2012 Annual Report

Table of Contents

Message From Our Chair..............................................................................................1Corporate Profile...........................................................................................................2Project Management......................................................................................................3

Infrastructure Projects........................................................................................3Application Projects............................................................................................5Education & Awareness Projects........................................................................7

Committees...................................................................................................................7Marketing and Regional Profile....................................................................................8Operations.....................................................................................................................9Vision For 2013...........................................................................................................10Auditor’s Report..........................................................................................................11Members......................................................................................................................22Partners........................................................................................................................23Board of Directors.......................................................................................................25NEOnet Staff in 2012..................................................................................................26NEOnet Thank You ....................................................................................................27

2012 Annual Report

1. Message from the Chair

On behalf of the Board of Directors of NEOnet, it is

my pleasure to present the 2012 Annual Report to you, our members, partners and stakeholders. This report highlights NEOnet’s work to enhance Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

infrastructure and services, as well as to promote the adoption of technological applications and tools to assist in the development of stronger communities and businesses throughout our region. In 2012, NEOnet continued to work with its public and private sector partners to provide drivers on northeastern Ontario highways with a greater sense of security, with the lighting up of ten cellular towers constructed in 2011, as well as the reallocation of budget surpluses to close the cellular service gaps on Hwy 101 W near Opishing and Hwy 11 near Val Rita/Harty.

NEOnet continued to deliver its highly recognized Broadband for E-Business and Marketing (BEAM) initiative, financially supported by FedNor, which assists small and medium sized businesses in developing or enhancing a web presence. Over 175 businesses benefitted from this initiative, as well as web developers throughout the region. The business demand on the BEAM initiative exhausted FedNor’s original contribution of $500,000, necessitating a request for an additional contribution of $500,000, which was approved late 2012. NEOnet continues to monitor the regional economic impact of the initiative, with preliminary results indicating an impact of $8 for every $1 contributed by the public sector. The region’s web developers should be commended for adapting to the increased demand for website and e-commerce solution

development, as well as the important role they play in assisting our local businesses in reaching and competing in provincial, national and global economies.

In addition to the aforementioned projects, NEOnet delivered educational opportunities for seniors, small and medium sized businesses and the general public.

NEOnet acknowledges the generous support and assistance of our public sector partners, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, FedNor and the Community Futures Development Corporations in our catchment area. Without the support of the aforementioned and the enthusiasm of our private sector project partners, NorthernTel and Ontera, the technological infrastructure gap would be debilitating for northeastern Ontario residents and businesses.

Thank you to the staff of NEOnet. The team is responsible for moving these projects forward on a daily basis by working with the funders, partners and stakeholders. Its wealth of knowledge and skill assist the organization in implementing its vision.

Finally, I thank the Board of Directors. You have brought your varied experience and expertise to the team and contributed to improving our region’s economic and community development opportunities through information and communications technology.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I’d like to thank you all for another productive and successful year, and I look forward to working with you in 2013.

Sincerely,

Denis BérubéNEOnet Chair

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2012 Annual Report

2. Corporate Profile

NEOnet is a non-profit regional development organization that focuses on telecommunications and technology. Its mandate is to:

• facilitate partnerships to enhance ICT (Information & Communications Technologies) services & infrastructure.

• increase awareness & adoption of ICT in northeastern Ontario.

• support organizations in their use and integration of ICT.

Sample projects in 2012 include:• Cellular Tower Expansion• Matachewan First Nation Broadband Project• Wireless Hotspots• Seniors Computer Training • 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 founding premise 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 proposals process when project funding is made available.

NEOnet’s catchment area is approximately the size of Great Britain. It covers 60 communities in 200,000 km2, and has a population density of 0.5 persons per km2. This combination of distance and low population density presents a significant challenge to improving the telecommunications landscape in our area. NEOnet has discovered that public-private sector partnerships and business cases built on aggregation models are most successful.

Since inception NEOnet and its partners have invested over $120 million dollars in information and communications technology infrastructure throughout the catchment area.

