2013 Annual Report

Application

Infrastructure

Education & Awareness 2013 Annual Report

Table of Contents

Message From Our Chair...... 1 Corporate Profile...... 2 Project Management...... 3 Infrastructure Projects...... 3 Application Projects...... 5 Education & Awareness Projects...... 7 Committees...... 7 Marketing and Regional Profile...... 8 Operations...... 9 Vision For 2014...... 10 Auditor’s Report...... 11 Members...... 22 Partners...... 23 Board of Directors...... 25 NEOnet Staff in 2013...... 26 NEOnet Thank You ...... 27 2013 Annual Report

1. Message from the Chair

n behalf of the NEOnet acknowledges the generous support and assistance Board of Directors of our public sector partners, the Northern of NEOnet, it is Heritage Fund Corporation, FedNor and the Community Omy pleasure to present the Futures Development Corporations. Without both their 2013 Annual Report to you, support, as well as the continued enthusiasm of our private our members, partners and sector project partners, NEOnet would not have been stakeholders. This report as successful as it has been in closing the technological highlights NEOnet’s work infrastructure gap for residents and to enhance Information and businesses. Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure and services to our region, as well Thank you to the staff of NEOnet. The team is responsible as to improve business awareness and adoption of ICT for moving these projects forward on a daily basis by applications. working with the funders, partners and stakeholders. Its wealth of knowledge and skills assist the organization in In 2013, after successfully generating an approximate implementing its vision. $4M in economic activity throughout the region and supporting more than 180 small and medium sized Finally, I thank the Board of Directors. You have brought businesses, NEOnet secured a further $500,000 your varied experience and expertise to the team and from FedNor to launch Phase 2 of the Broadband for contributed to improving our region’s economic and E-Business and Marketing (BEAM) project. NEOnet community development opportunities through information anticipates an additional 150 businesses will benefit and communications technology. from the initiative, including our region’s web developer community. NEOnet also secured funding from the On behalf of the Board of Directors, I’d like to thank you Heritage Fund Corporation to enhance all for another productive and successful year, and I look the cellular phone service along Hwy 11 (Val Rita/Harty) forward to working with you in 2014. and Hwy 101 (near Opishing) with infrastructure work completed in December 2013. Sincerely,

Looking forward to 2014, NEOnet and its community partners have been working to establish a Productivity and Innovation Centre, whose mandate it will be to support the growth of local businesses and to foster the Denis Bérubé commercialization of products. I am proud to inform NEOnet Chair you that NEOnet stands as one of the managing partners of the project, which will officially launch at the end of April 2014. NEOnet will also be leading a Geographical Information Systems project involving 21 community partners from across the catchment area and will continue to deliver educational opportunities for seniors, small and medium sized businesses and the general public.

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2. Corporate Profile

EOnet is a non-profit regional development proposals process when project funding is made available. organization that focuses on telecommunications and technology. Its mandate is to: NEOnet’s catchment area is approximately the size N of Great Britain. It covers 60 communities in 200,000 • facilitate partnerships to enhance ICT (Information km2, and has a population density of 0.5 persons per & Communications Technologies) services & km2. This combination of distance and low population infrastructure. density presents a significant challenge to improving • increase awareness & adoption of ICT in northeastern the telecommunications landscape in our area. NEOnet Ontario. has discovered that public-private sector partnerships and business cases built on aggregation models are most • support organizations in their use and integration of successful. ICT. Since inception NEOnet and its partners have Sample projects in 2013 include: invested over $120 million dollars in information and • Cellular Tower Expansion communications technology infrastructure throughout the • First Nation Broadband Project catchment area. • Broadband for E-Business and Marketing (BEAM) • Small Business Technology Assessment Monitoring and Planning (STAMP) • Small Business Social Media information sessions

NEOnet is governed by a board of directors that represents the region’s education, health, industry, economic development, and human and social services organizations. It is staffed by three full-time employees, and project- specific contract personnel as needed.

NEOnet’s guiding belief is that ICT business cases are most sustainable when they are founded on market-driven principles, even when public sector funding is required to offset capital expenditures. Research has shown that the “build it and they will come” model is not effective for community and regional ICT development. NEOnet builds demand by facilitating partnerships, aggregating multiple user needs, and increasing awareness among stakeholders.

