Local Professor Honoured with Special Award

A Dalhousie professor who changed the way communities across North America approach economic development has been recognized posthumously by national and international professional associations.

Andrew Peacock was honoured today with a Special Achievement Award in Economic Development presented by the National Council for Urban Economic Development of Washington, D.C., and the Economic Developers Association of Canada. It is the first such international distinction awarded jointly by these leading institutions.

"Andy was a pioneer. His work took economic development officials to a new level," said Jeffrey Finkle, president of the national council and a friend and former colleague of Mr. Peacock. "His research and encouragement around the use of technology allowed economic development officials to understand the business world in which they worked."

Mr. Peacock's widow, Colleen, accepted the unique award from Mr. Finkle and Jack Logan, a former president of the Economic Developers Association of Canada, at a ceremony held at Dalhousie University.

Mr. Peacock was a longtime faculty member in the School of Business Administration at Dalhousie. His expertise in computer technology benefited his students, colleagues and particularly communities throughout North America. His research in creating databases for communities enabled them to greatly increase their promotional abilities. Mr. Peacock died Oct. 7, following a battle with ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, more commonly known as Lou Gherig's disease.

Economic Development Minister Gordon Balser, representing the Nova Scotia government, paid tribute to the legacy of the professor's research worldwide and closer to home.

"We are justifiably proud that Andrew developed methodologies and approaches for relevant data collection at the community level that are on the road to becoming international standards. Canada and Nova Scotia have already adopted these standards. In fact, it is fitting that Nova Scotia is among the first jurisdictions to fully embrace these community standards for information collection," said Mr. Balser.

Tom Traves, president of Dalhousie University, said, "Andrew Peacock's research and ability to work with people benefited not only his students, who voted him professor of the year, but communities throughout North America. His work is an excellent example of the direct impact that our Dalhousie professionals offer here at home and internationally. We are proud of the work of Andrew Peacock and we are proud to honour his memory today."

The National Council for Urban Economic Development is a membership organization serving public and private participants in economic development across the United States and elsewhere in the world.