Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO)

11/04/2026

For 70 years, EDCO's Annual Conference & Showcase has brought economic development professionals together to connect, learn, and lead. Join us February 1-3, 2027, as we celebrate this milestone year and explore what's next for Ontario's economy.

Registration is open for EDCO's 70th Annual Conference & Showcase, taking place February 1-3, 2027 at Toronto's Westin Harbour Castle.

Join Ontario's economic development community for three days of learning, networking, celebration, and fresh ideas shaping the future of our profession.

This year's program features:

✅ 20+ educational sessions and expert-led discussions
✅ A hands-on AI workshop
✅ Opening Reception at the Hockey Hall of Fame
✅ The EDCO Showcase connecting attendees with leading partners and solutions
✅ President's Dinner & Awards Celebration

Celebrate this milestone anniversary with colleagues from across Ontario and beyond.

Early Bird pricing ends December 4, so register now and save!

🔗 Learn more and register today: https://edco.on.ca/conference/2027-conference/

11/03/2026

Have you checked this week's EDCO eBulletin yet?

Don't miss the latest funding opportunities, professional development events, sector news, and updates impacting economic developers across Ontario.

Read the latest issue: https://conta.cc/3U59Dmi

Email from Economic Developers Council of Ontario EDCO Member Updates REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Celebrate 70 Years of Economic Development Excellence EDCO Conference & Showcase 2027 February 1–3, 2027 - W

11/02/2026

Looking to understand how new federal AI funding opportunities could support businesses and organizations in your community?

Join us on November 12 at 2:00 p.m. for a 30-minute technical briefing webinar with FedDev Ontario on the recently relaunched Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII).

Learn about:
- Program eligibility requirements
- Available funding streams
- Application timelines and key deadlines

Funding opportunities are available through streams supporting AI adoption, commercialization and scale-up, and ecosystem development, with significant funding support available for eligible businesses and not-for-profit organizations.

Don't miss this opportunity to hear directly from FedDev Ontario representatives and explore how AI funding could benefit organizations across Southern Ontario.

🔗 Learn more and register: 030989d0-fe63-4fff-9515-4c66d8fea018@8e0a1e13-b3b6-4785-8793-efab65d5dcfb" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/030989d0-fe63-4fff-9515-4c66d8fea018@8e0a1e13-b3b6-4785-8793-efab65d5dcfb

10/29/2026

EDCO Executive Director Stephanie Crilly was at Queen's Park today for the release of Ontario's 2026 Fall Economic Statement, A Plan to Protect Ontario, presented by Ontario Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy. The statement outlines the province's plan to support workers, businesses and communities while strengthening Ontario's long-term economic competitiveness.

While at Queen's Park, Stephanie also had the opportunity to meet with Matthew Rae, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries.

Learn more: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1008214/a-plan-to-protect-ontario

10/29/2026

Voting for the 2027 & 2028 EDCO Board of Directors Election is open!

Eligible EDCO members have received their voting ballot and instructions by email on October 15th. Your vote will help fill five Board positions and shape the direction of EDCO for the next two years.

Need help? Check your junk folder first, then contact [email protected] if you haven't received your ballot.

We encourage you to get to know the nominees and watch the Meet the Candidates Webinar before casting your vote. Click the link below!

🔗 Learn more: https://edco.on.ca/engage-with-us/join-the-board/

less

10/28/2026

70 years. Hundreds of economic developers. One can't-miss event.

Registration is officially open for the EDCO Conference & Showcase 2027, taking place February 1-3 at Toronto's Westin Harbour Castle.

Join colleagues from across Ontario for 2.5 days of learning, networking and inspiration featuring:

✅ 20+ educational sessions
✅ Opening Reception at the Hockey Hall of Fame
✅ Industry-leading keynote speakers
✅ The EDCO Showcase
✅ President's Dinner & Awards Celebration

🎉 Be part of this milestone anniversary and register early to save with Early Bird pricing.

Learn more and register now: https://edco.on.ca/conference/2027-conference/

10/27/2026

This week’s EDCO eBulletin is here!

Don't miss important updates, including:
- Conference registration is now open
- Cast your vote in the EDCO Board election
- Register for our upcoming Technical Briefing
- News, opportunities, and member updates

Read the latest edition: https://conta.cc/4sqWYXx

Not receiving our weekly eBulletin? Sign up through the EDCO website to stay informed on events, professional development opportunities, advocacy updates, and more.

Email from Economic Developers Council of Ontario EDCO Member Updates REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Celebrate 70 Years of Economic Development Excellence EDCO Conference & Showcase 2027 February 1–3, 2027 Wes

10/26/2026

Last week, EDCO was in Ottawa advancing the voice of Ontario's economic development profession through a series of productive meetings with federal leaders, agencies, and partners.

On behalf of our members and the communities they serve, we discussed economic development priorities and opportunities to strengthen Canada's economic competitiveness. These conversations directly support the goals outlined in EDCO's Strategic Plan and our ongoing commitment to advocating for the profession and the communities we serve.

We were pleased to meet with:

✅ Invest in Canada, Christine Thiessen
✅ Global Affairs Canada, Gillianne Beaulieu and Valentine Ostaszewski
✅ MP Terry Sheehan
✅ Office of the Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Innovation and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)
✅ Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
✅ Senator Kim Pate

A special thank you to everyone who shared their time and perspectives with us.

While in Ottawa, our EDCO team Stephanie Crilly and Laura DeMille also attended the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) Tourism Summit. It was fantastic to reconnect with colleagues and tourism professionals from across the province, and to see Carol, Andrew, and the entire TIAO team knock it out of the park with another outstanding event.

Advocacy, collaboration, and relationship-building remain at the heart of EDCO's work as we continue to champion economic development across Ontario.

Learn more about EDCO and our strategic priorities: www.edco.on.ca

10/23/2026

LAST CHANCE! APPLICATIONS CLOSE TODAY! 🚨

Today is the final day to submit your application for the 2026 EDCO Awards of Excellence.

Don't miss the opportunity to showcase your success and be recognized among the projects, programs, organizations, and leaders shaping the future of economic development in Ontario.

Every day, economic development professionals are creating opportunities, attracting investment, supporting local businesses, advancing tourism, developing talent, and building stronger, more prosperous communities. The EDCO Awards of Excellence celebrate the impact of this important work.

If your team has delivered innovative results and made a measurable difference in your community, today is your last opportunity to share your success story.

⏳ The deadline is today. Don't let your organization's achievements go unrecognized. Submit your application before the submission period closes and join the ranks of Ontario's leading economic development organizations and professionals.

🔗 Apply now: www.edcoawardsofexcellence.ca
📧 Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

10/20/2026

This week’s EDCO eBulletin is now available! Catch up on the latest economic development news, opportunities, and industry updates: https://conta.cc/4jhn1Ol

Not receiving our weekly eBulletin? Sign up through the EDCO website to stay informed and connected.

Email from Economic Developers Council of Ontario EDCO Member Updates Did you Receive Your Ballot?  Voting for the 2027-2029 Term Board of Directors opened on Thursday, October 15. You should have re