STAFF REPORT
February 28, 2000
To: Economic Development and Parks Committee
From: Joe Halstead, Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
Subject: Toronto Wins Economic Development Marketing Awards
All Wards
Purpose:
To advise the Economic Development and Parks Committee of Toronto's success at the recent Marketing Awards hosted
by The Economic Developers' Council of Ontario (EDCO) and to present these Awards to Committee.
Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
There are no financial implications resulting from the adoption of this report.
Recommendation.:
It is recommended that this report be received for information.
Comments:
The Economic Developers' Council of Ontario (EDCO), an independent, non-profit association of professionals engaged in
the economic development of Ontario and its municipalities, hosts a high-profile annual Marketing Awards Competition to
recognize excellence in marketing creativity and innovation.
The 1999 Marketing Awards of Excellence, presentedon February 2, 2000, attracted a record number of 205 entries from
communities and economic development organizations across the Province of Ontario. Toronto was honoured with three
awards.
In the Innovative Promotional Piece Category, a series of postcards promoting Toronto's Biomedical, Film and Television
Sectors and the city's investment advantages received an "Award of Distinction".
In the Innovative Marketing Practices Category, Toronto received a second "Award of Distinction" for its Food Ventures
campaign which included brochures, posters and advertisements promoting Toronto's large and diverse Food & Beverage
Industry. The Food & Beverage Sector is the largest manufacturing sector in Toronto employing 120,000 persons.
Through a unique partnership between the City and Labatt, a publication promoting some of Toronto's key tourism
attractions, and outlining a special sports weekend featuring the Blue Jays and the SkyDome hotel, was inserted into
250,000 cases of Labatt beer bottled in Guelph. These cases were shipped to the New York State market for sale from July
through September 1999. The "in pack" promotion created by city staff, won the Innovative Marketing Practices "Award
of Excellence".
It is noteworthy that each of this year's Awards was cited for innovation. Equally significant, is the fact that the majority of
the awarded material is the successful product of the Economic Development Office's continual pro-active partnership with
members of our business community. Finally, complements need to be shared with the Design Services section of
Corporate Communications.
Contact:
Brenda Librecz
Managing Director, Economic Development
Tel: 397-4700
Fax: 395-0388
Blibrecz@toronto.ca
Joe Halstead
Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