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2012 Annual Report

3. Project Management

3. Project Management

In determining which projects and activities the corporation will pursue, the Board of Directors’ decisions are based on the three pillars of community ICT capacity building: infrastructure; education and awareness; and applications. The following chart summarizes the major projects in 2012, and indicates the balanced approach NEOnet strives for in carrying out its mandate.

Project Name

Infra

stru

ctur

e

App

licat

ion

Awar

enes

s

Regional Cellular Expansion •

First Nations Broadband Expansion •

Public Wireless Hotspots •

Technology Solutions Directory •

Broadband for eBusiness and Marketing (BEAM)

•

Broadband and Associated Infrastructure Mapping Analysis Project

•

Small Business Technology Assessment Monitoring and Planning (STAMP)

•

Seniors’ Computer Training •

Small Business Social Media Information Sessions

•

Stakeholder Updates •

Newsletters (Wired News) •

3.1 INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

Regional Cellular ExpansionFunders: NOHFC, Ontera and NorthernTel Mobility

NEOnet’s $7.2M Ten Cellular Tower Expansion project was successfully completed under budget, with all of the new towers going live early in 2012. The project was NEOnet’s second cellular expansion project designed to reduce the cellular service gaps along the King’s Highways throughout its catchment area.

Tower Locations:

• Moosonee• hwy 11 near Mattice in the Halfway Lake park area• hwy 144 just north of Halway Lake Provincial Park• hwy 65/11B near Dawson Point• hwy 65 near McCool• Kamiskotia• hwy 101W Godon Lake• hwy 101W Nat River• hwy 101W Foleyet

NEOnet worked with its partners to identify any additional service gaps, which could be addressed utilizing the remaining authorized funding. It was determined that two significant gaps in service - hwy 101 near Opishing and hwy 11 near Val Rita/Harty - could be eliminated with the reallocation of project funds to support construction, engineering and equipment costs for two towers. Upon NOHFC’s approval, NEOnet and NorthernTel commenced work on the two towers with both scheduled for completion in 2013. These towers will be the latest addition to one of the most extensive cellular coverage networks in rural North America. This would not be possible without the financial support of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation.

NEOnet recognizes that a number of cellular coverage gaps still remain within its catchment area. NEOnet will continue to work with its private and public sector partners to identify those gaps and pursue opportunities to develop additional service areas.

First Nations Broadband Expansion

NEOnet has been working closely with the Matachewan

Infrastructure Projects

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2012 Annual Report

Infrastructure Projects

Frist Nation to establish high-speed Internet services to the home. NEOnet issued an RFP on behalf of the First Nation committee and assisted the RFP Evaluation Committee comprised of members of Matachewan First Nation and NEOnet Board and Staff. Upon the selection of a private sector vendor NEOnet prepared and submitted a funding application to FedNor on behalf of the First Nation community. The application remains under review and we look forward to receiving a favourable response and working with the Matachewan First Nation as well as the private and public sector partners during the project deployment in 2013. NEOnet continues to observe the progress of the initiatives and monitor potential public funding opportunities.

Public Wireless HotspotsFunders: NOHFC, Community Futures Development Corporations, Ontera and NorthernTel

Since 2011, residents of fourteen northeastern Ontario communities have enjoyed free Internet access in select public facilities and venues. Using existing DSL infrastructure the Wireless Hotspots Project saw the deployment of over 80 wireless high-speed Internet access points across the fourteen participating communities - Mattice-Val Rita, Moonbeam, Larder Lake, Temiskaming Shores, Kirkland Lake, McGarry, Cobalt, Timmins, Kapuskasing, Hearst, Englehart, Iroquois Falls, Smooth Rock Falls, Black River- Matheson, Gogama, Temagami, Marten River and Latchford.

2012 marked the second year of a two year agreement with NorthernTel and Ontera for free Internet access. As part of the two-year initiative the private sector partners assumed the costs associated with the installation, maintenance, network hosting and monitoring, as well as the necessary bandwidth. NEOnet and its private sector partners have provided the participating communities with usage reports throughout the project - providing a foundation for participant communities to determine the effectiveness and sustainability of the Internet access

points. NEOnet is assisting the participant communities and private sector partners in establishing new service delivery agreements for the Internet access points to commence Spring 2013.

