The City of Owen Sound’s River District, and its Work From Home Capital of Canada campaign are being recognized with top awards in two economic development categories.
The awards were presented recently at the Economic Developers Council of Ontario Annual Conference.
Mayor Ian Boddy says in a statement, “It is great to see these two innovative campaigns get recognition at the Provincial level. These unique initiatives show our City’s commitment to being a welcoming community that is a great place to live, grow and do business.”
The City won both of the categories it was nominated in: Planning & Strategic Development and Workforce Development and Resident Attraction.
The River District Action Plan, a collaborative marketing, branding, and action strategy between the City of Owen Sound and the River District Board of Management, took home the award in the Planning & Strategic Development (Rural) category.
A release from the City says the River District (formerly Downtown) Action Plan was developed in partnership with the River District Board of Management (formerly DIA). It was also done in consultation with River District businesses, residents and visitors.
The City says the three-year branding and marketing action plan helped to create a refined brand identity and strategy with clear actions and objectives to revitalize the downtown core.
River District Board of Management Chair Dave Parsons says in a statement, “It is an honour to be recognized by EDCO with this award. The River District Board of Management and City of Owen Sound have worked collaboratively with our business community to create a shared vision and actionable plan that will strengthen our business community now and for years to come.”
Meanwhile, the City’s Work from Home Capital of Canada© initiative won the award in the Workforce Development and Resident Attraction (Rural) category.
The campaign was created to capitalize on the desire and ability of people to work from home on a more permanent basis during the global pandemic.
Part of the campaign included offering a pajama pants to those who might be interested in moving to the city and working from home.
Both marketing efforts were developed with the support of BC Hughes Marketing, a local tourism development, management, and marketing firm led by Chris and Bev Hughes.
A panel of professionals from the fields of economic development, marketing, advertising, and tourism judge submissions, narrowing down nominees in each category to a list of award finalists and eventual winners.
July 9, 2022 we will welcome back the Hottest Street Sale to the River District.
Stay tuned for more information including vendor sign up, music schedules and more. #HottestStreetSale #RiverDistrictOS #OwenSoundTourism #OwenSound #BruceGreySimcoe #DiscoverOntario pic.twitter.com/D6njSRUu5F
— Owen Sound River District (@RiverDistrictOS) March 24, 2022