FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Valley REN Receives National EDAC Award for Digital Transformation & Technology Adoption
KENTVILLE, N.S. – September 16, 2026 – The Valley Regional Enterprise Network (Valley REN) has received national recognition from the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC), earning the Digital Transformation & Technology Adoption Award for its innovative use of technology to strengthen economic development across the Annapolis Valley.
The award recognizes Valley REN’s Site Selector Tool, a regional digital platform that brings together commercial and industrial property listings, business information and location-based data. The tool helps businesses, investors and economic development partners identify opportunities and make informed decisions while strengthening the region’s ability to attract and respond to investment.
Valley REN was the first organization east of Ontario to implement GIS WebTech’s platform and the first in Canada to use its new EcoSystem tool. The platform serves six municipalities and one First Nation and has been customized to meet the needs of the Annapolis Valley.
“This award reflects what we can accomplish together in the Annapolis Valley,” said Emily Boucher, CEO of Valley REN. “This platform has been a team effort from the beginning, and I’m grateful to the current and former Valley REN team members who championed it and helped bring it to life. GIS WebTech has been an incredible partner, giving us the flexibility and support to build a platform that works for our region and continues to evolve with our needs. We’re also grateful to the Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® for recently coming on as a sponsor and supporting its continued growth. To see this work recognized nationally is an incredible honour.”
The technology is also demonstrating potential beyond traditional site selection. Through a partnership with the Nova Scotia Community College’s Centre of Geographic Sciences (COGS), the platform has supported student-led projects mapping food-related businesses and regional fire stations, demonstrating how GIS technology can support research, planning and future economic development initiatives.
For Valley REN and the Annapolis Valley, the EDAC award recognizes the value of regional collaboration, innovation and shared technology in helping communities better understand their assets, identify opportunities and position the region for future investment and economic growth.
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About Valley REN
The Valley Regional Enterprise Network works with businesses, communities and partners across the Annapolis Valley to support regional economic development, business growth, investment readiness and a strong, sustainable regional economy.
Media Contact:
Nicole Ross, Communications Officer
nross@valleyren.ca / 902-678-2200