Relevant Past Employment and Sustainability Statement

Editor and contributor:

Opportunities in the Information Technology Sector for the Greater Windsor Area, a study commissioned by the Hants County Information Technology Training Committee, conducted by Knowledge Navigators International Inc., Halifax, Nova Scotia, 23 September, 1998.

Presenter:

Rural Business Development Strategies, Seminar D, A Business Retention Strategies and Local Economic Development, for the University of Waterloo, held in Amherst, Nova Scotia, 13 June 1996.

Executive Director:

Western Valley Development Authority, 1994–1997 in Digby and Bridgetown, NS. Designed and initiated the process for developing a 5–year strategy and action plan, broadly supported by the diverse communities within the region of Annapolis and Digby Counties.

This region included seven municipal units, a number of which had experienced difficulties reaching consensus in the past. The particular approach to strategic planning proposed and adopted by the Board of Directors was considered unique and innovative. Hundreds of individuals were involved in the gathering of information that seven months later led to the publication of a five–year action plan, clearly identifying how the community might best develop itself over the short and long term. The plan was recognized by the provincial head of community economic development as being a model for strategic planning in rural development.

In the first two and half years, the WVDA established itself as the principal unifying force for community development within the two counties, bridging cultural, historic, gender and language barriers. The agency worked closely and effectively with all interested parties, including the Acadian community, the African-Nova Scotian community, Women’s’ groups, churches, and the many diverse economic sectors, agencies and associations within the region, including information technology, tourism, education and culture, fisheries, forestry, transportation and agriculture. Many innovative projects were developed and implemented within the region.

Managing Director:

Annapolis County Economic Development Commission, 1993–1994 in Bridgetown, NS. The Commission was the primary community economic development agency for residents of Annapolis County and its three towns, offering marketing and management advice to new and existing businesses, acting as liaison in the promotion and development of local business proposals to the Nova Scotia Department of Economic Development and federal agencies, as well as developing projects in partnership with community or municipal agencies.

Work included promoting both traditional and alternative approaches to community economic development. Sustainability was the emphasis, moving away from focusing exclusively on industrial recruitment. The agency promoted self-reliance, helping the communities and individuals it served to find the resources to complete needed projects or finance new businesses. This included a greater focus on entrepreneurship, training, education, and establishing the infrastructure for attracting business to the region.

Certification

1996    Certificate in Community Economic Development
University of Waterloo (two summer sessions program)
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

2010    Certificate in Human Systems Dynamics (Associate)
Human Systems Dynamics Institute, Cohort 15
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

An Emphasis on Sustainability

As the first executive director of the Western Valley Development Authority in the mid–1990’s, I took a holistic and innovative approach to CED and strategic planning that included social, environmental, economic and cultural factors. That approach was in alignment with the Province of Nova Scotia’s more recent focus on “Sustainable Prosperity.”

At the core of my work as a community development consultant and leadership coach is a focus on sustainability as the primary outcome for all projects and initiatives. This focus may be for a specific project undertaken by a client community or organization, or by an executive wishing to broaden and deepen leadership skills and tools. Self-organization, collaboration and self-empowerment are intrinsic to the approaches I take as a facilitator, trainer and consultant.

In my past consulting work with the Department of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism, my colleagues and I focused on promoting awareness of the Community Economic Development Policy, and its four pillars of sustainable development – economic, social, cultural and environmental factors (based upon the Sustainable Prosperity initiative). Collaborative Strategies in Community Development was a series of workshops held throughout the province for public servants from diverse departments, offices and areas of specialization. Both the pilot programs and subsequent workshops were very successful. The provincial government has continued to use this very effective collaborative approach as a model for promoting meaningful dialogue leading to sustainable community development.

I have also facilitated a consultation session for the NS Department of Energy on funding sustainable, community-based renewable energy projects in the province. Stakeholders from the private sector and from various government departments attended, hosted by the Acting Deputy Minister for the Department of Energy. The session included an examination of the Community Economic Development Investment Funds, their history, application, limitations and success. The session also looked at alternative forms of financing sustainable energy projects.

My executive coaching clients are encouraged to look at their organizations and the roles within them from a broader, appreciative perspective, building on the strengths and gifts of each employee and team. I believe that sustainability is only possible through an increased awareness of and appreciation for the interrelationship between our social, cultural, natural and economic environments. Increasing awareness has become a necessity for the future sustainability of organizations, communities, our province and country. Promoting this perspective is at the heart of my work.

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Project experience: Non–Governmental
Project experience: Government
Past Employment and Sustainability Statement