Contact: Martina Kortisova, Coordinator of Economic Development, 905-747-6382, martina.kortisova@richmondhill.ca

RICHMOND HILL – Richmond Hill has won a Marketing Canada Award from the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) for its 3rd annual Creative Industries Symposium, “Telling Your Story, Selling Your Story.” The award was announced September 29 at the 2014 EDAC Conference in Calgary.

“We are extremely proud of the annual Symposium and its effectiveness at bringing together the GTA’s creative sector,” said Mayor Dave Barrow. “Almost 50 per cent of our labour force is employed in creative occupations and it’s crucial to support this part of the economy.”

EDAC evaluates the Marketing Canada Award submissions based on a number of factors including creativity and uniqueness of approach, effectiveness in achieving objectives, completeness and consistency.

The Creative Industries Symposium creates an opportunity for open dialogue among creative minds and educates the community about how creative industries drive the regional economy and impact the local economy. This annual event attracts innovative minds and creative talent from around Richmond Hill, York Region and beyond. Organized and hosted by Richmond Hill’s Small Business Enterprise Centre and Economic Development team, the Symposium creates networks to develop new ideas, partnerships and collaboration. More than 300 people attended the 3rd annual Symposium in 2013.

The theme for the 4th annual Creative Industries Symposium is Leveraging Trends for Future Success. The Symposium will be November 12, 2014 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. All creative minds are welcome to register and attend for free. Visit businessrichmondhill.ca/symposium for information.

“Each year the Creative Industries Symposium has created momentum in our creative economy with speakers who are both educational and motivating,” said Mayor Barrow. “I’m sure this year will be even better.”

EDAC is Canada’s national organization of economic developers pursuing excellence in the field since 1968. Marketing excellence is a critical differentiator for Canada’s Economic Development Professionals; the Marketing Canada Awards acknowledge and praise communities that shine in this arena.