County recognizes Gray, Mato for ‘outstanding’ economic development contributions

GUELPH – Two individuals have been recognized by the county for making “outstanding” contributions to economic development in the region. 

The 2025 George Bridge Economic Development Influencer Awards were presented at a March 26 county council meeting.

Carl Gray was recognized as Community Economic Development Influencer of the Year and Marina Mato as Rising Economic Development Influencer of the Year.

“I’m very honoured and happy to be at a position to accomplish something people see worthy of being recognized,” Gray told the Advertiser. 

He is the co-founder of the not-for-profit corporation Trade Tracks Skilled Trades Showcase.

“It’s recognition for what Trade Tracks is doing more than for me personally,” he said.

Trade Tracks is an annual two-day skilled trades showcase that connects youth and job seekers with employers, apprenticeship programs and hands-on exposure to careers in the trades.

“We’re trying to build a link between young people and the local economy to connect them with employers and great opportunities that are in the county,” Gray said.

The corporation was created four years ago by co-founder Peter Robertson, who took a step back a year later, when Gray arrived.

Asked what inspired him, Robertson said, “I took the university route when I was coming out of high school and that was a mistake.”

He noted what he wanted to do “wasn’t what the guidance department thought I should do.”

Robertson said he has regret his decision since joining university in 1965. He left without finishing his program and joined the agriculture industry.

“Over the years. I’ve found I should have taken the trade route [but] the thing was to go to university,” he explained.

Warden Chris White spoke highly of the Trade Tracks showcase, stating, “It’s not just another career fair.

"This event is engaging and provides students with hands-on exposure.”

The next Trade Tracks showcase is set to return to the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex May 22 and 23.

Bridge 'integral' to committee

During the council meeting White said the economic development awards are named after former warden George Bridge, who was “absolutely integral in getting the economic development committee off the ground.

Also a former Minto mayor, Bridge has been appointed chair of the economic development committee of the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus.

“We’re very appreciative of his long years of service,” White said of Bridge, who posed with the winners during the award presentations.

The Rising Economic Development Influencer Award won by Mato recognizes an individual new to the economic development scene.

Mato, the Town of Erin's economic developer officer, accepted her award stating, “I’m honoured as well as proud. 

“I’ve been very lucky to have encountered some great ... leaders that lead by example.”