Vaughan recognized for excellence in economic development
The City wins four prestigious International Economic Development Council Awards for 2024
The City of Vaughan’s Economic Development team works hard each day to make Vaughan a place where entrepreneurship, business, tourism and art can prosper and grow. The award-winning department has been acknowledged once again with several International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Excellence in Economic Development Awards!
Mayor Steven Del Duca and Members of Council recognized the department during a special ceremonial presentation at the Sept. 24 Council meeting for the following projects:
- Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) Demonstration Zone Program – Gold Winner in the Regional or Cross-Border Partnership category
- Digital Billboard Revenue Project – Silver Winner in the Public-Private Partnership category
- Better Your Business: Tourism Diversity Program – Bronze Winner in the Economic Equity and Inclusion category
- Make Your Next Stop Vaughan Campaign – Bronze Winner in the Paid Advertising Campaign category
The IEDC Awards is an international economic development competition that recognizes outstanding achievements by marketing and communications professionals from more than 25 countries. These awards honour organizations and individuals in their efforts to make meaningful and positive changes in their communities.
QUOTES
“Congratulations to the City of Vaughan’s Economic Development team for their remarkable achievement at the IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Awards! This prestigious recognition highlights the team's commitment to fostering a thriving business environment through innovative programs like the OVIN Demonstration Zone, Digital Billboard Revenue Project and Make Your Next Stop Vaughan campaign. By attracting new businesses, top talent and startups, the team is playing a crucial role in driving our city’s growth and positioning Vaughan as a hub for opportunity and economic success. It’s because of the Economic Development team’s dedication to excellence that our community continues to grow stronger and more prosperous.”
- Mayor Steven Del Duca
“Congratulations to the City of Vaughan on receiving several IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Awards. The OVIN Demonstration Zone Program continues to showcase the best of the City’s world-class innovation talent and the Province of Ontario as a premier destination for businesses to invest and grow.”
- Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
“I want to recognize the City’s Economic Development department for winning four IEDC Awards for projects and campaigns that have positively contributed to attracting business and investment to Vaughan. These prestigious awards highlight the important work our Economic Development team undertakes to drive our local economy forward. Thank you to the dedicated staff in this department who go above and beyond each day to support Vaughan’s thriving business community.”
- Nick Spensieri, City Manager
“The City’s Economic Development team is committed to creating business opportunities in our city and attracting talent to Vaughan. Being internationally recognized for this important work is an incredible honour. The IEDC is the largest international organization of its kind for economic developers and their recognition is a testament to the calibre of work delivered here. Congratulations to everyone involved for your commitment to fostering business excellence in Vaughan.”
- Raphael Costa, Director of Economic Development
“Through the OVIN Demonstration Zone, Ontario is paving the way for a new mobility future, one that is driven by the adoption, commercialization, and industrialization of leading-edge automotive and mobility technologies. This recognition from the International Economic Development Council is a hallmark of the City of Vaughan’s dedication to foster collaboration with Ontario companies, industry, and regional and municipal stakeholders. Together, we are driving the growth of Ontario-made innovation and cultivating a competitive business environment to catalyze economic growth.”
- Raed Kadri, Head of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network
“Since its inception, the Tourism Vaughan Corporation has taken the lead at developing and supporting the visitor economy in Vaughan through innovative projects like the Tourism Diversity program. Central Counties Tourism applauds their continuous efforts and collaborative spirit. We are proud to call Tourism Vaughan our partners, collectively growing the economic impact from visitors to Vaughan.”
- Chuck Thibeault, Executive Director of Central Counties Tourism
QUICK FACTS
- The City’s Economic Development department received four IEDC Awards for 2024.
- The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) Demonstration Zone provides Ontario SMEs with a platform for showcasing automotive and mobility technologies and solutions in real-world environments across the city of Vaughan and the city of Markham. The Demonstration Zone, supported by the Ontario government with a $2.5 million investment, received the Gold Award in the Regional or Cross-Border Partnership category; the Digital Billboard Revenue Project received the Silver Award in the Public-Private Partnership category; the Better Your Business: Tourism Diversity Program received the Bronze Award in the Economic Equity and Inclusion category; and the Make Your Next Stop Vaughan Campaign received the Bronze Award in the Paid Advertising Campaign category.
- The IEDC Awards is an international economic development competition that recognizes outstanding achievements by marketing and communications professionals from more than 25 countries.
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