GEDC's 2024 AGM & Business Awards
Greenstone Economic Development Corporation's
2024 Annual General Meeting and Business Awards
On June 6, 2024, the Greenstone Economic Development Corporation (GEDC) held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Geraldton French Cultural Centre. The GEDC was glad to restart in-person AGMs, this one being the first since 2019. Approximately 20 members and guests in attendance heard about GEDC's community activities and operations for 2023. Established on September 20, 1988, 2023 marked GEDC's 35th year of operation. We would like to thank the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) for renewing funding for the next five years, as well as FedNor representatives Greg Desimone and Stacey Drombolis for joining us at the AGM this year. More details on GEDC's 2023 events and operations can be found in our Annual Report. Anyone interested can pick up a hardcopy at the business centre or find the report in the ‘About Us' section of this website.
At the AGM, the 2024 volunteer Board of Directors was also announced:
| Calvin Cloutier | President |
| Frank Hildebrandt | Vice-President |
| Lori Belzile | Secretary |
| Kathryn Legault | Treasurer |
| Moe Lavigne | Director |
| Evan Armstrong | Director |
| Bobby Beaulieu | Director |
The GEDC staff and members would like to thank the Board of Directors for their continued commitment to the corporation, communities, and First Nations in our service area.
This year the GEDC also held their first annual business awards ceremony. Leading up to the AGM, the corporation sought out business and non-profit nominations for four different award categories. While we received many different nominations for each category, we did end up with four clear winners. The first award went to a business that takes pride in the maintenance and beautification of their establishment and/or the community at large. The Dedicated Beauty Award was presented to The Colour Bar owner and operator, Mandy Cargnelutti. The second award went to a business that consistently evolves to meet the needs of their customers; going above and beyond to provide an unmatched customer experience. The Game-Changer Award was presented, at a later date, to Woodcrest Confectionery co-owner and operator, Julie Lauzon. The third award went to a business that has shown dedication to community involvement and activities. The Quality-of-Life Award was presented to Barino Construction Ltd. co-owners and operators, Kathy and Ricky Michaud. The last award went to a non-profit organization that prioritizes the needs and wants of the communities they serve. The Community Impact award was presented to Want a Pet? board members, Luisa Wilson and Karen Chiasson.
GEDC would like to thank all the community members who put forth nominations for businesses and non-profits in our service area. GEDC kindly requests that you keep an eye out for our nominations opening next spring, as we aim to acknowledge and celebrate even more businesses and non-profits for their efforts at the next business awards ceremony. We would also like to thank Mandy Cargnelutti for the delicious catering enjoyed by all who attended.