Corporation staff work very closely with all private sector telecommunications carriers and service providers, and maintain a policy of open and transparent request for

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3. Project Management Infrastructure Projects

3. Project Management After the succesful completion of the $7.2M ten tower cellular expansion project in 2012, which came in under In determining which projects and activities the budget, NEOnet and its partners identified a significant corporation will pursue, the Board of Directors’ decisions gap in cellular service along hwy 101 near Opishing are based on the three pillars of community ICT capacity and another along hwy 11 near Val Rita/Harty. NEOnet building: infrastructure; education and awareness; and requested permission from the Northern Ontario Heritage applications. Fund Corporation to utilize the remaining funds to support construction, engineering and equipment costs for The following chart summarizes the major projects in two new service areas to close the identified gaps and was 2013, and indicates the balanced approach NEOnet subsequently granted permission. strives for in carrying out its mandate. NEOnet and NorthernTel commenced work on the two service areas with both being completed in 2013. These new service areas were the latest additions to an extensive Project Name cellular network develpped by NEOnet and its partners along the King’s Highways. This would not be possible without the financial support of the Northern Ontario Infrastructure Application Awareness Heritage Fund Corporation. Regional Cellular Expansion • NEOnet recognizes that a number of cellular coverage Broadband Expansion • gaps still remain within its catchment area. NEOnet Technology Solutions Directory • will continue to work with its private and public sector partners to identify those gaps and pursue opportunities to Broadband for eBusiness and Marketing • develop additional service areas. (BEAM) Broadband and Associated Infrastructure • First Nations Broadband Expansion Mapping Analysis Project Small Business Technology Assessment • During 2013 NEOnet worked closely with the Monitoring and Planning (STAMP) on a project to establish high- Seniors’ Computer Training • speed Internet services to the home throughtout the community. NEOnet and Matachewan First Nation Staff Small Business Social Media Information • worked together to develop a Request For Proposals, Sessions which was issued be NEOnet on behalf of the First Stakeholder Updates • Nation Community, to review the RFP responses and to select an appropriate vendor to fulfill the delivery of high- Newsletters (Wired News) • speed Internet services.

3.1 INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS NEOnet prepared and submitted a funding application to FedNor on behalf of the First Nation community, with the MAtchewan First Nation contribtuing 50% of Regional Cellular Expansion the construction costs. Funding was approved late in Funders: NOHFC, Ontera and NorthernTel Mobility 2013 with construction of the Dedicated Subscriber Line Network set to begin in 2014.

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Project Management Application-Based Projects

3.2 APPLICATION-BASED PROJECTS

Technology Solutions Directory

NEOnet’s Technology Solutions Directory was developed to provide an easily searchable directory of products, services and local providers to help small businesses find what they need. The directory is designed so that regional providers can display their corporate profile and service offerings in a self-serve fashion. The directory currently has 47 listings from businesses in NEOnet’s catchment area.

In 2013, NEOnet reviewed the effectiveness of the Technology Solutions Directory, and has been considering changes to improve the resource for the benefit of the stakeholders, partners and general public.

Broadband for E-Business and Marketing (BEAM) Funders: FedNor

Now in its third year of operation, NEOnet’s Broadband for E-Business and Marketing (BEAM) initiative has consistently fostered development of northeastern objectives for technology implementation. NEOnet Ontario’s ICT sector. The initiative does this by also offers applicants an educational component, where encouraging the uptake of ICT applications among workshops impart the skills necessary for long-term the region’s business community, allowing small- and management of their newly created website or tool. medium-sized enterprises to transform their operations and tap into the digital marketplace. Projects like Consisting of two phases, BEAM I and BEAM II, BEAM are essential to the region’s ability to bridge the NEOnet has received a total of $1M in BEAM funding technology gap that exists between residents and the from FedNor, and has in turn assisted more than 320 infrastructure it now has available to it. businesses since its launch in 2011. Now nearing the end of the BEAM II program, approximately $440,000 has BEAM encourages businesses to implement online been committed in project subsidies across a pool of 141 operations by providing a subsidy at a rate of 75% applications. Application review is conducted bi-monthly up to a maximum of $5,000 for eligible development by a committee comprising five members of NEOnet’s costs. Funding is made available in the form of a grant, Board of Directors. and is intended to help cover the capital expenses for introducing or substantially upgrading E-business and/or The BEAM II initiative strives to expand the program’s E-commerce applications. In order to provide applicants regional representation. As such, NEOnet has worked with a comprehensive understanding of the options hard to increase representation to include communities available to them, the BEAM initiative also offers a from outside of . Where these consisted of only framework by which businesses are made to define their

