LEDC takes home Top Awards at EDCO Marketing Awards

London ON – (Friday, February 6, 2009) Today, the London Economic Development Corporation was proud to announce they are the recipients of the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Marketing Excellence in Ontario plus two Gold Marketing Awards, presented at the Economic Developers Council of Ontario’s (EDCO) 52nd annual conference held this week in Toronto. They are also pleased to announce they received the 2008 LETI Award (Local Economy in Transition Initiative) for their outstanding response to Investment Attraction inquiries. Each year, EDCO recognizes achievements in municipal economic development marketing by presenting awards in the categories of business development, tourism and product development. In 2006, the annual Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Marketing Excellence in Ontario was introduced to honour the single most outstanding achievement made by an award recipient in these categories. The Honourable David C. Onley was on-hand to present the top award in recognition of the contribution of the London Economic Development Corporation’s “London Works” program. The London Works program reflects LEDC’s acknowledgement of the importance of a strong workforce for a flourishing economy. The workforce initiatives of the LEDC work to ensure a sufficient and appropriately skilled workforce is in place to support business investments by companies wishing to locate in the London area and by businesses already located here. “I am very pleased to accept this award on behalf of our team at the LEDC,” said Peter White, President and CEO of the LEDC. “This is a significant recognition for London by our peers in Economic Development. The programs we have developed and the services we offer to support the growth of London’s economy are considered the best in our field.” Jeny Wallace, Director of Workforce Development with the LEDC, paid tribute to the partners who support the activities of the workforce portfolio, including Human Resources Professionals London & District, Employment Sector Council, the University of Western Ontario, Fanshawe College, both school boards and many other partners. “This work could not be done by the LEDC alone. We are successful because we have engaged other community partners to help us understand the needs of the demand side, and the skills and availability of the supply side. The two publications recognized – Experience Works and Global Talent – are excellent examples of what can be achieved working collaboratively.” The LEDC also brought home two Gold Awards – one for the London Works program and the other for their Quarterly e- Newsletter – The London Numbers. This newsletter, in conjunction with the LEDC’s monthly newsletter titled “London Matters” ensures business leaders, influencers, and decision makers around the world are regularly reading about the developments in London’s economy and keeping London at the forefront of their minds as they consider future investment opportunities. The LETI Award was presented by the Minister of Economic Development, Michael Bryant, at the keynote luncheon during the EDCO Conference on February 4, 2009. For more information, please contact: Lesley Cornelius Director, Marketing & Communications London Economic Development Corporation 519-661-5009