NEOnet’s 22nd AGM kicked off with a welcome from Chairperson, Gerard Bruneau. “Throughout 2021, NEOnet continued to service North Eastern Ontario by providing its stakeholders with educational services, assisting with technology adoption, and championing broadband implementation.” stated Bruneau, 2021 Chair for NEOnet Inc, “NEOnet operated with four core projects; Business Technology Improvement Fund, Broadband Internet for Remote Areas, COVID-19 Technology Adoption Fund and the Caisse Alliance Marketing Fund. 2021 Also brought significant change to our operations. MJ Filo was reintroduced as Project Coordinator in March, then in May was promoted to Interim Director of Operations.”
During the meeting NEOnet’s Interim Director of Operations, Marie-Josée Filo, showcased the organizations achievements during the year 2021. “It is with the utmost pride that NEOnet celebrates its achievements throughout 2021. By providing access to technology adoption funding, providing education, and promoting broadband adoption, NEONet is committed to serving North Eastern Ontario.” Her highlights included the overview of the organization’s funding programs, and the vision of the organization for the year 2022.
“The NEOnet team worked diligently throughout the year delivering the organization’s core programming. More than 160 businesses throughout Northeastern Ontario have received over $1.16 million through our small-business funding programs. As a result, 61 new jobs have been created and businesses have been able to weather the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by adopting new technology to modernize and expand their businesses,” added Filo.
The AGM also saw the ratification of a new board and a new NEOnet Chairperson:
David Laneville, Chair
Alain Lefebvre, Vice-Chair
Paula Mangotich, Treasurer
Gilles Matko, Director-at-large
Linda Semczyszyn, Director
John Bernstein, Director
Gerard Bruneau, Director
Dan O’Mara, Director
Guy Guindon, Director
NEOnet’s new Chairperson, David Laneville, is looking forward to continuing NEOnet’s long standing legacy as Northeastern Ontario’s ICT champion. “I am delighted to serve as Chairman of NEOnet,” said Mr. Laneville. “NEOnet strives to support organizations in the use and integration of ICT, as well as enhancing the infrastructure that supports access to the Internet. I look forward to working with staff, the Board of Directors, and stakeholders to enhance its position as a leader in ICT development, and to explore opportunities to further this position.”
NEOnet looks forward to continuing to support Northeastern Ontario this year with many educational offers, funding opportunities to assist and support our small and medium sized businesses and strong advocacy and support to improve telecommunications in the region.