Community Futures Ontario (formerly the Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations Inc.)  will be holding their 23^rd Annual Provincial conference in Kenora from September 12^th to 14^th, 2016.  

Hosting this year’s conference is the Lake of the Woods Business Incentive Corp. (LOWBIC) “We are delighted to be working with Ryan Reynard and the staff and board at the LOWBIC office,” says Community Futures Ontario Executive Director, Diana Jedig.  “They have done so much to make us feel welcome and to showcase the area.” 

In addition to various business topics, there are workshops on digital marketing, tourism as an economic driver and First Nations’ participation in the local economy. There are two mobile workshops:  delegates will travel to the Weyerhauser Forest Products Company  to see a working sawmill whose partnerships with several First Nations has resulted in sustainable forestry management; the second mobile tour will visit the Tall Pines Marina and Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre featuring tourism initiatives. 

The theme of this year’s conference is “Rise Up” and the opening ceremonies on September 12^th being held on the Kenora Harbourfront under the Whitecap Pavilion will feature a catered meal made up from local products. Elder Howard Copenace, from the Whitefish Bay First Nation will provide an opening prayer and welcome to the territory. Member of Parliament Robert Nault will be on hand to welcome delegates to the Kenora riding.

The Honorable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development is sending along a video message to be presented to all conference delegates on Tuesday, September 13th at breakfast.

The Keynote Speakers will be Roy Prevost; business coach, author, retail consultant speaking about leading in an ever changing environment and Curt Steinhorst; who as a business owner, entrepreneur, and founder of FocusWise, sees how lack of focus impacts today’s workplace and its leaders.

The Conference’s Awards Gala will be held on the evening of September 13^th where one CFDC will be honoured for a successful initiative in Community Economic Development and another for a successful Innovation Initiative. We will also be celebrating the Entrepreneur of the Year from a selection of nominated clients from our CFDC offices throughout Ontario.  Members of Community Futures Ontario have also voted on a Members’ Choice Award.