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Project Management Application-Based Projects

25% under the BEAM I initiative, BEAM II now has a Broadband and Associated Infrastructue Mapping regional representation rate of 43%, and is expected to Analysis (BAImap) rise by project’s end. In addition NEOnet has received Funders: FedNor registrations from 40 web developers vying to work on BEAM-subsidized projects, with Timmins representing NEOnet, along with its sister organisations Blue Sky Net 35% of this pool. and Muskoka Community Networks have completed a GIS mapping project that show in detail broadband NEOnet has continuously improved the delivery of the infrastructure in place throughout northern Ontario. Data program. As an example, NEOnet introduced a mandatory from the mapping is currently being evaluated, with introductory seminar and one-on-one consultation process preliminary results showing that NEOnet and the other for all new applicants. This was done in order to ensure community networks have done well in serving their newcomers to the program are provided a comprehensive mandate for infrastructure development with over 90% overview of its administrative requirements, and begin of northern Ontario homes currently having broadband to conceptualize their E-business goals. To date, NEOnet access. has held 148 consultations as part of BEAM II, and has conducted 34 introductory presentations. Applicants are The success of this project will allow NEOnet, MCN provided the online application form after attending this and Blue Sky to pinpoint those areas that remain initial first step. With BEAM II application intake soon underserviced and direct resources toward their coming to an end, the program has an official wrap up improvement. It will also allow regional funding bodies date of October 31, 2014. NEOnet will then utilize data to assess the state of ICT in the north for the development obtained from mandatory exit surveys and six-month of the most beneficial programs and services. follow-up questionnaires to build the case for a BEAM III initiative. It will work with FedNor to realize the Small Business Technology Assessment, continuation of this valuable initiative into 2015. Monitoring, and Planning (STAMP) Funders: FedNor

Building upon the successes of previous NEOnet-led infrastructure projects across northeastern Ontario, the organization and its partners must now work to realize innovative applications of the telecommunications backbones now in place. More than simple uptake, this is vital for regional community economic development. As such, NEOnet seeks to address development of the skills necessary to make ICT-innovation possible. NEOnet’s newly approved Small Business Technology Assessment, Monitoring, and Planning (STAMP) Pilot Project will fill this gap by beginning to transform our region’s economic activity into a globally competitive enterprise.

STAMP will foster innovative applications by providing SMEs an opportunity to adopt new technologies. It does this by matching businesses with third-party ICT BEAM Seminar Chamber Office

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Project Management Awareness-Based Projects

specialists selected from northeastern Ontario’s talent NEOnet introduced a new format to its Tech Break Time pool. These consultants will work with SMEs to develop luncheons, by transforming them from “one off” events to ICT goals and objectives, and assist them in creation structured training opportunities conducted over several of a strategic plan and IT adoption toolkit. Eligible sessions. NEOnet’s Social Media Thursdays were held in applicants will receive a subsidy at a rate of 75% for the and Temiskaming Shores during the month first $5,000 in consulting costs, and an additional 50% of November. Participants took part in an introductory for the remaining $5,000. SMEs will also be made aware workshop and then were tasked with completing of further options available to them to help realize their homework related to their own websites before attending plan, from other funding opportunities to collaborative a second workshop, which served to broaden their organizations. These could include NEOnet’s Productivity understanding of social media and how to make it work and Innovation Centre, the BEAM project, IRAP’s for their business. DTAPP, among others. NEOnet is currently investigating other opportunities to NEOnet is proud to announce that the STAMP initiative deliver this program within the catchment area, as well as has received approval from FedNor and has been to introduce new workshops. committed funding in the amount of $300,000. NEOnet is now in the early stages of the pilot’s implementation. Stakeholder Updates It will soon be issuing an RFP for the development of an Funders and Partners: NEOnet, FedNor evaluation tool by which consultant assessments will be carried out. From there a trial group will be conducted in NEOnet distributed quarterly Stakeholder Updates during order to assess effectiveness, prior to full implementation 2012, to over 420 organizations, businesses, communities of the project. and government officials. The stakeholder updates highlight the progress of projects initiated by NEOnet. NEOnet will work with its partners to realize the effectiveness of this and other application-based Newsletters (Wired News) initiatives. Funders and Partners: NEOnet, FedNor