Over the years, businesses, business travelers, tourists, players, coaches, officials, community workers, parents, and students have utilized the access points. The hotspots provide each of these “clients” with an opportunity to access professional, educational and recreational information – making better use of their time. It is expected that the hotspots will result in extended business and leisure travel in the region, since both professionals and tourists can keep on top of what is happening at home as well as what is available to them in the area.

In today’s digital world Internet access means opportunity, these wireless hotspots will encourage new economic development opportunities for the participating

Project Management

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Public Wireless Hotspot locations throughout NEOnet’s catchment area

2012 Annual Report

communities. The hotspots will also provide our youth similar opportunities to remain engaged and connected as those in more urban areas. Having wireless Internet access points in public facilities will encourage the adoption and application of the available communications technology.

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 50 listings from businesses in NEOnet’s catchment area.

In 2013, NEOnet will be reviewing the effectiveness of the Technology Solutions Directory, as well as identifying how the directory could be improved for the benefit of the stakeholders, partners and general public.

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

As northeastern Ontario continues to develop its commu-nications infrastructure, the task remains to find innova-tive applications of these new technologies. NEOnet has identified a hesitation among its stakeholders toward initial investment in ICT applications, resulting in a po-tential regional lag in accessing the benefits of the digital marketplace. In an effort to overcome this, NEOnet has offered the Broadband for E-Business and Marketing (BEAM) Program, which assists businesses in transform-ing their operations and establishing themselves online.

BEAM provides a 75% subsidy up to a maximum of $5000 of eligible development costs for implementing or substantially upgrading E-business and E-commerce op-erations. NEOnet believes that capital investment is only a small part of the solution however, and also provides a framework through which applicants are able to define their business objectives and implement appropriate technological strategies for achieving them. Additionally, in order to maintain the newly developed website upon exiting the program, applicants are provided an education component designed to impart the skills necessary for long-term management of their E-business processes.

Originally launched in April 2011 with generous support from FedNor, BEAM I has assisted approximately 180 small and medium sized businesses with $500,000 in web development investment throughout northeastern Ontario. Having committed the entirety of this funding by the fall of 2012, the program has seen renewal with the rollout of BEAM II. Now in its 5th month, BEAM II currently has 59 applicants with $190,000 committed toward project subsidies.

Learning from the experiences of BEAM I, NEOnet has developed a number of strategies to improve the delivery of program’s second instalment. First, in an effort to go paperless, a new online application system was developed that allows staff to manage application intake without a time consuming filing process. New applications can now be incorporated directly into the BEAM II database

Application-Based ProjectsProject Management

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BEAM SeminarTemiskaming Shores Chamber Office

2012 Annual Report

immediately after submission. Second, NEOnet has rolled out a compulsory introductory presentation and one-on-one consultation process. These steps are designed to en-sure that new applicants understand their requirements as beneficiaries to the program, and that they begin to think about what technical solutions their particular website will require. NEOnet considers these as essential first steps prior to applying to the program. Following the introduc-tory seminar and consultation, applicants are then given access to the application form.

NEOnet has also implemented a new vendor agreement. This agreement outlines the terms of program and the ob-ligations of web developers to ensure applicants are in re-ceipt of valid proof of payment, consent to the placement of the NEOnet logo on newly developed sites, and ensure Canadian content in purchasing of services, among others. The vendor agreement is used by the BEAM II Review Committee to gauge the expertise of a given developer for inclusion into NEOnet’s public list of BEAM II vendors.

With these new policies in place, NEOnet’s BEAM II program will further aid businesses in applying ICT inno-vations for long-lasting transformation of their operations throughout 2013 and beyond.

