 35 years of municipal experience, including the Municipality of North Grenville and the former Township of Osgoode, Brenda has guided complex development projects, shaped municipal policy, and advised Council on planning and growth across Eastern Ontario. Her experience includes overseeing the municipal approvals for Canada’s first and largest community built using on-site construction robotics, providing her with a unique perspective on navigating innovative housing projects within Ontario’s regulatory framework.
Sarah Haase, Director, Workforce Development, Fleming
Sarah is the Director, Workforce Development with Fleming College. With over 20 years of experience in the Employment Services field in community and post-secondary settings she has played a key role in the Employment Services transformation in the Muskoka-Kawarthas prototype region. She brings a focus to the needs of the region, establishing key relationships with community partners and stakeholders.
Rhonda Vaillancourt, Senior Manager – Infrastructure Advisory, Colliers Project Leaders
Rhonda is a seasoned Finance Director with extensive experience leading Human Resources, Administration and Technology functions across a variety of industries, sectors and countries. With over 20 years of experience, Rhonda’s provides successful solutions from her negotiation and mediation background, collaborative communication style and strategic thought process.
Kelly Hultink, Health and Safety Consultant, Public Services Health and Safety Association
A wellness professional specializing in psychological safety, mental health, and workplace wellbeing. Experienced in risk assessment, training, and program development, with a strong background in leadership, crisis response, and creating inclusive environments where people and organizations thrive.
Daanish Hussain, Senior Manager, BDO Canada, Credits and Incentives
Daanish Hussain is a leader in the Direct Funding practice in BDO’s Credits & Incentives team. He brings 15 years of experience across government and advisory, previously leading major EV and battery investment files for Ontario and securing multi‑billion‑dollar projects with firms including Asahi Kasei, LG Energy Solution, and PowerCo.
Stacy Hushion, Vice President, StrategyCorp
Stacy Hushion is a Vice President in StrategyCorp’s Municipal Services Practice with over a decade supporting Ontario municipalities on an array of projects, including strategic planning, operational and organizational reviews, Council and staff relations, and intergovernmental affairs. She is also a lead author of StrategyCorp’s Annual CAO Survey.
Nik Ives-Allison, Coordinator, Cultural Development – City of Ottawa (Culture Plan)
Speaker Profile TBC
Justine Janssen – Executive Director, Employee Ownership Canada
Justine Janssen is a Canadian business leader recognized among Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 and Top 100 Most Powerful Women. A former Dayforce executive who helped scale the company from startup to global public enterprise, she now leads Employee Ownership Canada, advancing employee ownership as a path to stronger businesses and shared prosperity. Justine is passionate about building organizations that keep wealth and opportunity rooted in Canadian communities.
Abdul Jendi, Investment Manager, Kingston Economic Development
Abdul Razak is a seasoned international business development professional with expertise in international trade and FDI in North America, Europe & Asia. He also serves on the SWITCH Board of Directors. Throughout his career, Abdul Razak gained experience working in organizations that are publicly traded, privately held, family-owned, and non-profit. Before joining the Kingston Economic Development team, Abdul Razak held the position of Economic Development Manager at ROI, a Montreal based consulting firm, playing a pivotal role in managing and delivering lead generation programs, in-market representation, and industry analysis for domestic and international clients in Canada, the USA, and Europe. In the United Arab Emirates, he managed over 100 contracts worth $6.5 billion while working with National Central Cooling Co PJSC (DFM:TABREED). Working in the steel industry, Abdul Razak closed several deals including a landmark steel pipes deal from Turkey to India worth $14 million to build a chemical processing plant. Abdul Razak also served as the Deputy Director for the Global New York Canada Office assisting companies to expand and grow in the State of New York, as well as supporting New York based companies enter the Canadian market. Brought up and raised in the United Arab Emirates Abdul Razak graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance with a minor in Economics from the American University of Sharjah and is currently completing his Master’s in Economics at Concordia University.
Jennifer Lamantia, CEO, Workforce Development Board (WDB)
Jennifer Lamantia is CEO of Workforce Development Board (WDB) leading local labour market research and the delivery of responsive workforce development solutions through a range of services, resources, and partnerships.
