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Hyper Local: Economic Development

Hyper Local: Economic Development

By: Hyper Local Host: Mason Ainsworth
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 Mission: To inspire economic development professionals, encourage entrepreneurship, and foster community growth by sharing stories, lessons learned, impactful projects, case studies of successful initiatives, and innovative ideas for thriving communities.Hyper Local Host: Mason Ainsworth Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Personal Development Personal Success Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Bright Ideas, Bright People, Bright Future. The EDCO Bright Ideas Competition Experience!-S2 E5

    Bright Ideas, Bright People, Bright Future. The EDCO Bright Ideas Competition Experience!-S2 E5
    Mar 22 2026
    Join former winners of the EDCO Bright Ideas Competition—Laura Thompson, Sushmitha Thirumalaivasan, and our host, Mason Ainsworth for an inspiring deep dive into one of Ontario's premier programs for economic development innovators.As former participants who turned bold ideas into recognized successes, we break down everything you need to know about the Bright Ideas Competition, hosted by the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO). This annual challenge invites EDCO members to collaborate in teams, tackle real-world economic development issues of their own choosing, and propose innovative solutions—complete with mentorship, reports, pitch videos, and the chance to present at the EDCO Annual Conference and Showcase.In this episode, we cover:Personal stories from the winners:Sushmitha reflects on her recent win—what the journey felt like, the biggest lessons learned, and how the experience continues to fuel her future career in economic development.Laura shares insights from one of the program's beginnings, how it shaped her professional path, and the long-term impact on her work in the field.Why you should get involved: Hear our collective take on the unique value of participating: building skills, expanding networks, testing creative approaches, contributing to stronger Ontario communities, and advancing your professional credentials.Brainstorming the future: We toss around exciting, forward-thinking ideas that the next cohort could explore to address emerging economic development challenges.Whether you're an economic development practitioner, student, or EDCO member considering your first Bright Ideas entry, this episode offers practical advice, motivation, and real-world inspiration from people who've been there and succeeded.Additional Information:Registration: Open now until Friday, April 10, 2026 (extended deadline!). It's easy to register—you must be an EDCO member to participate. Log in to your EDCO membership account at www.edco.on.ca, navigate to the Professional Development dropdown, and click on Bright Ideas Competition. This page has all the details about the competition along with the direct registration link.Cost: $50 (plus HST).Teams: Each participant will be assigned to a team. If you have someone you'd like to work with, please include this in an email to Stephanie Crilly at edco@edco.on.ca—EDCO will do their best to accommodate requests.Competition Kick-Off: Week of May 4, 2026, with a kick-off meeting.Topic: Each team develops their own relevant topic (focused on critical, innovative issues in Ontario economic development). The first report—a short proposal document (less than 1000 words)—is due June 19, 2026, outlining:A clear definition of the problem to be addressedA proposed methodology for tackling the issueA workplan and timeline, including meeting dates with your group and mentorWhy the topic is relevant to economic development and how it can help others solve similar issuesMentors: Each team is assigned a mentor from the Bright Ideas committee to provide guidance, answer questions, and support throughout the process.Guests:Laura Thompson – LinkedInSushmitha Thirumalaivasan – LinkedInNow some work for YOU! Tag someone you think should join the Bright Ideas Competition! Or put an interesting topic in the comments to get them expired!Also, some Big News! Hyper Local just levelled up and is now supported by Storied Places Media, which specializes in producing audio and video podcasts for economic development organizations. If you have been thinking about starting a podcast but don’t have the time or know-how, now is the time to get started, and Storied Places Media can help. Learn more about their services and clients at storiedplaces.ca.#HyperLocalPodcast #EconomicDevelopment #Innovation #BrightIdeas #EDCO #OntarioBusiness #ProfessionalDevelopment #BrightIdeas2026 #Ontario #MEDI #EcDev
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    47 mins
  • 15 Communities, 60 Seconds Each: Micro Interviews from EDCO 2026

