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Community Builders Awards: This year’s Economic Development award winner is honoured for her transformative impact on local businesses

Wendy Timpano has spent over a decade uplifting the local business sector through her leadership
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Wendy Timpano accepts the 2025 OrilliaMatters Community Builders Award for Economic Development. Pictured from left to right: John Hammill, Jennifer Hiltz-Kane from BMO, Wendy Timpano, and Scott Walker from BMO / Connor Earl

Wendy Timpano is a trailblazer in the field of economic development. Her consistent leadership and dedication to community growth have left a lasting mark in  Orillia and across the region. 

During her role as the general manager of the Orillia Area Community Development Corp. (CDC), she spearheaded numerous initiatives that helped local businesses launch, grow and thrive. 

Her ability to encourage and support entrepreneurs and champion economic collaboration have earned her a reputation as an effective, yet kind, leader.

This reputation has also earned her the title of this year’s OrilliaMatters Community Builders Award winner in Economic Development.

“I’m honoured to have been nominated and to receive this award,” Timpano said.

“This is a heartwarming award to receive after so many years dedicated to economic development in the Orillia area,” she shared.

“I’m passionate about what I do because it helps people, businesses and entrepreneurs. The work economic developers do touches so many people and organizations throughout the community. I always feel like I’m having some sort of positive impact no matter what the project is,” she said.

During her time with the CDC, she helped over 80 businesses with business succession and has been at the forefront of numerous initiatives that have significantly contributed to the business landscape of our region.

Last June, she accepted a new role and is now the Senior Economic Development Officer for the County of Simcoe.

“In my current position, I’m really enjoying the opportunity to learn more and become a much stronger and more well-rounded economic development professional, bringing my previous experience to my new role,” she said.

“I want to thank those who nominated me and those who supported the nomination. I feel honoured to have had the opportunity to have a positive impact in the community through the CDC and to have worked with so many amazing partners,” she added. “There are many excellent economic development professionals in our community and to be recognized feels like a privilege.”

Timpano’s creative and innovative approach exemplifies what it means to be a leader in the business field. Her open-mindedness to exploring new ideas and solutions make her a deserving recipient of this award.

The Economic Development award recognizes individuals or groups who have significantly enhanced the economic prosperity of the community through impactful contributions. These efforts may encompass leading and guiding committees, fostering the creation of social enterprises or new businesses, and executing essential infrastructure projects.

Congratulations, Wendy!

This award is proudly sponsored by O’Coin Walker & Associates.