Prior to joining WDB in 2017, Jennifer spent many years in educational publishing working for multinational publishers to support workforce development through education textbook development, acquisitions, and sales. Her accomplishments also include managing the development and implementation of new and innovative services for the education and corporate sectors with over 12 years’ experience in business development with a not-for-profit representing the collective voice of writers, visual artists, and publishers in Canada.
Elisha Maguire, Manager, Economic Development, City of Belleville
Elisha oversees the City’s investment attraction portfolio, business growth and retention and destination development plan for the City of Belleville. Through innovation, sustainable progress and cultural vibrancy, Belleville strives to be the epicentre of the region, and the Economic Development Team is here to support that vision.
Stephen Mann, Economic Development Officer, Township of North Dundas
Stephen Mann has been the Economic Development Officer at the Township of North Dundas since 2017. His experience spans the municipal world, the insurance industry and corporate recruitment. His expertise is in connecting businesses with the financial and support solutions they need to in order to succeed. He is a community champion that supports local economic development.
Erik Marko, Principal – Eastern Ontario and Nunavut, Colliers Project Leaders
Erik is an adaptive and strategic leader skilled at delivering project solutions in the infrastructure, energy, industrial, municipal, commercial and retail sectors. With over 12 years of construction and project management experience, Erik thrives on challenging projects using his extensive change and conflict management, stakeholder coordination and strategic procurement skills.
Amy Martin, Director of Planning and Development, Municipality of North Grenville
Amy Martin leads a dynamic team of planning, building and by-law professionals as the Director of Planning and Development for the Municipality of North Grenville. Throughout her 15+ year career, Amy has worked closely with developers, elected officials, community stakeholders and the public to shape a planning framework that supports sustainable growth while balancing the local character of the community.
Amy is passionate about the role of Municipalities in the creation of affordable housing. She believes that communities are stronger when all members have an opportunity to thrive. Amy likes to think outside the box and find innovative ideas for affordable house creation.
Cole Matthews, Local Government/Housing Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing
Cole Matthews is a Senior Municipal Financial Advisor with the Eastern Regional Municipal Services Office at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, supporting municipalities on financial capacity, funding access, and trend analysis. Based in Kingston, he works with municipal leaders on governance, finance, and program implementation.
Elyse McCann, Director of Business Development, EnviroCentre
Elyse McCann has over 20 years of experience working with municipalities to implement practical climate solutions. Elyse has developed and delivered a range of community sustainability programs covering everything from green infrastructure solutions, EV projects across the City of Ottawa, redesigning waste systems in social housing and Ottawa’s flagship sustainable transportation programs
Ben McIlquham, Investment Manager, Life Sciences & Health Innovation, Kingston Economic Development Corporation
Ben is an economic development professional specializing in health and life sciences for the City of Kingston. With 18 years of experience spanning government, industry, non-profits, and business development, Ben has a proven track record in facilitating growth and fostering foreign direct investment for health and life sciences companies.
Born in Kingston and a graduate of the University of Western Ontario, Ben excels at leading complex, multi-disciplinary projects and programs. His current focus is on making Kingston an ideal environment for both existing and new life sciences companies to establish, grow, and thrive.
Ben also serves as a key point of contact in Kingston for the Kingston Syracuse Pathway, where he builds relationships and assists companies in soft landing into new markets.
A seasoned contract management specialist, Ben has led numerous projects for hospitals and managed various contract portfolios in the healthcare sector. Before joining the Kingston Economic Development team, he worked at Shared Support Services Southeastern Ontario (3SO) and the Ministry of Government Services, where he played key roles in project management that advanced healthcare and strategic sourcing initiatives.
Darren Morenstein, Director of Business Development, TMSI Sports Management
Darren Morenstein is the Director of Business Development at TMSI Sports Management, an Ottawa-based leader in the operation and management of sports domes, recreation facilities, golf courses and community programming.
Darren works with municipalities, school boards and community partners to develop sustainable recreation models that balance public access with sound financial performance. His work focuses on public-private partnerships, facility utilization, anchor tenants, diversified programming and new revenue opportunities that help recreation facilities deliver greater economic and community impact.
