Economic Development Office

Ann Weir has been the Economic Development Manager for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville since 2008 and has recently completed the AMCTO Executive Diploma in Municipal Management. In 2017, she won the Eastern Ontario’s Economic Developer of the Year award.

Her role includes managing economic development through a collaborative environment with ten municipalities and four partner communities to positively influence the growth and well-being of the Counties and its communities...

View a PDF of Ann's full bio.

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Cyndy Bolton is the Economic Development Officer for Leeds Grenville. Cyndy’s focus is to implement Economic Development strategic areas under its marketing and communication activities. This includes the bi-weekly business e-newsletter; article, image, video, website and social media content development, maintenance and scheduling, along with promotional projects for investment attraction, tourism and business. She also provides digital business programming support when requested, as she did for her first three years as a Digital Specialist. Cyndy’s formal training is in Graphic Design and Photography with certifications in Interactive Multimedia, Social Media Strategies and Grant Proposal Writing from both Algonquin and St. Lawrence College.

Shelbi McFarlane is the Business Development Officer for Leeds Grenville and joins the team in promoting regional economic development. Shelbi’s primary role is to help businesses of all sizes flourish in Leeds Grenville. With her background in municipal planning and investment attraction, Shelbi brings a helpful set of skills to those looking to expand or relocate their business into Leeds Grenville.

Shelbi attended Carleton University, where she obtained her Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management, specializing in Development Studies and minoring in Economics. Since graduating she has nearly completed her Diploma in Municipal Administration through the AMCTO as well as an Economic Development certification through the University of Waterloo.

Carol Hardy is the Small Business Development Officer for Leeds Grenville. She supports aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners by providing guidance, resources, and programming to help them start and grow their business.

Carol brings over 20 years of small business experience to the team, ranging from operating several home-based businesses, mentoring home business operators and working as a partner in a local IT company. She is passionate about helping entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses to success. Carol is a lifelong learner and actively pursues opportunities to increase her skillset, business knowledge and personal development.

Meagan Metcalf is the Small Business Assistant. Her primary role is to support the day-to-day administrative coordination and communication of the Small Business programs as part of the Economic Development team. She is responsible for the website and social media content, event and workshop coordination, as well as creating reports for the small business centre.  Meagan brings over 4 years of experience in working as an executive assistant in manufacturing and experience in event planning and administrative services.

Joanne Poll is the Economic Development Department Administrator and Communications Support for Leeds Grenville. She provides administrative and communications support in the promotion of Leeds Grenville and its ten member municipalities.

Joanne oversees the 1000 Islands and Rideau Canal Garden Adventures, and Tourism Visitor services.  Joanne works to ensure the website is an up-to-date central repository of information for Leeds Grenville visitors, residents, municipal partners, existing business and industry, potential investors and site selectors, which includes a Business Directory - a listing of more than 4,500 Leeds Grenville businesses.

Joanne has been in the Tourism industry for 20 years, is an IT specialist and holds a Photography Diploma from Algonquin College.

Andrew Stacey is the Tourism Marketing Support position to support the Leeds Grenville Regional Tourism Destination Strategy for the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterway tourism region. Andrew brings extensive experience in marketing, communications and graphic design to the position. He has previously worked with the Automotive Industries Association of Canada and Corel. Andrew is tasked with marketing existing tourism experiences and supporting the creation of new ones; creating travel media itineraries, content development, digital imagery, videography, social media, blogs and promotional campaigns.