3.3 AWARENESS-BASED PROJECTS NEOnet prepared and distributed twelve editions of Wired News, our monthly newsletter to our members Seniors’ Computer Training throughout the region. The newsletters highlight what is new in the world of technology with particular interest NEOnet now provides computer-training sessions for to products, services and applications which can be seniors upon request and as numbers warrant. In 2012, adopted by residents, businesses and organizations in NEOnet held a seniors’ computer training session in Northeastern Ontario. Smooth Rock Falls. NEOnet also makes training resources available to those interested in assisting the seniors within their communities.

Small Business Social Media Info Sessions Funders and Partners: Various public and private sector organizations, FedNor

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Management Committees, Marketing and Regional Profile

4. Management Committees Project Committees

EOnet’s success would not be possible Project committees are struck on an ad hoc basis to without the assistance of a dedicated Board of ensure that NEOnet staff have guidance from a regional directors and community stakeholders. Several perspective. NEOnet thanks the following Board Ncommittees of the Board help guide and implement members for their assistance on the following projects. projects, and make recommendations on issues of policy, finance, and contractual obligations. BEAM II Committee • Gerry Talbot Executive Committee • Guy Guindon • Linda Côté The Executive Committee advises the Board on • Gerard Bruneau matters of finance, policy, human resources, and • Denis Bérubé mandated activities. It helps establish Board meeting • Paul Ouimette agendas and proposes to the Board new project concepts for staff. Communications Committee • Denis Bérubé It normally meets prior to Board meetings, unless • Gerard Bruneau circumstances warrant special meetings. • Gerry Talbot

Members: Cellular Tower Expansion Committee • Denis Bérubé, Chair • Denis Bérubé • Gerry Talbot, Vice Chair • Gary Marriott • Gerard Bruneau, Treasurer • Gary Marriott, Director-at-Large 5. Marketing and Regional Profile • Dan Martel, Director-at-Large NEOnet hired Cora-Lyne Ethier as its Bilingual Regional Personnel/Human Resources Committee Outreach Coordinator in April 2013. Since then Cora has travelled across the region promoting NEOnet’s programs This sub-committee of the Executive Committee is - BEAM, Matachewan First Nation Broadband Project, comprised of two or more members and handles the Social Media Presentations, and Cellular Initiatives human resource issues of the organization. They review - and building strong working relationships with our job descriptions, contracts, job postings and performance community partners. Cora has also begun to implement appraisal materials. Job interview panels always have NEOnet’s External Communications Plan, which was at least one member of this committee, in addition to the developed in Fall 2012, with the objective of making Director of Operations. A member of the Committee also NEOnet more well known throughout the region. attends performance appraisals and disciplinary meetings. NEOnet’s profile was raised by attending local Members: promotional events, community speaking engagements, • Denis Bérubé deputations to town councils, publication of newsletters • Gerry Talbot and stakeholder updates, business outreach meetings and • Gerard Bruneau partnership development. • Gary Marriott • Dan Martel 7 2013 Annual Report