At TMSI, Darren is involved in expanding the company’s municipal partnerships, developing new facilities and programs, and identifying opportunities to transform underused recreation assets into active, financially sustainable community destinations.
David Munday, Managing Partner, Cunningham Swan Lawyers
David Munday is the firm’s Managing Partner, as well as a Partner in the Municipal Group and has been with the firm since 2009. He attended the University of Guelph before attaining his J.D. from Queen’s University in Kingston. David regularly supports his clients and provides specialized advice to municipalities in the following areas:
- Land Use Planning and Development matters
- Complex land acquisitions and dispositions
- Municipal governance
- Municipal taxation and finance
- Roads and other municipal property issues
- Construction lien matters
- Commercial leasing and financing
- Procurement, including RFP and Tendering
- Freedom of Information
- Cemetery issues
David is active in the Eastern Ontario community, holding positions on the executive committee of the Kingston Home Builders Association. He has been a director of the Food Sharing Project which feeds over 12,000 hungry children in the greater Kingston area and is a past director of the Limestone Advisory for Childcare Programs. Education B.A. (Hons.) University of Guelph Class of 2004 J.D. Queen’s University Class of 2009 To contact David, please email dmunday@cswan.com, or call 613.546.8091.
Magloire Ngnitedem, Economic & Business Advisor, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA)
Magloire Ngnitedem is an Economic & Business Advisor with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness based in Kemptville. His role is to encourage and facilitate growth, development and investment in food and beverage manufacturing business in Eastern Ontario.
Nhung Nguyen, CEO, Horizon Legacy
Nhung Nguyen is the CEO of Horizon Legacy, where she is transforming a seven-decade-old real estate and construction company into a leader in construction technology and robotics. She brings over 15 years of experience delivering complex infrastructure projects and supported Horizon Legacy’s pioneering move into renewable energy development. Nhung holds a degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Ottawa and studied Environmental Management at Harvard University. Under her leadership, Horizon Legacy is building the first and largest neighborhood in Canada and the world’s largest Indigenous housing project using on-site robotics. She has been a contributor to Canada’s Construction Automation and Robotics R&D Roadmap, is a founding member of the Construction Technology Committee under the Canadian Robotics Council, and established Canada’s first Construction Automation Lab—a platform facilitating collaboration between industry, academia, and government to advance construction technologies. Nhung is passionate about leveraging robotics to revolutionize the construction industry and address labor shortages. She believes technology can inspire young people to rediscover a love for building, transforming the industry and creating a new path for the next generation.
Corey Norman, Executive Director, Launch Kawartha
Corey is an experienced innovation and design leader who works directly with complex networks of stakeholders in the discovery, design, development and management of organizational strategies, user-centered processes, and innovative
products. Corey has particular interest in helping high growth organizations to evolve and scale.
Susan Ong, Senior Consultant – StratgyCorp
Susan Ong is a Senior Consultant with StrategyCorp’s Land Infrastructure Development Practice. Her focus is on supporting land development clients in Ottawa, leveraging her experience as a policy advisor at Ottawa City Hall. She’s assisted with government relations and organizational reviews and loves a project that leads to more housing.
Cyndy Palleske, Executive Director, Community Futures Eastern Ontario
Cyndy has deep roots in rural Eastern Ontario and brings more than 30 years of senior leadership experience across manufacturing, economic development and association management. As Executive Director of Community Futures Eastern Ontario, she leads a regional network supporting rural entrepreneurship, small business growth and community economic development, while overseeing regional programming and investment initiatives.
Her career has included senior operational leadership in manufacturing, national association leadership and work with entrepreneurs, communities and economic development partners across Ontario and Canada. This combination of private-sector and community-based experience gives Cyndy a practical perspective on competitiveness, investment, productivity, and the partnerships needed to strengthen regional economies.
Robin Paquette, Exec.Dipl.M.M., Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Arnprior
Robin is the CAO of the Town of Arnprior, previously serving as the Town’s planner from 2000-2020. She led the creation of the Town’s first Age-Friendly Community Plan in 2015, working with stakeholders and service providers to establish the Greater Arnprior Seniors Council. The Council, composed of citizen members moved forward the initiatives of the Plan.
