PEMBROKE – Renfrew County Warden Jennifer Murphy is pleased to announce the keynote speaker for the annual Economic Development Summit is Larry Smith, associate professor of Economic Conrad Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology Centre at the University of Waterloo. He will address a very timely subject for the business and elected leaders of the County of Renfrew: ‘Opportunities for Renfrew County, Both Old and New: A discussion of development opportunities open to the county that both draw on its traditional strengths, but also move in new directions. And there may be some surprises coming.’
The County of Renfrew Economic Development Summit will be hosted this year in the Eagle’s Nest at the Eganville Arena on Wednesday June 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Another unique aspect of this year’s Economic Development Summit will be the session lead by Erik Lockhart of the Queen’s University Executive Decision Centre, in which all participants will collaboratively develop the County Economic Development Strategy and Business Plan. Mr. Lockhart designs and facilitates meetings using a unique group decision support technology and other more traditional meeting processes. He has led over 1250 sessions for groups undertaking strategic plans, community consultations, marketing plans, budgets and competitive analysis.
Always enlightening and educational, the panel of business leaders will share their stories of success, challenges and best practices. A second panel of government program and funding representatives will introduce participants to some of the business growth and expansion support and financing available.
The Summit is the signature business networking event of the year in the County and the Upper Ottawa Valley — a forum which enables community and elected leaders, entrepreneurs and economic development officers to network and share opportunities.
Sponsored by the County of Renfrew and the Renfrew County Communities Future Development Corporation, the Summit is also a unique opportunity to educate new and younger managers and leaders to the broader community and the latest trends in business and the economy.
Registration is open and space is limited. Tickets for the event are $25 per person and include lunch. For more information or to register for the event call 1-800-757-6580 or visit www.ottawavalleyeconomicdevelopment.com.
