Norfolk County is celebrating two notable achievements at this year’s Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) Conference, held October 6–9 in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Senior Economic Development Officer Susan (Sue) Gardner received the prestigious EDAC President’s Award, while Norfolk County’s mascot, Scout, was recognized in EDAC’s Marketing Canada Awards for excellence in promotional design.
Sue Gardner Honoured with the 2025 EDAC President’s Award
Each year, the EDAC President selects one member who has made a significant contribution to both the profession and the association. This year’s recipient, Sue Gardner, exemplifies dedication, creativity, and leadership in economic development.
A storyteller at heart and strategist by trade, Gardner combines her deep expertise in marketing and communications with a passion for community building. In her role with Norfolk County, she has helped shape award-winning economic development strategies and innovative community engagement initiatives recognized at provincial, national, and international levels.
With over 30 years in local government, Gardner previously served as CEO, Editor, and Publisher of Municipal World, Canada’s longest-running municipal publication. She modernized its print and digital platforms while championing excellence in local government storytelling. She also holds a Master of Public Administration in Local Government from Western University.
In addition to her professional achievements, Gardner has been a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in economic development and local government. Working with community partners, businesses and local artists, she has created events that celebrate diversity and foster belonging. As part of this commitment, she led Norfolk County Economic Development’s successful certification as a Rainbow Registered organization, a national accreditation recognizing leadership in LGBTQ2+ inclusion and in creating welcoming spaces for all.
As an EDAC President’s Award recipient, Gardner joins a distinguished list of professionals whose work has advanced the practice of economic development in Canada.
“Economic development is the engine—but great storytelling is the fuel,” she says.
Norfolk County’s Scout Wins National Marketing Award
In addition to Gardner’s individual achievement, Norfolk County’s Economic Development team received national recognition for their creative work on Scout, the County’s friendly economic development mascot and community connector.
The award, presented in the Promotional Item category, celebrates innovation and creativity in promoting local economic development initiatives.
Scout’s design is to embody the spirit of Norfolk County—welcoming, curious, and community-minded—while engaging residents and visitors alike. From event appearances to digital outreach, Scout has become a symbol of connection and collaboration, helping to tell Norfolk’s story in a fun and approachable way.
Learn more about Scout’s origin story and the winning entry on EDAC’s website:
The Norfolk Artist Behind Scout: Meet Will Welsh
Scout: Norfolk County’s Economic Development Mascot and Community Connector (2025)
Recognizing Dedication and Innovation
These recognitions highlight the value of creativity and collaboration in advancing economic development at the local and national levels.
Congratulations to our very own Sue Gardner for her well-deserved honour and her valuable support to Norfolk’s Economic Development team, helping steward continued innovation in community engagement and storytelling.