Nancy Peckford, Mayor of North Grenville
Nancy Peckford, a native Newfoundlander, was first elected Mayor of North Grenville in 2018 and re-elected to a second term in 2022. She is the first female mayor of the Municipality of North Grenville, and served as fourth female Warden for the United Counties of Leeds Grenville in its 172 history.
Before moving to Kemptville in 2011, she lived in a variety of urban, rural, and northern communities. Previous work included roles in the NGO sector, culminating as the Executive Director at Equal Voice, focused on women’s and youth leadership. She served as the architect of the historic 2017 ‘Daughters of the Vote’ initiative and was named one of the Women’s Executive Network’s Top 100 Powerful Women in Canada in 2014.
Peckford’s background as a political advocate and her time on and off the Hill shaped her approach to leadership. She emphasizes the need to invest in the quality of life of all residents and has been a tenacious champion for major infrastructure initiatives. Among her first acts as Mayor was to establish one of Eastern Ontario’s first Affordable Housing Taskforces in 2019 which was the catalyst for major housing and planning policy shifts within North Grenville and is transforming options for affordable and attainable housing in the community today.
Judith Pineault, CEPA , Business Advisor, Judith Pineault Consulting
Judith Pineault is a trusted business advisor who helps business owners prepare for successful transitions. As a Certified Exit Planning Advisor, she works closely with entrepreneurs to strengthen readiness, protect enterprise value, and reduce risk. Judith is passionate about guiding owners through succession with clarity, confidence, and long-term community impact in mind.
Calvin Pol, Director of Development Services, Township of North Dundas
Calvin Pol has enjoyed a 39-year planning career, worked 5 years in consulting, ran his own firm for 6, and spent 24 years in the public sector. He serves as Director of Development Services, has been an appointed Councillor (twice), an Acting Mayor, and Interim CAO.
Lisa Prentiss , MBA, PMP, Partner, MNP Digital
Lisa Prentiss is a Partner at MNP Digital, where she leads the Digital Experience solution area. With over two decades of experience in customer experience (CX) and digital technologies, Lisa guides organizations through transformative digital initiatives, helping them uncover operational efficiencies, design new digital experiences, and develop innovative services and products. She excels at demystifying complex digital landscapes, ensuring her clients select solutions that align with organizational goals and stakeholder expectations. Through design thinking, Lisa engages stakeholders to deeply understand challenges, fostering holistic problem-solving.
Her expertise spans digital marketing strategy, user experience and customer experience design, management consulting, advanced analytics, and agile project management. Lisa has successfully led numerous large-scale technology integrations, notably in implementing digital experience platforms, advanced analytics, collaboration environments, Microsoft Dynamics and Power Platform solutions, and ERP systems. Lisa helps organizations map customer journeys, define service delivery models, establish digital experience and technology roadmaps, and deploy solutions using agile methodologies.
In addition to her core capabilities, Lisa is a trusted leader in AI enablement and adoption planning. She has spearheaded the development of AI strategies that empower teams to harness AI for enhanced business outcomes, designing enablement programs that accelerate positive adoption and skill-building. Lisa is adept at crafting M365 Copilot strategies and roadmaps, guiding organizations in integrating Copilot’s capabilities across the Microsoft 365 suite to drive productivity and innovation. Furthermore, she has defined AI best practices for governance, ensuring responsible implementation, regulatory compliance, and ethical stewardship of AI systems. Her comprehensive approach balances technology adoption with practical governance, equipping organizations to realize the full value of AI while maintaining trust and transparency.
Spencer Putnam, Associate Lawyer, Cunningham Swan Lawyers
Spencer Putnam is an Associate in our Municipal Law group. Spencer has been with the Firm since 2018, having articled and summered with the Firm before his call to the Bar in 2020.
Spencer provides advice and representation to municipalities, corporations, and individuals across Ontario in a variety of municipal matters, including:
- Land use planning
- Expropriations
- Provincial Offences Act proceedings
- Development charges
- Ontario Heritage Act appeals
- Municipal Elections Act matters
- Review and drafting of by-laws, agreements and policies
Spencer has represented clients before the Ontario Land Tribunal, Ontario Court of Justice, Ontario Superior Court of Justice, and the Ontario Divisional Court, as well as before municipal councils.