Broadband and Associated Infrastructue Mapping Analysis (BAImap)Funders: FedNor

NEOnet, along with its sister organisations Blue Sky Net and Muskoka Community Networks have completed a GIS mapping project that show in detail broadband infra-structure in place throughout northern Ontario. Data from the mapping is currently being evaluated, with preliminary results showing that NEOnet and the other community networks have done well in serving their mandate for infrastructure development with over 90% of northern Ontario homes currently having broadband access.

The success of this project will allow NEOnet, MCN and Blue Sky to pinpoint those areas that remain underser-viced and direct resources toward their improvement. It will also allow regional funding bodies to assess the state

of ICT in the north for the development of the most ben-eficial programs and services.

Small Business Technology Assessment, Moni-toring and Planning (STAMP)

In order to transition what is largely a regional economy in northeastern Ontario to a globally competitive one, NEOnet continues to propose innovative solutions for overcoming the knowledge gap that prevails in the region. One such solution is to target those talent pools lacking in ICT-specific skillsets. It is with that goal that NEOnet has proposed the Small Business Technology Assessment, Monitoring, and Planning (STAMP) Pilot Project.

The core of the proposed STAMP project comes follow-ing the now-relatively complete placement of the tele-communications infrastructure backbone in northeastern Ontario, allowing for NEOnet and its partners to focus on the Application pillar of the organization’s mandate. STAMP is a fundamental foundation upon which this next step is to be built, allowing SMEs to actively adopt the technology now in place. Where BEAM allowed SMEs to transform their e-business portfolios, STAMP will provide a deeper, more comprehensive transforma-tion, preparing northeastern Ontario’s small businesses for competition in the global marketplace.

STAMP will allow SMEs to develop their ICT strategies and meet their objectives through direct consultation with a third-party ICT specialist selected from vendors situated within northeastern Ontario. Following enrol-ment in the STAMP program, SMEs will meet with their IT consultant, at which time goals will be identified for the business, in addition to the development of a strategic plan and an IT adoption toolkit. With the strategic plan and toolkit established, the SME will be made aware of various options available to them with respect to other initiatives and funding programs that can assist in achiev-ing their strategic goals.

NEOnet has submitted a funding application to FedNor and eagerly awaits a positive response.

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Application-Based ProjectsProject Management

2012 Annual Report

3.3 AWARENESS-BASED PROJECTS

Seniors’ Computer Training

NEOnet now provides computer-training sessions for seniors upon request and as numbers warrant. In 2012, NEOnet held a seniors’ computer training session in Smooth Rock Falls. NEOnet also makes training resources available to those interested in assisting the seniors within their communities.

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

NEOnet introduced a new format to its Tech Break Time luncheons, by transforming them from “one off” events to structured training opportunities conducted over several sessions. NEOnet’s Social Media Thursdays were held in Kapuskasing and Temiskaming Shores during the month of November. Participants took part in an introductory workshop and then were tasked with completing homework related to their own websites before attending a second workshop, which served to broaden their understanding of social media and how to make it work for their business.

NEOnet is currently investigating other opportunities to deliver this program within the catchment area, as well as to introduce new workshops. Stakeholder UpdatesFunders and Partners: NEOnet, FedNor

NEOnet distributed quarterly Stakeholder Updates during 2012, to over 420 organizations, businesses, communities and government officials. The stakeholder updates highlight the progress of projects initiated by NEOnet. Newsletters (Wired News)Funders and Partners: NEOnet, FedNor

NEOnet prepared and distributed twelve editions of Wired News, our monthly newsletter to our members

throughout the region. The newsletters highlight what is new in the world of technology with particular interest to products, services and applications which can be adopted by residents, businesses and organizations in Northeastern Ontario.

4. Management Committees

NEOnet’s success would not be possible without the assistance of a dedicated Board of directors and community stakeholders. Several commit-

tees of the Board help guide and implement projects, and make recommendations on issues of policy, finance, and contractual obligations.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee advises the Board on matters of finance, policy, human resources, and mandated activities. It helps establish Board meeting agendas and proposes to the Board new project concepts for staff.

