On Friday, I co-sponsored the 15th annual Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit. Speakers included Leclerc Foods, one of Canada’s leading food manufacturers, who, last year, announced a $100-million expansion of its North American operations in Brockville.

Another presenter was Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands, one of the top tourism and hospitality employers in the region, while generating significant revenue for Gananoque and Leeds and the Thousand Islands as host communities.

Planning our Future Infrastructure update was from Enbridge, since natural gas has a key role in attraction and expansion of business.

Preparing for our Aging Community outlined the Maple View Landings project, one of the riding’s much-needed long-term-care homes.

Building an Appetite for Culinary Tourism showcased four businesses that are leading the way: Maison Maitland Cooking School and Villas, Pickle and Myrrh, Hall’s Apple Market and Rosie Yumski’s Fine Foods.

Our keynote was the Honourable David Piccini, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, who spoke about our government’s plan on building a stronger Ontario for all workers.

Finally, the Bill Thake Memorial Economic Development Leadership Award was presented to Joe Hudson of Burnbrae Farms. More than 80 years ago, Joe bought some laying hens for a high school project. This action would eventually transform the dairy farm into one of Canada’s largest egg producers.

Other nominees for this year’s award included Susan Alford, Judi Baril, Shelley Mitchell and Terry Wills.