Spencer received his J.D. from Queen’s University, where he was named to the Dean’s Honour List and awarded the course prize in Tax Law. Prior to law school, Spencer graduated with distinction from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Studies.
Spencer volunteers as a supervising lawyer with Pro Bono Students Canada and serves on the Boards of Directors of Youth Diversion and the Kingston Home Builders Association. Outside the office, he spends his time hiking and playing rugby.
Philip Racco, Partner, Enterprise Risk Services – MNP
Phil leads the Enterprise Risk Services Groups across Ontario and Atlantic Canada. He delivers high-quality risk management services to organizations in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. He brings more than a decade of experience to his role, providing operational resilience, enterprise risk management, corporate compliance, third-party risk management, and governance solutions to help his clients achieve their business goals.
Basia Radomski, Principal, SMRT Solution Consulting
Basia Radomski is a Principal at SMRT Solution Consulting and a senior engagement strategist with extensive municipal, tourism, and economic development experience. A seasoned communications leader, she brings a strong record in strategy, engagement, marketing, and providing senior-level guidance across both municipal and private sectors.
Boyd Reid, Co-Founder & CEO of Hop In Technologies and Chair of Brampton Board of Trade
Boyd is the Co-founder & CEO of Hop In Technologies and Chair of the Brampton Board of Trade. Boyd is also an advisor with the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance, and alumnus of both the DMZ and Techstars. Boyd is driven by a passion to help people get access to opportunity whether it’s through transportation with Hop In or through his community involvement.
Brad Roach, Investment Attraction Officer, City of Belleville
Brad is an economic development and financial technology leader focused on modernizing regional growth strategies. Currently serving as Investment Attraction Officer for the City of Belleville, he works at the intersection of business expansion, municipal planning, and commercial investment. His background bridges private sector innovation with public sector execution—from directing enterprise FinTech initiatives and digital lending products at Scotiabank to managing regional investment funds that support local entrepreneurs. Brad specializes in using modern digital tools to streamline processes, attract capital, and build practical solutions for economic growth.
Meg Ronson, Economic Development Coordinator, Municipality of Port Hope
Meg Ronson has been the Economic Development Coordinator at the Municipality of Port Hope since 2023 and an active member of OEEDC, EDCO, and EDAC. She is a voracious learner, always looking for the next professional hurdle to jump, with certifications in traffic control planning, Municipal planning, Municipal law, a certificate in Economics from Toronto Metropolitan University, a Bachelor of Humanities from Carleton University and a Masters of Economic Development and Innovation from the University of Waterloo. Her career so far has been a decade-long search for meaningful community impact and economic empowerment spanning grassroots co-operatives to Federal social finance mobilization projects. The breadth of her experience is dwarfed only by her commitment to leaving the world and her communities better off than how she found them.
Bonnie Ruddock, Executive Director of Regional Tourism Organization 9
Bonnie has been with the RTO9 since the inception of the Regional Tourism Organization in 2011. Bonnie was appointed to Executive Director in 2017 after 6 years as Operations Manager for RTO9. With a background in finance and a passion for the tourism industry, Bonnie is a true leader. In 2020 Bonnie completed her MBA in Community Economic Development. Prior to her career with RTO9, Bonnie was Executive Director for the 1000 Islands Gananoque Chamber of Commerce where she was instrumental in growing membership and launching the official Bi-lingual Visitor Guide for her destination.
Jackie Schoemaker Holmes, MA, MPLAN, PhD, Housing Accelerator Fund Program Manager, Municipality of North Grenville
Dr. Jackie Schoemaker Holmes is a trained sociologist, qualitative research specialist, and rural planning and economic development professional. Her work centres on the study and empowerment of individuals and communities in a variety of contexts including municipal government-level research about the feasibility of creating immigrant entrepreneur attraction strategies for small cities in Canada as well as leading the methodological approach for a groundbreaking community willingness study that assessed the desire of a municipality to host a deep geological repository of used nuclear fuel. With a background in academia, municipal government, and non-profits, Schoemaker Holmes now works in housing affordability at the municipal level with the Municipality of North Grenville where she acts as Program Manager for the Housing Accelerator Fund program. Dr. Schoemaker Holmes is deeply committed to community, intersectional research and policy strategies, and the right to housing security for all. She is committed to learning about the reasons people care about their communities and to ensuring that that community care and desire for vibrant, livable places to call home is realized in the communities where she works.