It normally meets prior to Board meetings, unless circum-stances warrant special meetings.

Members:• Denis Bérubé, Chair• Gerry Talbot, Vice Chair• Phil Barton, Treasurer• Gary Marriott, Director-at-Large• Dan Martel, Director-at-Large

Personnel/Human Resources Committee

This sub-committee of the Executive Committee is comprised of two or more members and handles the human resource issues of the organization. They review job descriptions, contracts, job postings and performance appraisal materials. Job interview panels always have at least one member of this committee, in addition to the Director of Operations. A member of the Committee also attends performance appraisals and disciplinary meetings.

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4. Management Committees

2012 Annual Report

Members:• Denis Bérubé• Gerry Talbot• Phil Barton• Gary Marriott• Dan Martel

Project Committees

Project committees are struck on an ad hoc basis to ensure that NEOnet staff have guidance from a regional perspective. NEOnet thanks the following Board mem-bers for their assistance on the following projects.

BEAM I Committee• Gerry Talbot• Guy Guindon• Linda Côté• Dennis Higgs• Denis Bérubé• Paul Ouimette

Communications Committee• Denis Bérubé• Gerard Bruneau• Gerry Talbot

Cellular Tower Expansion Committee• Denis Bérubé• Phil Barton• Gary Marriott

5. Marketing and Regional Profile

The Board identified marketing and brand awareness as a key priority at its June 2012 strategic planning session. In response, NEOnet developed an External Communica-tions Plan - Fall 2012 - in order to increase awareness of the organization throughout the region. The Board recognized that NEOnet is a strong advocate and a trusted body that has a proven track record for improving ICT in the region, however while the organization has achieved

some level of public awareness in some communities, they agreed that outside of those communities the orga-nization is not well known. The new plan will be imple-mented in 2013, beginning with the introduction of a new Bilingual Regional Outreach Coordinator position within the organization.

NEOnet’s 2012 marketing strategy built on that of previ-ous years to continue to enhance the organization’s profile throughout the region by attending local promotional events, community speaking engagements, deputations to town councils, publication of newsletters and stakeholder updates, business outreach meetings and partnership development.

NEOnet continued an aggressive marketing initiative for the BEAM project utilizing all forms of media - TV, Radio, Print, and Internet. Thank you to our television partner CTV for its partial sponsorship in the production and airing of our television advertisements.

Media

NEOnet continues to have a good working relationship with regional media. NEOnet is called upon by the media to respond to new technology trends, as well as ICT proj-ects within the catchment area.

Memberships

Memberships increased slightly to 49 organizations making financial and in-kind contributions to NEOnet in 2012. Municipalities and not-for-profit organizations still form the bulk of the membership. NEOnet recognizes that there is a limited pool of organizations that are fis-cally able to acknowledge NEOnet’s contribution to the economic well being of the region.

While memberships and financial contributions from organizations played a significant role in NEOnet early operations, the need for substantial contributions has been diminished over the years due to FedNor’s financial sup-port of NEOnet’s projects and operations.

5. Marketing and Regional Profile

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2012 Annual Report

Regional Profile

Signs that our regional profile is expanding include:• NEOnet’s pilot projects have been expanded and

adopted by other Technology Development Organiza-tions and Community Based Networks

• NEOnet received calls from residents and businesses outside its catchment area, asking for assistance with ICT development issues

• NEOnet’s BEAM program has garnered interest from other not-for-profit development organizations and has assisted businesses from outside the organization’s catch-ment area

• The NEOnet website, Facebook and Twitter accounts have attracted new followers increasing the reach of the organization’s communications channels

6. Operations

NEOnet continues to follow a non-competitive approach when initiating improvements of the information and communications technology infrastructure of the region,

as well as initiatives to support the adoption of technol-ogy by the communities and businesses within the region. Rather than competing with existing service providers by owning its own network, NEOnet has worked to foster private investment in the region. Since its incorporation as a non-profit organization in 1999, its mission was to support a stable, yet competitive environment for the private telecommunications service providers already in the region. This strategy has led to the investment of over $120 million into the region’s broadband and cellular infrastructure by public and private sector partners.

