Premier Binns, Minister of Tourism Greg Deighan, and Provincial Treasurer Pat Mella joined Mr. Dave McGrath, Chair of Meetings PEI, to recognize public service employees for their efforts to bring 20 meetings to PEI in the year 2000. The 60 government employees were instrumental in generating one million dollars to the Prince Edward Island economy through the meetings and convention business.
The Employee Convention Hosting Opportunities (ECHO) program was put in place in response to government's commitment to explore new means of generating economic growth. Tourism PEI and Meetings PEI (formerly the PEI Convention Bureau) have developed this exciting new initiative, the vision of which is to encourage and assist employees within the public service in hosting meetings, conventions or events on Prince Edward Island.
"We are very fortunate to have employees who are keen to foster the meetings and convention business here on PEI," said Premier Binns. "We recognize that this type of endeavour means extra work for those involved in organizing and we can offer all the skills and professional support in the world, but, unless employees take us up on the offer, the program is mute. We have experienced some great successes with ECHO, and it has been through the hard work and contacts realized through these civil servants that PEI has become a leader in this arena. We are the first province to offer this type of program, and it is obviously working."
In February of 2000, ECHO began to work with public servants and, to date, has assisted with 60 meetings, 20 of those being held in 2000. The Inaugural Recognition Reception, held at the Delta Prince Edward, provided an opportunity to acknowledge those who participated in the program for the year 2000.
Dave McGrath, Chair of the Board for Meetings PEI, noted, "The ECHO partnership is an innovative arrangement that furthers both the economic objectives of the province and the mandate of Meetings PEI. Through the ECHO program, we are able to offer the services available through the membership of Meetings PEI, thus creating a win-win situation for everyone involved."
"I am personally very encouraged by this program and the opportunities it provides both employees of government and the Island as a whole," noted Premier Binns. "The economic spin-offs created by these meetings being held on Prince Edward Island benefit all Islanders. When we entice people to our Island, we encourage prosperity and we increase our exposure as a great place to meet, time and time again."
Jo-Ann Thomsen, Manager of the ECHO program, can be reached at Tourism PEI and will assist with the organization of meetings by utilizing the many resources available through Meetings PEI and Tourism PEI. A Convention Hosting Manual has been completed and presentations to increase awareness and promote the program are ongoing.
For more information, contact Jo-Ann Thomsen, Program Manager of ECHO, (902) 368-4237.