Heather Sutherland, Economic Development and Communications Officer, City of Pembroke (BR&E)
Heather Sutherland has worked in tourism, communications, and economic development with the City of Pembroke since 2017, currently holding the role of economic development and communications officer.
Heather has led a variety of economic development projects in Pembroke, including its latest Business Retention and Expansion Project in 2024-2025.
Heather has a strong affinity for community development, having started her career as a journalist at a small community newspaper, and having served as the Pembroke Business Improvement Area’s manager for five and a half years. In her current role, she most enjoys the work that brings people together and creates connections. She is especially fond of the business socials she facilitates, which have led to many meaningful collaborations within the Pembroke region.
Warren Vibert-Adams, Project Manager, Cahdco
Warren Vibert-Adams is a Development Project Manager at Cahdco with extensive on-site building experience, having worked on projects ranging from single-family homes to multi-residential buildings. Warren transitioned into affordable housing development in 2022, where he has worked on a variety of housing unit styles and scales. As a diligent developer, he is committed to helping others through his exceptional attention to detail and dedication to a more sustainable future. Through this approach, he has led funding applications and client teams towards the development of over 150 units of non-market housing. Beyond work, Warren lives with his family in rural Ontario and enjoys spending time outdoors.
Ellory Vincent, RPP, MCIP, M.Pl. , Planner, J.L. Richards & Associates Limited
Ellory Vincent, RPP, MCIP, M.Pl., Planner, J.L. Richards & Associates Limited
Ellory is a Registered Professional Planner and earned her Master of Urban and Regional Planning (’23) from Queen’s University. Ellory is a Planner at J.L. Richards & Associates (JLR) and is experienced in working across private, public, and academic sectors of planning, ranging from participatory research on age-friendly cities to large-scale community plans.
Kevin Warner, M.Sc., P.Geo (Ltd), BCIN , Technical Lead – Hydrogeology, Water & Wastewater, Cambium
Kevin has extensive experience practicing as a hydrogeologist in Ontario for the past 27 years. He is a registered Professional Geoscientist with a Limited License (Environmental Geoscience) in Ontario and is a registered wastewater designer (BCIN).
Kevin is well experienced in completed for hydrogeological assessments for privately serviced residential developments on well and septic systems following MECP D-5-4 and D-5-5 regulations. He has also provided numerous technical peer review services for privately serviced developments to various Municipalities.
Jennifer Williams, Founder, Ownership Design Group
Jennifer Williams is the founder of Ownership Design Group, a Canadian advisory firm specializing in business succession and employee ownership. She helps founders and CEOs transition their companies using values-aligned models such as Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) and ESOPs — designed to protect continuity, share prosperity, and build long-term resilience.
A TEDx speaker with more than 20 years of experience leading mission-driven businesses, Jennifer brings a strategic yet deeply human-centred approach to ownership transition. She works with companies across Canada to design ownership structures that engage employees, honour the founder’s legacy, and prepare the next generation of leaders. Her firm is itself employee-owned — a reflection of the model she helps others build.
Jennifer’s work is driven by a larger vision: a stronger, more productive Canadian economy built on locally rooted, employee-owned businesses — companies that keep ownership, prosperity, and decision-making in the hands of the people and communities who power them.
2025 Speakers
Jideofor Ahaneku, Business Developer
University of Waterloo
Jideofor Ahaneku, Business Developer at the University of Waterloo, specializes in co-op placements, connecting students with employers in the National Capital Region. With 15 years of entrepreneurial experience across Nigeria and China, he brings a global perspective to talent acquisition and workforce development. A strong advocate for continuous learning, Jideofor is presenting Building Tomorrow’s Workforce: The Strategic Advantage of Co-op Student Employment at the City of Kingston International Student Symposium. This session explores how international students contribute to local economies while facing unique integration challenges, highlighting Kingston’s model for fostering inclusion and collaboration among regional partners.
