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2003 Conference Wrap Up
We witnessed another great Eastern Ontario Conference in 2003! Ninety-four of the One Hundred and Fourteen municipalities in Eastern Ontario were represented. In all, 517 people attended OEMC 2003!
Business sessions continue to provide current and informative updates on municipal programs and government legislation. In addition, we have seen an increase in registrations to the pre-conference workshops. This year the Mobile Planning Workshop included a guided tour into some of Kingston's finest downtown re-development projects. We had an expanded exhibit area utilizing the Ballrooms and the Atrium. Many Delegates took advantage of the "complimentary" hand and neck massage. Thanks to the excellent support of our Sponsors OEMC has been able to control conference registration fees but continue to enhance the quality of the conference.
The recipient of this year's "Economic Developer of the Year" award was Paul Blais, Manager of Economic Development for the County of Lennox & Addington. We wish to thank VIA Rail Canada Inc., for their continued sponsorship of this great program. The recipient of the award is recognized for their contribution to the profession, development of new programs and/or strategies that enhance economic development within their community and development of programs and/or activities for the benefit of the Ontario East Economic Development Commission. The recipient receives a scholarship in the amount of $750 to further his or her education in the field of economic development, the large trophy cup for display in his or her office during the following year and a smaller "keeper" trophy.
Eastern Ontario Wine and Ale were featured at the Wednesday evening "Giant Mixer" reception. Delegates enjoyed an impromptu auction of a pair of tickets to an Ottawa Senators Hockey Game compliments of McSweeney & Associates Consulting Inc. The lucky bidder was Linda Bowers, Associate Broker/President's Circle of Coldwell Banker Coburn Realty. Proceeds from the auction were donated to the Childrens' Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO).
Following the reception Delegates enjoyed a harbour cruise sponsored by Union Gas and hospitality suite sponsored by TROW Consulting Engineers Ltd. The opening conference reception was sponsored by SGS Lakefield Research Limited. Several draws were held throughout the conference bringing smiles to the faces of the lucky winners! We wish to thank those Eastern Ontario businesses who generously provided fantastic prizes and a special thanks to VIA Rail Canada Inc., for the "trip for two anywhere along the Ontario-Quebec corridor". Congratulations to all our lucky winners!
The Waupoos Estate Winery, Prince Edward County
Two certificates for a wine tasting, tour of the winery and lunch for two on the Restaurant's Lakeside Patio.
Lucky Winners:
Don O'Neill, Chief Administrative Officer, Municipality of Brighton
Andre Lafreniere, Business Development Officer, City of Kawartha Lakes
The Comfort Inn, Pembroke, ON.
One Night's accommodation in the "Barron Jacuzzi Suite"
Lucky Winner: Allan Wren, Councillor, Township of Laurentian Valley
Best Western Parkway Inn & Conference Centre, Cornwall, ON.
"Enchanting Evening Package" including one night's stay in a King Canopy Bed, whirlpool and fireplace room, bottle of wine or fruit & cheese platter, dinner for two at Peppermill's and breakfast or brunch for two at Peppermill's
Lucky Winner: Anne Lalonde, GIS Coordinator, United Counties of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry
Best Western Pembroke Inn, Pembroke, ON.
Weekend stay for two including breakfast at the Westwinds Restaurant.
Lucky Winner: Karyn Ostafichuk, Manager of Planning, Building & Economic Development, Municipality of North Grenville
The Viamede Resort, Kawartha Lakes, ON.
Complimentary weekend package includes a two night stay for two in a deluxe room with whirlpool and fireplace.
Lucky Winner: Robert Haller, Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk, Town of Prescott
Kingston 1000 Island Cruises
A three hour cruise for two with lunch served aboard the Island Star or Island Queen Riverboat.
Lucky Winner: Vanessa Bennett, Treasurer, United Counties of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry
VIA Rail Canada Inc.
Trip for two anywhere between the Ontario-Quebec City Corridor in VIA 1 First Class.
Lucky Winner: Laura Fitzgerald, Economic Development Officer, County of Lennox & Addington
Pembroke Heritage Murals
Limited edition, signed and numbered print of Pembroke's first mural "Pembroke's Swallows" by Neil Blackwell and commissioned by Purvis Gallery & Framing Ltd. of Pembroke.
Lucky Winner: Bill Schweig, Warden, County of Renfrew
The Travelodge, Pembroke, ON.
Gift basket and gift certificates for your complimentary stay!
Lucky Winner: David Nelson, Warden, County of Peterborough
And appreciation to the following for their donation of prizes:
The Pembroke Mall
Pembroke's Speedpro Signs Plus
Ottawa Valley Tourist Association & Rural Ramble
Eastway Refurbishing of Pembroke
Pembroke Heritage Murals Colouring Book for conference delegate packages.
Click on the following links for additional information from the 2003 Conference:
The 2003 Highlights were sponsored by:
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