The City of Owen Sound is named a finalist in two categories of the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) Awards of Excellence.
The awards is a well-established program which recognizes outstanding economic development initiatives and individuals in the province, according to a release. A panel of professionals from fields in economic development, marketing, advertising, and tourism judge submissions put forward, and narrow down the nominees in each category.
The submitted River District Action Plan is a collaborative marketing, branding, and action strategy between Owen Sound and the River District Board of Management. It was named as a finalist in the Planning and Strategic Development category.
The three-year action plan by the River District was created to refine brand identity and strategy with clear actions and objectives to serve as a revitalization tool for the city’s core.
In addition, the City’s Work from Home Capital of Canada initiative, was picked as a finalist in the Workforce Development and Resident Attraction category.
The initiative was set up to capitalize on the desire and ability of people to work from home on a more permanent basis during Covid.
This six-week campaign was built on the City’s ‘Are you Most?’ campaign, which won the 2018 EDCO Innovative Community Award. The initiative was intended to separate Owen Sound from similar municipalities looking to attract a similar demographic, by creating a thought-provoking, unique campaign.
Mayor Ian Boddy says, “what an honour for the City’s River District Action Plan and the City’s Work from Home capital of Canada initiative to be announced as finalists in the 2021 Economic Developers Council of Ontario awards of Excellence Categories. It is truly a privilege to be nominated.”
The EDCO Awards of Excellence winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on Feb. 10, 2022.