Operations

Media 6. Operations

NEOnet continues to have a good working relationship Since NEOnet’s incorporation as a non-profit with regional media. NEOnet is called upon by the media organization in 1999, its mission was to support a to respond to new technology trends, as well as ICT stable, yet competitive environment for the private projects within the catchment area. telecommunications service providers already in the region. Rather than competing with existing service Memberships providers by owning its own network, NEOnet has Memberships remained constant with 49 organizations worked to foster private investment in the region. This making financial and in-kind contributions to NEOnet in strategy has led to the investment of over $120 million 2013. Municipalities and not-for-profit organizations still into the region’s broadband and cellular infrastructure by form the bulk of the membership. NEOnet recognizes public and private sector partners. that there is a limited pool of organizations that are fiscally able to acknowledge NEOnet’s contribution to the The cornerstone of NEOnet’s strength as an Information economic well being of the region. and Communications Technology Network is derived from the promotion of education and community capacity While memberships and financial contributions from building in conjunction with infrastructure development. organizations played a significant role in NEOnet early These values have led to NEOnet’s success and operations, the need for substantial contributions has sustainability. been diminished over the years due to FedNor’s financial support of NEOnet’s projects and operations. NEOnet’s operating model stands out as an example Regional Profile of how building adoption rates and promoting the development of applications – in conjunction with Signs that our regional profile is expanding include: infrastructure development – can reduce aspects of the digital divide in rural and remote communities. • NEOnet’s BEAM program has garnered interest from other not-for-profit development organizations and Communities, organizations and private sector has assisted businesses from outside the organization’s stakeholders recognize the necessity and significance catchment area of NEOnet’s involvement in the advancement of ICT • The NEOnet website, Facebook and Twitter accounts infrastructure in northeastern Ontario, acknowledging have attracted new followers increasing the reach of it with financial and in-kind contributions. These the organization’s communications channels contributions along with project management fees, • NEOnet received calls from residents and businesses government funding, and to a limited extent membership outside its catchment area, asking for assistance with fees, support NEOnet’s daily operations. ICT development issues NEOnet’s core staff consists of 4 positions including a Director of Operations, an ICT Project Coordinator, a Bilingual Regional Outreach Coordinator and a Project Facilitator. Additional staff members are hired on a project-by-project basis.

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7. 2014 Vision

7. Vision for 2013 NEOnet will work toward improving the adoption of ICT strategies within the region’s small and medium sized NEOnet’s continues to implement the three-year enterprises (SMEs) by introducing the Small Business operational plan developed in 2012, which emphasizes Technology Assessment Monitoring and Planning NEOnet’s mandate to promote Education and Awareness, (STAMP) intiative. Further, NEOnet will continue Applications of Information and Communications to to work with community partners to establish the Technology (ICT), and Infrastructure Development Productivity and Innovation Centre. initiatives. NEOnet relies on its staff to transform the board’s vision In 2014, NEOnet will continue to assist small and medium into tangible projects which will garner recognition from sized enterprises in the adoption of ICT applications, help communities, funding agencies, and regional media remote communities achieve their ICT objectives, address outlets. The Board has developed the following criteria the region’s information and communications technology to prioritize which information and communications knowledge gap, and assist in the enhancement of broadband technology projects to champion: service delivery to our communities. • They are regional and/or aggregated. NEOnet will work toward these goals by implementing • There is both the political and community will to make the External Communications Plan, the further promotion the project happen. and delivery of the Broadband for E-Business and • There is an opportunity for revenue generation for Marketing initiative, and participating in the identification NEOnet. of opportunities for the further enhancement of the regions • The project does not compete with the private sector. ICT backbone, as well as working closely with businesses and communities to identify their needs and how they can NEOnet’s long-term sustainability will rely on its ability to be addressed. address the needs of the public and private sector through the development and delivery of ICT projects.

NEOnet Organizational Chart

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8. Auditor’s Report 2013 Annual Report 2013 Annual Report 2013 Annual Report 2013 Annual Report 2013 Annual Report 2013 Annual Report 2013 Annual Report 2013 Annual Report 2013 Annual Report 2013 Annual Report