Greg Belmore, Manager of Human Resources
The County of Renfrew
Greg Belmore, Manager of Human Resources for the County of Renfrew, leads HR initiatives focused on talent acquisition, employee engagement, and international recruitment to address labour shortages, particularly in healthcare. A Chartered Professional Accountant and Certified Human Resource Professional, he has implemented strategic HR policies, recognition programs, and a human resources information system to enhance workforce development. Greg is co-presenting Innovating Rural Resilience: Eastern Ontario’s Path to Immigrant Attraction and Skilled Workforce Integration, exploring how rural communities can leverage skilled newcomers to address labour shortages and foster inclusive growth through the Rural Inclusion Project.
Behdad Banan, Head of Product
Enbridge Sustain
Behdad Banan, Head of Product at Enbridge Sustain, leads commercial planning and product management for sustainable technologies, including hybrid heating, solar, geothermal, and EV charging solutions. With an MBA and a background spanning energy and telecom, he has driven market growth and operational efficiencies in previous roles at Rogers Communications. At OEMC 2024, Behdad will present Enbridge Sustain: Towards a Lower-Carbon Future, exploring innovations in sustainable energy and how municipalities can leverage new technologies to meet evolving energy demands and environmental goals.
Agenda Highlights
Dates: September 17–19, 2025
Location: Ottawa Conference and Event Centre
- Keynote Speaker, Jennifer Botterill: Insights on leadership, resilience, and driving success in economic development
- Plenary, Economic Development & Housing: Addressing infrastructure challenges and unlocking growth opportunities
- EV & Workforce Transition: The future of electric vehicle manufacturing and workforce adaptation in Eastern Ontario
- Cybersecurity & Municipalities: Protecting local governments from digital threats and ensuring resilient operations
- Premier Networking & President’s Reception: Connect with municipal leaders, investors, and industry experts over drinks & entertainment
2025 Call for Speakers –
Now Accepting Submissions
2025 Preliminary Program
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Evening Registration
Beat the Wednesday Rush!
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cocktail and Networking Reception
NEW! reception with the Ottawa Business Journal to celebrate the launch of City Building 2024 magazine and to reveal the top 30 city building projects in the region. This will take place in the Atrium, which is the main OEMC registration area at the Ottawa Conference & Event Centre.
RSVP is required for this event as seats are limited. OEMC Delegates have received an invitation. If you have not and would like to attend, please contact oemc@ontarioeast.ca
Wednesday, September 17, 202
8:30 AM
Registration Opens
Refreshments in Exhibit Hall
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
OEMC Opening Remarks & Government Address
- Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario (video)
- Honourable Victor Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (video)
- Warden Peter Emon, County of Renfrew, Chair, Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus
- Mayor Jeff Leal, City of Peterborough, Chair, Eastern Ontario Mayors’ Caucus
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Opening Plenary
Sponsored by Devcore Group
*Schedule is subject to change.
** EMC attendees are eligible for 3 points towards EDAC’s professional Ec.D. accreditation
2025 Preliminary Program
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
| 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | |||
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
| 8:30 AM | ||||
| 10:00-10:30 AM | ||||
| 10:30-11:30 AM | ||||
| 11:30-12:30 PM | ||||
| 12:15-1:30 PM | ||||
| Breakout 1 | Breakout 2 | Breakout 3 | Breakout 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:30-2:30 PM | TBC | Tax Incremental Financing and Other Tools to Revitalize Distressed Areas within a Community | Canadian Immigration Toolbox and Economic Growth | Warming Up to Climate Change: Municipal Resilience in Eastern Ontario |
| 2:30-3:00 PM | ||||
