Provincial government employees who were fundamental in securing meeting and convention business totalling a net worth of $2.5 million in 2001 were recognized by Premier Pat Binns, Minister Greg Deighan, and others at a reception held at the Charlottetown Hotel.
In total, 112 employees were singled out for their hard work and pivotal role in ensuring that Prince Edward Island was the destination of choice for the estimated 32 gatherings over the past year. The "ECHO" program, Employee Convention Hosting Opportunities, provides provincial government employees with resources and assistance towards hosting meetings on the Island.
"This program has greatly benefited the province economically," noted Premier Binns. "While many people would feel that organizing a meeting or convention is simply too time consuming or difficult, those of you gathered here this evening managed to work beyond any obstacles and, with your hard work coupled with the services provided by ECHO, you managed to bring your group to our Island."
The program was put in place in response to government's commitment to explore new means of generating economic growth. Meetings PEI and Tourism PEI developed the initiative, the vision of which is to encourage and assist employees within the public service in hosting meetings on the Island. The program began in February of 2000 with a mandate to identify public service employees travelling to meetings off Island, explore possibilities to have the meetings held in PEI in the future and encourage and assist employees in inviting groups back to PEI as well as assisting in organizing the events.
"Government departments have become more responsible for identifying, creating and generating new means of economic development within the province," noted Dave McGrath, Chair of the Board for Meetings PEI. "The ECHO partnership is an innovative arrangement that furthers the economic objectives of the province while fostering the mandate of Meetings PEI."
"This program is beneficial to all," added Greg Deighan, Minister of Tourism. "The province gains immense exposure through the meetings business, ensuring repeat visitors for years to come and providing obvious monetary benefits. In addition, the government participants who take on this challenge to assist in organizing a meeting are garnering experience through the learning process with the ECHO program which is invaluable."
Jo-Ann Thomsen, Manager of the ECHO program, providing assistance for all aspects of convention co-ordination with the combined resources of Meetings PEI and Tourism PEI, can be reached at Tourism PEI.