The Ontario East Economic Development Commission has named the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Ontario Economic Development Officer of the Year.
The award was presented to Ann Weir, the Manager of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Economic Development Office, by BDC representative Kevin Coleman. The award is presented each year to an Eastern Ontario based economic developer that has excelled at advancing their community’s economic development.
Weir was nominated by the Ministry of Economic Development and Growth Team Lead Rita Byvelds. She noted that Weir was a key part of bringing Europe’s le Boat, Europe’s largest operator of self-drive boating vacations, to the Rideau Canal and securing a $16 million dollar investment for the region. Weir’s many other achievements include helping secure the 600,000-square-foot Giant Tiger Distribution Centre in the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal and assisting local businesses looking to launch or expand, such as King’s Lock Craft Distillery and Advonex international.
Weir said she was very honoured to have received the award, noting that it was a complete surprise. She added that she wanted to share it with her team and thanked the supportive county councils and member municipalities.