The cornerstone of NEOnet’s strength as a Community Base Network is derived from the promotion of educa-tion and community capacity building in conjunction with infrastructure development. These values have led to NEOnet’s success and sustainability.

NEOnet’s operating model stands out as an example of how building adoption rates and promoting the develop-ment of applications – in conjunction with infrastructure development – can reduce aspects of the digital divide in

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6. Operations

NEOnet Organizational Chart

2012 Annual Report

rural and remote communities.

Communities, organizations and private sector stakehold-ers recognize the necessity and significance of NEOnet’s involvement in the advancement of ICT infrastructure in northeastern Ontario, acknowledging it with financial and in-kind contributions. These contributions along with project management fees, government funding, and to a limited extent membership fees, support NEOnet’s daily operations.

NEOnet’s core staff consists of 3 positions including a Director of Operations, an ICT Project Manager, and a Project Facilitator. Additional staff members are hired on a project-by-project basis.

7. Vision for 2013

NEOnet’s Board of Directors held a strategic planning session in June 2012, from which a three-year operational plan was developed. The plan holds true to NEOnet’s mandate with Education and Awareness, Applications of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Infrastructure Development remaining as the key areas of focus for the organization, however it also speaks to the organization’s Sustainability and Human Resources.

NEOnet will continue to address the region’s knowledge gap with respect to information and communications technology, assist small and medium sized enterprises in the adoption of ICT applications, help remote communities achieve their ICT objectives and assist in the enhancement of broadband service delivery to our communities.

NEOnet will work toward these goals by implementing the External Communications Plan, the further promotion and delivery of the Broadband for E-Business and Marketing initiative, and participating in the identification of op-portunities for the further enhancement of the regions ICT backbone., as well as working closely with businesses and

communities to identify their needs and how they can be addressed.

NEOnet staff has always successfully transformed the board’s vision into tangible projects which have garnered recognition from communities, funding agencies, and regional media outlets. The Board has developed the following criteria to prioritize which information and com-munications technology projects to champion:

• They are regional and/or aggregated.• There is both the political and community will to make

the project happen.• There is an opportunity for revenue generation for NEOnet. • The project does not compete with the private sector.

NEOnet’s long-term sustainability will rely on its abil-ity to address the needs of the public and private sector through the development and delivery of ICT projects.

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7. Vision

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8. Auditor’s Report

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9. NEOnet Members 2012

9. NEOnet Members

NEOnet takes its direction from community and regional stakeholders, and in particular, its membership. NEOnet could not have achieved

the level of success that it has without the constant and encouraging support of its members.

Canadian Mental Health Association Child and Family Services (Timmins & District) City of Temiskaming ShoresCity of Timmins Collège Boréal Davidson de Laplante Insurance Brokers Ltd.District of Cochrane Social Services Administration BoardDistrict of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board District School Board Ontario North East Eastlink Communications Inc.Gogama Local Services BoardGoldcorp - Porcupine Gold MinesInvestors GroupIroquois Falls Community Development TeamKapOnLineKirkland & District Community Development CorporationLe Conseil scolaire catholique de district des Grandes Rivières Leo Alarie & Sons Construction Ltd. (An Aecon Company)Logikal CodeLucid Networks CorporationM-Tel Consulting ServiceMunicipality of TemagamiNord-Aski Regional Economic Development CorporationNorth Claybelt Community Futures Development CorporationNortheastern Catholic District School Board

Northern College of Applied Arts & TechnologyNorthernTel LimitedOnteraRoss, Pope and Company LLPServices CanadaSouth Temiskaming Community Futures Development CorporationThe Venture Centre/Le Centre de développement Timmins and District HospitalTimmins Chamber of CommerceTimmins Economic Development Corporation Town of EnglehartTown of CochraneTown of HearstTown of Iroquois FallsTown of Kapuskasing Town of Kirkland LakeTown of Moosonee Township of Black-River MathesonTownship of ChapleauTownship of EvanturelTownship of JamesTownship of Larder LakeTownship of MatachewanTownship of Mattice-Val CôtéTownship of McGarryTownship of MoonbeamTownship of Opasatika

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10. NEOnet Partners

10. NEOnet Partners

NEOnet gratefully acknowledges the support, participation and cooperation of more than 150 public and private sector partners.