9. NEOnet Members 2013

9. NEOnet Members Northern College of Applied Arts & Technology NorthernTel Limited EOnet takes its direction from community and Ontera regional stakeholders, and in particular, its Ross, Pope and Company LLP membership. NEOnet could not have achieved Services Nthe level of success that it has without the constant and South Temiskaming Community Futures Development Corporation encouraging support of its members. The Venture Centre/Le Centre de développement Timmins and District Hospital Canadian Mental Health Association Timmins Chamber of Commerce Child and Family Services (Timmins & District) Timmins Economic Development Corporation City of Temiskaming Shores Town of City of Timmins Town of Cochrane Collège Boréal Town of Hearst Davidson de Laplante Insurance Brokers Ltd. Town of Iroquois Falls District of Cochrane Social Services Administration Board Town of Kapuskasing District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board Town of District School Board Ontario North East Town of Moosonee Eastlink Communications Inc. Township of Black-River Matheson Gogama Township of Chapleau Goldcorp - Porcupine Gold Mines Township of Investors Group Township of James Iroquois Falls Community Development Team Township of Larder Lake KapOnLine Township of Matachewan Kirkland & District Community Development Corporation Township of Mattice-Val Côté Le Conseil scolaire catholique de district des Grandes Township of McGarry Rivières Township of Moonbeam Leo Alarie & Sons Construction Ltd. (An Aecon Township of Opasatika Company) Logikal Code Lucid Networks Corporation M-Tel Consulting Service Municipality of Nord-Aski Regional Economic Development Corporation North Claybelt Community Futures Development Corporation Northeastern Catholic District School Board

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10. NEOnet Partners

10. NEOnet Partners Extendicare Kirkland Lake FedNor EOnet gratefully acknowledges the Foleyet Local Services Board support, participation and cooperation of Foleyet Metis Pathfinders CAP site more than 150 public and private sector partners. Francine J. Wesley Secondary School NTheir input and involvement helps ensure that NEOnet Frank Roch remains an organization that is truly community-based. Gogama CAP site Gogama Local Services Board Iroquois Falls Adult Learning Centre ACFO Iroquois Falls CAP site Iroquois Falls Community Development Team Adnet Iroquois Falls Public Library and CAP site Ateliers des Pionniers et Pionnières Du Nord J.R. Nakogee School Bell Canada Kap Information Technology Services Beyond Wireless Kapuskasing Career Info Bibliothèque de Hearst Public Library Kapuskasing Public Library Bibliothèque municipale de Val Rita-Harty Kirkland and District Community Development Corporation Bibliothèque municipale Fauquier-Strickland Kirkland Lake CAP sites Bibliothèque publique Canton Armstrong Le Conseil scolaire catholique de district des Grandes Rivières Bibliothèque publique de Mattice-Val Côté La Boîte à lettres Bibliothèque publique de Moonbeam Larder Lake Public Library Black River Matheson Library and CAP sites Latchford Public Library Blue Sky Network Logikal Code Cameron Graphics Lucid Networks Company C & G Computers Matachewan Community Centre Chapleau Public Library Matachewan First Nation Chapleau Regional Development Corporation Château Georgian Retirement Residence Mattagami First Nation CAP site City of Temiskaming Shores Mattice Public Library City of Timmins McGarry Community Internet Access Centre Cobalt Public Library and CAP site McGarry Public Library and CAP site Cochrane Public Library Moose Factory Education Authority Collège Boréal Moosonee Native Friendship Centre Companion Restaurant M-Tel Consulting Services Computers for Schools Municipality of Jogues Connaught CAP site Municipality of Mattice Val Côté cor consulting Municipality of Temagami CTV Muskoka Community Network District of Cochrane Social Services Administration Board National Research Council (IRAP) District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board NetCentral District School Board Ontario North East Nord-Aski Regional Economic Development Corporation Earlton Public Library North Claybelt Community Futures Development Corporation Elk Lake Public Library North Centennial Manor Encore Club Kirkland Lake Northdale Manor Englehart Public Library and CAP site Northeastern Catholic District School Board

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NEOnet Partners Continued...

Northern College of Applied Arts and Technology Town of Temagami Northern Lights Library Network Township of Armstrong Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation Township of Black River Matheson NorthernTel Township of Casey NorthernTel Mobility Township of Chamberlain Ontario Library Services North Township of Coleman Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Township of Evanturel Ontario Ministry of Culture Township of Gauthier Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines Township of Harley Ontera Township of Hilliard Opasatika Public Library Township of Hudson Ramore Public Library CAP site Township of James Ross, Pope & Company LLP Township of Kerns Schumacher CAP site Township of Lebel (King Kirkland) Smooth Rock Falls Public Library Township of McGarry Smooth Rock Falls Resource Centre Township of Opasatika South Porcupine CAP site Vezina Secondary School South Temiskaming Community Futures Development Corporation Village of Gowganda Southern Ontario Library Services Village of Kenogami Spruce Hill Lodge Retirement Home Village of Sesekinika Sultan CAP Site Village of Shining Tree Teck Centennial Library Village of Teck Pioneer Residence Village of Westree Temagami Public Library YuZhu Web Development Temiskaming Shores Chamber of Commerce Temiskaming Shores Public Library- Haileybury Branch Temiskaming Shores Public Library - New Liskeard Branch The Venture Centre/Le Centre de développement Timmins Chamber of Commerce Timmins & District Hospital Timmins Economic Development Corporation Timmins Native Friendship Centre CAP site Timmins Public Library CAP site Town of Cobalt Town of Cochrane Town of Englehart Town of Hearst Town of Iroquois Falls Town of Kapuskasing Town of Kirkland Lake Town of Larder Lake Town of Latchford Town of Matachewan Town of Moosonee