| 3:00-4:00 PM | Catalyzing Growth: Government Funding Strategies for Economic Development | Conservation Authorities and Municipalities - Partnerships in Action | Rural Inclusion Pilot Project: Collaborative Workforce Solutions for Growing Communities | Lights, Camera, Action: Behind the Scenes in a Film-Friendly Town |
| 4:00-4:10 PM | ||||
| 4:10-5:10 PM | Building Global Connections: Tactical Approaches to Attracting Investment in Eastern Ontario | Land (Un)Locked: Using Spatial Analysis to Unlock the Potential of Underused Public Lands | Collaborating for Prosperity: Uniting Communities to Create the Eastern Ontario Rail Trail Loop | The AI-Powered Small Town: How Human-Centered AI is Transforming Marketing & Productivity for Local Economies |
| 5:10-6:30 PM | ||||
| 6:30 PM | ||||
| 8:30 AM | Registration Opens Refreshments in Exhibit Hall | |||
| 10:00-10:30 AM | OEMC Opening Remarks & Government Address | |||
| 10:30-11:30 AM | Opening Plenary Panel | |||
| 11:30-12:30 PM | Opening Keynote Sponsored by Devcore Group | |||
| 12:15-1:30 PM | Lunch – Sponsored by Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) | |||
| Breakout 1 | Breakout 2 | Breakout 3 | Breakout 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:30-2:30 PM | TBC | Tax Incremental Financing and Other Tools to Revitalize Distressed Areas within a Community | Canadian Immigration Toolbox and Economic Growth | Warming Up to Climate Change: Municipal Resilience in Eastern Ontario |
| 2:30-3:00 PM | Refreshment Break in Exhibit Hall | |||
| 3:00-4:00 PM | Catalyzing Growth: Government Funding Strategies for Economic Development | Conservation Authorities and Municipalities – Partnerships in Action | Rural Inclusion Pilot Project: Collaborative Workforce Solutions for Growing Communities | Lights, Camera, Action: Behind the Scenes in a Film-Friendly Town |
| 4:00-4:10 PM | Transition | |||
| 4:10-5:10 PM | Building Global Connections: Tactical Approaches to Attracting Investment in Eastern Ontario | Land (Un)Locked: Using Spatial Analysis to Unlock the Potential of Underused Public Lands | Collaborating for Prosperity: Uniting Communities to Create the Eastern Ontario Rail Trail Loop | The AI-Powered Small Town: How Human-Centered AI is Transforming Marketing & Productivity for Local Economies |
| 5:10-6:30 PM | President’s Reception in Exhibit Hall | |||
| 6:30 PM | Free Night! | |||
Thursday, September 18, 2025
| 8:00-9:00 AM | ||||
| 9:00-10:00 AM | ||||
| 10:00-10:30 AM | ||||
| Breakout 1 | Breakout 2 | Breakout 3 | Breakout 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:30-11:30 AM | Facilitating Economic Development and Evidence-based Decision Making for Rural Communities – | Optimizing the Environmental Assessment (EA) Process: Best Practices for Efficiency and Impact | Universities as Engines of Growth | Municipal Law Update |
| 11:30-11:40 AM | ||||
| 11:40-12:40 PM | Beginners Guide to Effective Funding Proposals | First Impressions Community Exchange Program | Connecting for Success: Programs for Ontario’s Municipalities and Businesses | HealthPulse Shuttle: Supporting skill & workforce development through regional partnerships | Everyone has a role to play in solving the productivity crisis |
| 12:40-1:45 PM | ||||
| 1:45-2:45 PM | Finding Opportunities in Times of Upheaval: A Regional Perspective | Preserving our Past: Navigating the Changes to the Ontario Heritage Act Through Partnership | Workforce Housing: Emerging Solutions from Rural and Small Urban Municipalities (CMHC) | Envisioning Eastern Ontario’s Electricity Future |
| 2:45-3:15 PM | ||||
| 3:15-4:15 PM | Driving Economic Growth: Harnessing the Power of BR+E with Prosper Belleville Insights | Incenting ARU Development in Rapidly Growing Rural Areas: An ARU Initiative Case Study and Toolkit | ResearchFDI Academy | |
| 5:30 PM | ||||
Friday, September 19, 2025
| 8:30- 9:30 AM | Morning Refreshments and Closing SpeakerHow is Eastern Ontario’s Economy Faring Amid Renewed Trump Uncertainty? | ||
Thanks to Our Sponsors
Gain Insights from Past Conferences
The conversations that shape Ontario’s economic future don’t start from scratch—they build on years of knowledge, collaboration, and innovation. OEMC has consistently brought together industry experts, policymakers, and economic leaders to share strategies and solutions.
Want to see what’s worked before? Explore past conferences for key takeaways, impactful discussions, and game-changing insights that continue to influence municipal and regional development.