Leading economic development best practices of the future
City of Vaughan wins two EDCO Awards of Excellence
The City’s Economic Development team has been recognized once again for their work to make Vaughan a place where entrepreneurship, business, tourism and art can prosper and grow!
During a special ceremonial presentation at the April 16 Committee of the Whole (2) meeting, Mayor Steven Del Duca and Members of Council recognized the department for receiving two 2023 Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) Awards of Excellence. The City’s Grow with Vaughan horticulture sponsorship program won the Building Initiatives award and the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) Demonstration Zone won a Community Economic Development award – both in the Urban Population Over 100,000 category.
In collaboration with the City’s Parks, Forestry and Horticulture Operations department, the Grow with Vaughan program offers local businesses the opportunity to sponsor a City flowerbed, pollinator bed, premium flowerbed or flowerpot at key locations across the city. It supports local businesses by providing cost-effective promotional opportunities that help beautify the neighbourhoods they serve.
The OVIN Demonstration Zone, delivered in partnership with the City of Markham and supported by the Ontario government, offers entrepreneurs and companies an opportunity to safely test their transportation solutions in the real world. In collaboration with the City’s Infrastructure Planning and Corporate Asset Management team, the OVIN Demonstration Zone supports the advancement of automotive and smart mobility solutions to improve the way we move people and goods, while generating new economic opportunities for Ontario-based businesses.
The EDCO Awards are presented annually to leaders in economic development to recognize distinctive ideas and initiatives that could become the economic development best practices of the future.
To learn more about the City’s economic development services, visit vaughanbusiness.ca.
QUOTES
“We are proud that the City of Vaughan has been recognized by the Economic Developers Council of Ontario with two Awards of Excellence, and an impressive four of our submitted projects named as finalists. This acknowledgement is particularly meaningful because these awards are given to leaders in economic development and highlight the incredible effort our team makes every day to enhance our city’s economic vitality. The Grow with Vaughan sponsorship program and the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network Demonstration Zone are unique and innovative programs that showcase how our Economic Development department continues to be a leader in its field. This team offers invaluable programs, training and expert advice to our local businesses, and, with their support, Vaughan’s economy continues to grow, outpacing federal and provincial growth rates. On behalf of the City of Vaughan and Members of Council, I want to express my sincerest gratitude to the entire department – the results of your hard work are evident throughout our city.”
- Mayor Steven Del Duca
“Congratulations to the City of Vaughan on receiving two Economic Development Council of Ontario Awards of Excellence. The hard work demonstrated through the Grow with Vaughan and OVIN Demonstration Zone projects continues to promote the city and Ontario as a premier destination for businesses to invest and grow.”
Vic Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
“Congratulations to the City of Vaughan’s Office of Communications and Economic Development for winning two Economic Developers Council of Ontario awards for the City’s Grow with Vaughan sponsorship program and the OVIN Demonstration Zone project in partnership with the City of Markham. The Economic Development department, with the support of Public Works and Infrastructure Development, go above and beyond each day to deliver Service Excellence to Vaughan’s business community. These awards reflect their hard work to attract business and investment in our city.”
- Nick Spensieri, City Manager
“The 2023 Community Economic Development Award from the Economic Developers Council of Ontario is a testament to the success of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) Demonstration Zone in accelerating the adoption of innovative, Ontario-made automotive and mobility technologies. OVIN looks forward to continuing the crucial work of championing Ontario’s vision for a future that builds safer, cleaner, and more efficient transportation and catalyzing economic growth for the province through ongoing collaboration with the City of Vaughan and the City of Markham across the technology development, demonstration, and commercialization journey.”
Raed Kadri, Head of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network
QUICK FACTS
The City’s Economic Development department received two EDCO Awards of Excellence for 2023.
The City’s Grow with Vaughan horticulture sponsorship program won the Building Initiatives award and the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) Demonstration Zone was recognized with a Community Economic Development award – both in the Urban Population Over 100,000 category.
The EDCO Awards are presented annually to leaders in economic development to recognize distinctive ideas and initiatives that could become the economic development best practices of the future.
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