Their input and involvement helps ensure that NEOnet remains an organization that is truly community-based.

ACFO Iroquois Falls CAP siteAdnetAteliers des Pionniers et Pionnières Du NordBell CanadaBeyond Wireless Bibliothèque de Hearst Public LibraryBibliothèque municipale de Val Rita-Harty Bibliothèque municipale Fauquier-Strickland Bibliothèque publique Canton ArmstrongBibliothèque publique de Mattice-Val Côté Bibliothèque publique de Moonbeam Black River Matheson Library and CAP sitesBlue Sky NetworkCameron GraphicsC & G ComputersChapleau Public LibraryChapleau Regional Development CorporationChâteau Georgian Retirement ResidenceCity of Temiskaming ShoresCity of TimminsCobalt Public Library and CAP siteCochrane Public LibraryCollège BoréalCompanion RestaurantComputers for SchoolsConnaught CAP site cor consultingCTVDistrict of Cochrane Social Services Administration BoardDistrict of Timiskaming Social Services Administration BoardDistrict School Board Ontario North EastEarlton Public LibraryElk Lake Public LibraryEncore Club Kirkland LakeEnglehart Public Library and CAP site

Extendicare Kirkland LakeFedNorFoleyet Local Services BoardFoleyet Metis Pathfinders CAP site Francine J. Wesley Secondary SchoolFrank RochGogama CAP site Gogama Local Services BoardIroquois Falls Adult Learning CentreIroquois Falls Community Development TeamIroquois Falls Public Library and CAP siteJ.R. Nakogee SchoolKap Information Technology ServicesKapuskasing Career InfoKapuskasing Public LibraryKirkland and District Community Development CorporationKirkland Lake CAP sitesLe Conseil scolaire catholique de district des Grandes RivièresLa Boîte à lettres Larder Lake Public LibraryLatchford Public LibraryLogikal CodeLucid Networks CompanyMatachewan Community CentreMatachewan First NationMattagami First NationMattagami First Nation CAP siteMattice Public LibraryMcGarry Community Internet Access Centre McGarry Public Library and CAP siteMoose Factory Education AuthorityMoosonee Native Friendship CentreM-Tel Consulting ServicesMunicipality of JoguesMunicipality of Mattice Val CôtéMunicipality of TemagamiMuskoka Community NetworkNational Research Council (IRAP)NetCentralNord-Aski Regional Economic Development CorporationNorth Claybelt Community Futures Development CorporationNorth Centennial ManorNorthdale ManorNortheastern Catholic District School Board

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NEOnet Partners

Northern College of Applied Arts and TechnologyNorthern Lights Library NetworkNorthern Ontario Heritage Fund CorporationNorthernTelNorthernTel MobilityOntario Library Services NorthOntario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural AffairsOntario Ministry of CultureOntario Ministry of Northern Development and MinesOnteraOpasatika Public LibraryRamore Public Library CAP site Ross, Pope & Company LLPSchumacher CAP siteSmooth Rock Falls Public LibrarySmooth Rock Falls Resource CentreSouth Porcupine CAP site South Temiskaming Community Futures Development CorporationSouthern Ontario Library ServicesSpruce Hill Lodge Retirement HomeSultan CAP Site Teck Centennial Library Teck Pioneer ResidenceTemagami Public LibraryTemiskaming Shores Chamber of CommerceTemiskaming Shores Public Library- Haileybury Branch Temiskaming Shores Public Library - New Liskeard BranchThe Venture Centre/Le Centre de développementTimmins Chamber of CommerceTimmins & District HospitalTimmins Economic Development CorporationTimmins Native Friendship Centre CAP siteTimmins Public Library CAP siteTown of CobaltTown of CochraneTown of EnglehartTown of HearstTown of Iroquois FallsTown of KapuskasingTown of Kirkland LakeTown of Larder LakeTown of LatchfordTown of MatachewanTown of Moosonee

