June 2, 2010

Guelph, ON [June 2, 2010] – The Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) celebrated the past, present and future at the official "launch" of the organization with nearly 100 attendees, on Tuesday, June 1, 2010.  ROI is headquartered in Guelph/Eramosa Township, north of Guelph, at the Gencor Complex on Highway #6.  The ROI was created to provide stronger support for key issues facing rural Ontario, through the amalgamation of The Centre for Rural Leadership (TCRL) and The Ontario Rural Council (TORC) on April 1, 2010.  ROI’s Board of Directors gathered in the morning for a meeting where the past accomplishments of TCRL and TORC were celebrated during presentations of the final TCRL Annual Report and a TORC Legacy Document.  Rob Black, Chief Executive Officer of ROI said, “There are many historical milestones and achievements of both TCRL and TORC, of which we should be proud.  The Rural Ontario Institute was formed to capitalize on the synergies and strengths that existed between the two former organizations, to create a tremendous resource for the long-term sustainability of rural Ontario.”  “It is a good day for rural Ontario and it is also a new day,” said Jim Whaley, Chair of ROI, during the afternoon’s open house and reception.  Guests were invited to meet the ROI board members and staff, and to tour the ROI offices, while learning more about this dynamic new organization whose vision is to provide leadership for a strong and vibrant rural Ontario.  Chris White, Mayor of the Township of Guelph/Eramosa and ROI Director, was a part of the official ribbon cutting ceremony.  “This is a very important day for rural Ontario.  As we all know, rural Ontario is blessed with many opportunities, but it is also facing some significant challenges.  We are hoping that the new Rural Ontario Institute will become an important ‘go to’ voice working to strengthen and support rural Ontario," said White.  Whaley shared that, “the Rural Ontario Institute is more than just the board and staff, it is everyone in rural Ontario.  We can all work together to make a stronger more vibrant rural Ontario.” The Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) is a not-for-profit organization formed in 2010.  ROI has a mandate to provide rural leadership development and to engage rural and multi-sector stakeholders for the purposes of informing and influencing rural policy development.  ROI provides three core services – leadership training, stakeholder engagement and third-party program delivery.  For information, contact:

Rob Black, Chief Executive Officer, ROI:  519-826-4204, ext. 222; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Kathie MacDonald, Communications Manager, ROI:  519-826-4204, ext. 223; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.