‘Welcome Home’ gets provincial recognition
Kawartha Lakes’ economic development team has earned some special presidential recognition.
The Kawartha Lakes’ “Welcome Home” signature video series was one of more than 110 projects submitted for this year’s Economic Developers Council of Ontario Awards of Excellence Program. The program highlights the “best of the best” across the province.
“Economic development professionals and teams work hard all year developing creative programs and initiatives in their communities and this program provides a great opportunity to recognize and celebrate the amazing work that is taking place to elevate economic prosperity in Ontario,” said council president Belinda Wick Graham of the awards, presented annually at the EDCO Ontario Annual President’s Dinner and Award Ceremony.
The video series, showcasing the Kawartha Lakes’ business ecosystem and community spirit, earned the Investment Attraction (Rural) Award.
“Featuring local ambassadors, these videos highlight our supportive business infrastructure, abundant natural resources and unique lifestyle,” said Lindsey Schoenmakers, economic development officer for business, in a news release.
“From entrepreneurs to families, our series speaks to a diverse audience. With over 1.3 million views and a surge in community pride, these videos have not just met, but exceeded, our goals.”
In addition to sharing the stories of Kawartha Lakes’ Matt Geraghty, Tim Wisener, Chris Van Lierop and Julia Taylor, the project benefited from a mixture of local talent, including videographer Shayne Pasquino and Toronto-based writer/ director Catherine Rix. Warren Frank composed the soundtrack for two of the videos. Music by Adam Crossman was used for the third.
The municipality’s Community Concierge program received an honourable mention under the Workforce Development and Resident Attraction (Urban) category.
An innovative, cross-municipality initiative, the program connects Trent University graduates with career opportunities throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes and the City and County of Peterborough.
Through a partnership between the City of Kawartha Lakes, Trent University and Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development, the project team worked to bridge the gap between graduates and regional employers.
Operating through Trent’s Careerspace, the program provides a seamless transition for new graduates heading into the workforce, and highly skilled, job-ready talent for local employers.
Those interested in viewing the video series will find them posted on the Kawartha Lakes YouTube channel.