Region wins award of excellence for economic development vision

Whitby, Ontario – The Region of Durham’s Economic Development and Tourism Division (Invest Durham) has been named an Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) Award of Excellence winner for Ready Set Future: A PLACE Blueprint for Durham strategy and action plan.

Designed to recognize current ideas and initiatives—with the potential to become future best practices for economic development—EDCO selected Invest Durham for its plan: a 30-year vision for this region, with a five-year action plan designed to build the foundation.

Chosen in the category of Planning and Strategic Development (urban population), Ready Set Future was developed in collaboration with community partners. It’s rooted in PLACE (People, Location, Acceleration, Creativity and Enablers), offering a blueprint for Durham’s long-term aspirations, goals, principles and priorities—a pathway to a strong and resilient economy that maximizes opportunities for business and employment growth, innovation and partnerships.

To view Ready Set Future: A PLACE Blueprint for Durham Strategy and Action Plan, visit InvestDurham.ca/strategy.

Quotes

“Durham Region is a community with momentum. We are proud to be recognized for our vision for this region—a community where talented, smart, diverse and ambitious people—known for their innovation, creativity, skills and education—bring access to world markets, insights, invention and traditions. And where people of all ages can enjoy a quality of life that is second to none.”

- John Henry, Regional Chair and CEO, Region of Durham

“Thank you to the EDCO judges for this Award of Excellence. Our team is working confidently towards achieving the aspirations of Ready Set Future. Through putting the region’s people at the centre, we are attracting investment and talent, prioritizing our downtowns, and building upon our creative identity. These actions are supporting sustainable and inclusive economic growth.”

- Simon Gill, Director of Economic Development and Tourism, Region of Durham

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For media requests, please contact CorporateCommunications@durham.ca.