The Greater Peterborough Area Economic Development Corporation (GPA EDC) and City of Kawartha Lakes (CKL) were recognized with the Economic Development Association of Canada (EDAC) Best in Marketing Canada Award at EDAC's annual conference in Vancouver, British Columbia this week. The award was presented in the Best Website category for efforts on a joint website: www.kawarthachoice.com. The site was judged against competing websites from larger communities across Canada.
The website was developed by Peterborough's Whatever Solutions & Media. The focus of the site is to showcase locally grown products and to demonstrate how easy it is to source products grown in the region. The site features a database where local products can be purchased including: farms, restaurants, greenhouses and farmers markets. A list of "Agri-tainment" sources, reasons to buy local and a photo gallery can also be found on the site.
"We are very pleased to have been recognized for our efforts on a national stage”, stated Karen Jopling, Agricultural Development Officer, GPA EDC. "The competition was strong in this category as we were competing with the largest communities in Canada. This recognition demonstrates the advantages of working with your neighbours on mutually beneficial initiatives."
“The City of Kawartha Lakes is extremely proud to share this award for the www.kawarthachoice.com website with our partners in the City and GPA EDC. This truly rewards our regional partnership and the importance of working together. This website is a very helpful tool to assist consumers with finding local food and highlights our commitment to shop locally, support local agricultural producers and ultimately strengthen our local economy,” said City of Kawartha Lakes Mayor, Ric McGee.
During the conference Jay Amer, Ec.D, Vice-President Business Development & Communications for the GPA EDC was re-elected to the EDAC Board of Directors where he will serve on the Executive as 2nd Vice-President for 2009/2010. He held the position of Treasurer last term.
And finally, more good news related to EDAC - the 2011 EDAC Annual Conference will be held in Peterborough in the fall of 2011. The national conference is attended by 300-400 economic development professionals from across Canada and provides the host community the opportunity to highlight regional programs and assets related to economic development. A wide variety of professional development and learning opportunities are offered throughout the 4 day long event.
“Receiving a national award for an initiative that highlights the agricultural community in the region is an acknowledgment that the farmers in our areas can take pride in, “ stated Peterborough County Warden, Ron Gerow. “As farmers utilize new and innovative technologies on the farm, it is great to be able to showcase what they have to offer using the technology of the World Wide Web.”
“This is all great news for the region! We are extremely pleased with the success that has been found though our partnership with the City of Kawartha Lakes and the recognition received from EDAC, “ said Renato Romanin, Vice-President & Deputy CEO, Director of Agriculture & Rural Development for the GPA EDC. “Also, on behalf of the GPA EDC Board of Directors and staff, I congratulate Jay Amer on his re-election to the EDAC board and welcome the EDAC conference in 2011.”
ABOUT EDACThe Economic Developers Association of Canada is Canada's national organization of Economic Developers pursuing excellence in the field since 1968. The Association's mission is to enhance the professional competence of Economic Development officers and ensure placement of qualified people in the field of Economic Development; to advance Economic Development as a distinct, recognized, and self-governing profession; and to contribute to Canada's economic well-being. EDAC is an eager partner with municipalities nation wide.
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For additional information please contact:
GPA EDCKate Young, Communications Officer, 705-743-0777 Ext. 2134 or kyoung@gpaedc.on.ca
EDACPenny A. Gardiner, Ec.D., 905.689.8771, gardiner@edac.ca
