2005 Conference Wrap Up

"Today’s Challenges, Tomorrow’s Opportunities!

Municipal elected and appointed officials from across Eastern Ontario gathered together in Kingston for the 13th annual "Ontario East Municipal Conference" (OEMC) the largest annual municipal conference held east of Toronto!

OEMC continues to deliver plenary sessions and numerous breakouts featuring speakers with hands-on, practical experience of interest to small rural, medium and urban communities. Private sector and government ministries participate through exhibits showcasing businesses and programs of interest to the municipal sector. Conference attendees have ample opportunity to visit exhibits and network with colleagues throughout this 3 day event.

The Honourable John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing was on hand to present recipients with 'Long Standing Service Recognition Awards'. This program was introduced by the Ontario government in 2004 to recognize municipally elected officials with at least 25 years of service.

"Each day, we benefit from the work of these hard-working individuals, and today they will receive the recognition they deserve," said Susan Ellis, President of Ontario East Economic Development Commission.

Congratulations to the following recipients for their years of municipal service:

Barry Brownlee, Councillor Twp. of South Stormont Douglas Davison, Councillor Twp. of Stone Mills Tom Deline, Reeve Municipality of Centre Hastings Jack Doris, Councillor City of Peterborough Murray Fearrey, Reeve Municipality of Dysart el al Jack Ferguson, Councillor Twp. of Whitewater Region William Finley, Mayor Twp. of Alnwick/Haldimand

Audrey Green, Councillor Town of Renfrew William Howe, Deputy Reeve Municipality of Highlands East Norman Lentz, Reeve Twp. of Brudenell, Lyndoch and Raglan Lawrence McDermott, Mayor Twp. of Lanark Highlands David Nelson, Reeve Twp. of Otonabee-South Monaghan Desmond Quade, Councillor Twp. of Brudenell, Lyndoch and Raglan

Jim Sheedy, Councillor Twp. of Laurentian Valley Keith Tallman, Reeve Municipality of Highlands East Bill Thake, Mayor Village of Westport John Whitteker, Councillor Twp. of South Dundas Jack Wilson, Reeve Twp. of Laurentian Valley Albert Vader, Reeve Twp. of Wollaston

Jay Amer, General Manager of the Greater Peterborough Area Economic Development Corporation was named recipient of Ontario East's "Economic Developer of the Year" award sponsored this year by Bell Canada. Pictured here, Jeffrey Shave (left) Executive Director of Site Selection Services presents the award to Jay Amer (center) in the presence of Susan Ellis (right) President of the Ontario East Economic Development Commission. The award includes a scholarship to further the recipient’s education in economic development.

The Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO) and the City of Kingston joined together to contribute a fabulous prize for a 4 day stay, including all accommodation and meals, valued in excess of $1,000.00. The gift basket tagged "Enjoy A Celebration of Ontario East", Four Fabulous Days In Kingston "The Limestone City ~ A City For People" was presented by Kingston's Deputy Mayor Leonore Foster (left) to the lucky winner, Councillor Lorraine Fell from Hastings Highlands.

A 'Companions Program' provided an island adventure to beautiful Prince Edward County! Participants enjoyed lunch at The Waring House, Inn, Cookery School and Conference Centre followed by a tour of the Rose Haven Farm (a value-added sheep farm and B&B) and enjoyed a wine tasting at the Black Prince Winery!

Robert Haller, Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Prescott was the winner for the second year in a row of "The Municipal Hall" contest. The winner received a gift basket compliments of the Hershey Chocolate Shop located in the Town of Smiths Falls. Honourary mention goes to Councillor Suzanne Dodge, Town of Prescott who took 2nd place and received a gift package of Hershey Kisses & Hugs.

This years lucky draw winners are:

We wish to acknowledge and thank those businesses who supported our conference through their generous contributions for attendance draws. We encourage you to visit their web sites listed below. Congratulations to our winners!

VIA Rail Canada Ltd.
www.viarail.ca
A trip for two anywhere between the Windsor and Quebec City Corridor in VIA 1 First Class. VIA 1 First Class includes use of the comfortable Panorma Lounge, pre-boarding, a choice of three entrees and wine service with liqueurs at your evening meal.
Winner: Dan Taylor, Economic Development Officer, Prince Edward County

Ambassador Resort Hotel & Conference Centre, Kingston, ON
www.ambassadorhotel.com
One night's accommodation for two in a whirlpool room including breakfast for two. Discover the joy of staying with us!
Winner: Frank Prevost, Deputy Mayor, South Glengarry

Peachtree Inn, Kingston, ON
www.peachtreeinn.net
One night's accommodation for two in a chalet style loft suite with fireplace and continental breakfast for two.
Winner: Claude Cousineau, Chair, South Nation Conservation

• 2005 Conference Reference Material

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