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2013 Board of Directors

Denis Bérubé, Chair Gerry Talbot, Vice Chair Gary Marriott, Jason Perratt, Director North Claybelt CFDC Gogama Local Services Brd. Director-at-Large Logikal Code M-Tel Consulting Services

Dan Martel, Claude Vezina, Director Paul Ouimette, Director Linda Côté, Director Director-at-Large Timmins and District Leo Alarie & Sons South Temiskaming Community Ontera Hospital Constructions Ltd. Futures Development Corp.

Andy Yu, Director Tony Senyuk, Director Guy Guindon, Director Steve Kidd, Director City of Timmins Northern College of Applied Timmins and District Investors Group Arts and Technology Hospital

Gerard Bruneau, Treasurer NorthernTel 25 2013 Annual Report

NEOnet Staff

EOnet operated with a core staff of three peo- ple: the Director of Operations, the ICT Project Manager, and the Project Fa- Ncilitator. In order to manage the many projects of the organization, NEOnet will also hire recent college or university graduates to assist in the development, man- Cora-Lyne Ethier- Bilingual Regional Outreach agement and delivery of the initiatives. NEOnet’s staff Coordinator was comprised of: Cora-Lyne Ethier joined the NEOnet team in 2013 and is currently the Bilingual Regional Outreach Coordina- Chris McLaughlin - Director of Operations tor. Cora-Lyne is involved with the NEOnet catchment area in informing the public about updates in technol- Chris has been with the organization for a total of six ogy and how to create a positive online presence. She years, previously holding the position of ICT Project creates presentations based on community needs and Manager. Chris has lead a number of NEOnet’s projects delivers them at the convenience of the communities. and shares his wealth of project and personnel manage- ment experience with the rest of the staff. Chris is re- sponsible for the day to day operations of the organiza- tion, the development of ICT projects for the betterment of the communities and businesses within the catchment Lance Pawluk - ICT Project Manager area, public and stakeholder relations, as well as the professional development of NEOnet’s staff. Lance joined the NEOnet team in September 2012. Lance has assisted in the delivery of the BEAM initia- Chris holds a Bachelor’s degree - Honours Political Sci- tive, Regional Technology Information Sessions, as well ence and General Economics and a Graduate Certificate as maintaining the organizations Facebook and Twitter in Project Management. accounts and led the Communications Committee in the develpment of the organization’s communications plan.

Lance holds a Masters in Political Science (Public Sharon Jones - Project Facilitator Policy) and a Diploma in Electronics Engineering.

Sharon joined NEOnet as Project Facilitator in July, 2002. Sharon provides critical support to NEOnet’s Director of Operations, ICT Project Manager and Coordinators: she ensures that all claims are prepared according to the funding agencies’ requirements; and provides weekly budget snapshots for each project. Sha- ron maintains all of the records and financial accounts of the Corporation.

Sharon holds a Payroll Compliance Practitioner designation and holds a certificate in Business Studies.

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NEOnet Funders

Thank you to our 2013 project funders

FAR NORTH EAST Community Futures Development Corporations

Nord-Aski Regional Economic Development Corporation North Claybelt Community Futures Development Corporation The Venture Centre/ Le Centre de développement Kirkland Lake & District Community Development Corporation South Temiskaming Community Futures Development Corporation

27 Northeastern Ontario Communications Network Inc. (NEOnet Inc.) 2013 Annual Report. www.neonet.on.ca