Can I submit more than one entry in a category?
Multiple submissions can be made for the same category. In addition, the same initiative can be entered for multiple categories if it meets the criteria. Each submission is treated separately. For each individual entry, electronic submission, and the submission fee ($80 plus HST for EDCO members and $150 plus HST for non-members) are required.
How do I pay for my awards submission?
Payments are accepted by credit card through a secure on-line site and will be processed at the end of your electronic submission. Payments can also be made by cheque or EFT; select the ‘Cheque or EFT’ option on the payment screen and follow the instructions to submit payment. Please contact Stephanie Crilly, Executive Director at [email protected], for more information on settling payment by EFT.
How are the award recipients selected?
A panel of professionals from the fields of economic development, marketing, advertising, and tourism judge the entries in the Awards category. The judges use the scoring card on Pages 7 & 8 to evaluate each submission. Judges have the discretion to award a winner and honourable mention in each of the General Awards category. All judges will refrain from evaluating any submission that represents a conflict of interest.
Can I get feedback on my entry?
All submissions receive constructive feedback to assist with future projects, as well as future award submissions. Feedback will be available to the main submission contact after all the winners have been announced on edcoawardsofexcellence.ca.
How do I submit a project with partners?
One of the project partners must make the submission on behalf of the group and must indicate all the partners involved. If the project is selected for an award, EDCO will provide one award to the submitting partner. Duplicate awards can be ordered by the award recipient or project partners for an additional cost.
Do I have to provide a hardcopy of my submission?
Hard copies are no longer required for submissions.
What population category do I select for Regional Groups?
If your organization represents a few communities, submit your entry based on the combined total population of all the represented communities.
Why do I need to provide budget information?
Budget information assists the judges in understanding the cost/value and relating the quality of the production to the budget. Please estimate the amount of staff time used in full-time equivalencies. The budgetary information also helps to provide the judges with a better understanding of the initiative’s return on investment.
What kind of initiatives qualify for submission?
The awards are open to all individuals, organizations, partnerships, and jurisdictions undertaking municipal or regional economic development activities within the Province of Ontario. Consultants may submit an entry provided they have permission from the client/municipality for which the work was undertaken. Entries must have been produced or implemented between October 2024 and October 2025 for the 2025 Awards of Excellence program.
Will I be contacted if my entry is selected for an award?
Finalists will be notified in December and further details will be released about this year’s Awards Ceremony.
Where will the awards be presented?
Awards will be presented at EDCO’s annual conference during the President’s Dinner and Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at The Westin Harbour Castle, downtown Toronto.