Town of TemagamiTownship of ArmstrongTownship of Black River MathesonTownship of CaseyTownship of ChamberlainTownship of ColemanTownship of EvanturelTownship of GauthierTownship of HarleyTownship of HilliardTownship of HudsonTownship of JamesTownship of KernsTownship of Lebel (King Kirkland)Township of McGarryTownship of OpasatikaVezina Secondary SchoolVillage of GowgandaVillage of KenogamiVillage of SesekinikaVillage of Shining TreeVillage of ThornloeVillage of WestreeYuZhu Web Development

Continued...

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2012 Board of Directors

Denis Bérubé, ChairNorth Claybelt CFDC

Gerry Talbot, Vice ChairGogama Local Services Brd.

Phil Barton, TreasurerLucid Networks Corporation

Gary Marriott, Director-at-LargeM-Tel Consulting Services

Dan Martel,Director-at-LargeOntera

Dennis Higgs,DirectorOntera

Paul Ouimette, DirectorLeo Alarie & Sons Constructions Ltd.

Steve Kidd, DirectorInvestors Group

Tony Senyuk, DirectorNorthern College of Applied Arts and Technology

Linda Côté, Director South Temiskaming Community Futures Development Corp.

Claude Vezina, DirectorTimmins and District Hospital

Guy Guindon, DirectorTimmins and District Hospital

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Gerard Bruneau, DirectorNorthernTel

Andy Yu, DirectorCity of Timmins

Jason Perratt, DirectorLogikal Code

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NEOnet Staff

NEOnet operated with a core staff of three peo-ple: the Director of Operations, the ICT Project Manager, and the Project Fa-

cilitator. 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-agement and delivery of the initiatives. NEOnet’s staff was comprised of:

Chris McLaughlin - Director of Operations

Chris has been with the organization for a total of six years, previously holding the position of ICT Project Man-ager. Chris has lead a number of NEOnet’s projects and shares his wealth of project and personnel management experience with the rest of the staff. Chris is responsible for the day to day operations of the organization, the development of ICT projects for the betterment of the communities and businesses within the catchment area, public and stakeholder relations, as well as the professional development of NEOnet’s staff.

Chris holds a Bachelor’s degree - Honours Political Sci-ence and General Economics and a Graduate Certificate in Project Management.

Sharon Jones - Project Facilitator

Sharon joined NEOnet as Project Facilitator in July, 2002. Sharon provides critical support to NEOnet’s Director of Opera-tions, ICT Project Manager and Coordinators: she ensures that all claims are prepared accord-ing to the funding agencies’ requirements; and provides weekly budget snapshots for

each project. Sharon 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.

Steven R. L. Vachon - ICT Project Manager

Steven joined the NEOnet team in May 2011 as the new ICT Project Manager. Steven brings over 5 years of businessexperience and 9 years of ex-perience as an educator to the position. This experience will aid Steven in the management of current, and the development of new NEOnet projects, marketing and outreach, and educational workshops and presentations.

Lance Pawluk - ICT Coordinator

Lance joined the NEOnet team in September 2012. Lance has assisted in the delivery of the BEAM initiative, Regional Technology Information Ses-sions, as well as maintaining the organizations Facebook and Twitter accounts and led the Communications Committee in the develpment of the organiza-tion’s communications plan.

Lance holds a Masters in Political Science (Public Policy) and a Diploma in Electronics Engineering.

26

2012 Annual Report

NEOnet Funders

27

Thank you to our 2012 project funders

FAR NORTH EAST Community Futures Development Corporations

Nord-Aski Regional Economic Development CorporationNorth Claybelt Community Futures Development Corporation

The Venture Centre/ Le Centre de développementKirkland Lake & District Community Development Corporation

South Temiskaming Community Futures Development Corporation