    15 Communities, 60 Seconds Each: Micro Interviews from EDCO 2026
    Feb 17 2026
    SPECIAL EPISODE ALERT: 15 Micro Interviews from the 69th EDCO!I just returned from the 69th Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) Conference in Toronto, where I decided to do something different.For the first time ever on Hyper Local: Economic Development in Ontario - Podcast. We went fully on-the-spot with 60-second (or less) micro-interviews!From Toronto to Kenora, Sarnia to Collingwood, County of Brant to Huron County, economic developers shared what’s happening right now in their communities. We heard about:• Revamping strategic plans.• Implementing Community Improvement Plans.• Downtown revitalization projects.• Hosting the next Ontario BIA Association conference.• And so much more!The format was simple and powerful:• What is your name?• Where are you from?• What’s something interesting going on in your community right now?The energy was electric, the stories were inspiring, and it reminded me why this work matters. Every community has something exciting happening, and every voice deserves to be heard.A huge thank you to every person who shared their time, smiled, and shared in 60 seconds or less. You made this special episode possible!In order:• Allyson Pele, The City of Kenora.• Brandon Webb, Ec. D, County of Brant.• Chris Watson, County of Huron.• Dylan Tamlin, City of St. Catharines.• Eric Wood, City of Toronto.• Evan Vatri, Municipality of Kincardine.• Felicia Krista (Sovereign), Municipality of North Middlesex.• Matt Reaume, Municipality of Chatham-Kent.• Matthew Slotwinski, Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership.• Prerna Sharma, Corporation of the Town of Collingwood.• Robyn Mulder Ec.D., Township of Wellington North.• Sabah Kazmi, City of Burlington.• Kassandra Brownridge, The Corporation of the Town of Ajax.• Steve Antunes, City of Elliot Lake.• Will Radix, Corporation of Haldimand County.To our listeners:If you loved this format, drop a comment below, send me a message, or share this post. Want to be featured next year? Come find me at EDCO’s 70th Annual Conference in 2027 — or message me on LinkedIn anytime.Let’s keep highlighting communities across Ontario and beyond!Which micro story stood out to you?Cheers to more voices, more stories, and more thriving communities!#HyperLocalPodcast #EDCO2026 #EconomicDevelopment #OntarioStrong #CommunityStories #RuralOntario #DowntownRevitalization #EcDev #MicroPod #Innovation Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO)
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    12 mins
  • The Nuclear Edge: Jessica Linthorne on Innovation, Jobs & Ontario’s Energy Economy.

    The Nuclear Edge: Jessica Linthorne on Innovation, Jobs & Ontario’s Energy Economy.
    Feb 12 2026

    Jessica Linthorne is powering the future of Ontario’s energy economy. As President & CEO at the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII), she’s at the forefront of connecting nuclear innovation with economic development, job creation, and community impact across the province.

    In this energized episode of Hyper Local, we dive into:

    • What the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) is and its powerful link to economic development.

    • The massive opportunities new nuclear brings to Ontario, and the Nuclear Innovation Institute’s recent report in partnership with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

    • Why 60% of Ontario’s energy baseload is nuclear, SMRs, and why the world is watching.

    • The critical role of medical isotopes, operational excellence, and understanding the energy sector.

    • Emerging leadership, emotional intelligence, collaboration, adaptability, and the importance of “being where your feet are”.

    • The importance of having passion for the public sector, knowing the players, and always reaching beyond to learn more.

    Jessica’s message is clear: with a collaborative mindset, strong relationships, and a focus on impact, we can shape Ontario’s energy future together. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about innovation, energy security, economic growth, and building thriving communities!

    Tune in now and keep the energy going!

    Now some work for YOU! What is something you learned about the energy sector today? Put it in the comments and let's show the power of nuclear!

    #HyperLocalPodcast #EconomicDevelopment #NuclearInnovation #OntarioEnergy #SMRs #Leadership #Collaboration #EnergySector #EcDev #HyperLocalPod #Ontario #Nuclear #OCC
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    56 mins
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