- Navigating the Cannabis Sector to Harvest the Economic Opportunity (Grand Ballroom)
The legalization of cannabis has created economic opportunities across Ontario. In this session you’ll “drive” away with an overview of the process producers/processors have to go through to become licensed. You’ll hear from an EDO on his experience assisting cannabis businesses navigate the municipal processes. A producer/processor will highlight their experiences and what’s in store for the cannabis sector, and lastly you’ll hear first-hand from a HR professional about the workforce challenges facing the industry and what you can do to assist.
Moderator: Belinda Wick-Graham, Manager of Economic Development, Town of Minto
Presenters:- Josephine DesLauriers, Vice-President, Human Resources, WeedMD
- Kale Brown, Director of Planning & Development, Town of Alymer
- Dr. Soyoung Lee, Chief Scientific Officer & Quality Assurance Person, Avana
- Joanne Garrah, Director of Licensing and Security, Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Branch, Health Canada
- Fueling Your Community’s Future Using Data-Driven Decision Making (Grand East)
It’s time to take advantage of technology! The second your brochure is printed, it’s out of date. Economic development officers, investors and decision makers need tools that are dynamic, easily-accessible and available in real time.
That’s why our panelists are here to share how communities and organizations are using data-driven decision making and GIS technology to take stock of their businesses and assets. From manufacturing to agri-food, from local to provincial, come learn about the many untapped resources you can start using today to drive your community forward.
Moderator: Danielle Collins, Agriculture Economic Development Policy, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Presenters:- Dave Hudson, Deputy Director, Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing
- Janet Horner, Executive Director, Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance, ConnectON Asset Mapping
- James Goodram, Director of Economic Development, City of Cambridge, ISO 37120 Certified by World Council on City Data
- Broadband & Cell Gap – The ignition to success for Ontario (Grand Centre)
CRTC mandate is that Canada has to meet 50/10 – 90% of all Canadians should have access to a 50/10 connection by 2021 – What about the last 10%? What role do Economic Developers play in meeting the National mandate locally?
Moderator: Karen Jopling, Manager, Partnership Development, Fundraising, Peterborough County
Presenters:- Sandra Dueck, Policy Analyst, Peterborough Chamber of Commerce; Co-chair, Policy Advisory Committee, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
- Melanie Pilon, Co-Lead, Northeast Superior Regional Broadband Network (NSRBN); Economic Development Officer, the Township of Dubreuilville
- Melissa O’Brien, Communications Manager, Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology Inc. (SWIFT)
- Lisa Severson, Communications/Stakeholder Relations Officer, Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN)
- Manufacturing Future Skills for Generation Next (Grand West)
Manufacturing is a key economic engine in Ontario and developing future skills has been recognized by industry as essential to competing in the fourth industrial revolution, while growing and sustaining manufacturing here at home.The rapid advance of technology within industry, the need to address present skills shortages, and the emergence of new and enhanced skills requirements not yet defined, requires a strategic approach to ensure our workforce can be productive now and for years to come. Your local manufacturers are striving to adopt new technologies and more rapid ways of production, while tackling critical issues affecting their business. Enabling growth and support of this sector requires significant investment in future skills – development, methods and subject-matter and enhanced integration of technology – with the greatest potential of generating economic returns.Learn how industries of all sizes and sectors (along with community partners and stakeholders) are seeking to build a ‘generation next’ workforce, driven by the future skills needed to address this sector’s growth and competitiveness. Hear best practice examples of local, regional and national initiatives being tapped to establish these new capabilities, Integration with IIOT 4.0, automation, additive manufacturing, cyber security, and technical advancements which all require workforce capabilities that may go beyond the fourth industrial revolution.
Moderator: Scott McNeil-Smith, National Director, Projects and Partnerships Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC)
Presenters:- Shawn Casemore, President, EMC
- Jean-Pierre Giroux, National Director, Skills and Talent Development, EMC
- Dina Iezzi, Vice President, Marketing and Business Development, Therapure Biopharma Inc.
Presented by Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC)
January 30
15:15
– 16:30
(1h 15′)
Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel