Vaughan recognized for business mission to Israel

The Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) recently presented the City of Vaughan with an award of excellence for its business mission to Israel last year.

The award recognized Vaughan’s collaboration and strategic partnership with educational institutions, including  Centennial College and York University. The schools collaborated with Vaughan on a 2013 business mission that resulted in a joint venture between Vaughan and Centennial College to open a trade development office in Israel.

The Vaughan Business Mission to Israel led to 10 strategic partnerships, including one with the government of Israel, with the potential of generating $300 million in economic activity.

Seven memorandums of understanding were signed by Centennial College during the business mission with learning institutions and organizations in Israel

EDCO is the country’s largest provincial economic development association, comprising more than 700 members from both the private and public sectors who are actively engaged in the economic development profession in Ontario

“This award recognizes the efforts of our economic development programs and our ability to form strategic partnerships that will lead to economic growth for the city and its businesses,” said Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua.

“A strong international presence is essential to realizing the city’s economic potential and ultimately we want to increase trade, generate jobs, and improve the quality of life and standard of living for the entire community.”