Regional Development Authorities Set International Benchmark
Nova Scotia is achieving an international first in the area of community economic development.
Each of Nova Scotia's 13 regional development authorities (RDAs) will complete the rigorous process of ISO 9001:2000 registration this summer. This will make them the first complete community economic development group on the international front with all members reaching the pinnacle of quality management.
Economic Development Minister Ernest Fage joined Nova Scotia Association of Regional Development Authorities' chair Rhonda Kelly today, June 9, at a recognition ceremony at Province House.
"Our communities will continue to grow with the new strength of commitment and consistent management practices each RDA is embracing," said Mr. Fage. "When companies are interested in doing business in rural Nova Scotia, they will have confidence in dealing with community economic development organizations that meet international standards of quality management."
The ISO standard 9001:2000 increases the credibility of regional development authorities in the global marketplace. It will assure clients that the development authorities practice a systematic approach to quality management principles in order to achieve consistent quality results. Through employee competence, process management, quality planning and continual improvement each regional development authority will meet or exceed the expectations of their stakeholders, clients, and funding partners.
"Nova Scotia's RDA network is establishing the benchmark of quality management, accountability and transparency for community economic development in world wide," said Ms. Kelly. "Today we are celebrating the successful implementation of the ISO process into nine RDAs, with the remaining four to be completed by the end of the summer."
Nova Scotia's 13 development authorities are recognized as unique in Canada, with core funding provided by all three levels of government. The province recently expressed its confidence in the regional development authority network by increasing operational funding to each by $25,000. This brings total provincial funding to $150,000 annually, an amount that is matched by both federal and municipal partners.
In partnership with diverse government and community groups, regional development authorities provide advice to help individual, community and business ventures succeed. Nova Scotia's regional development authorities employ more than 125 staff who work with more than 500 volunteers on boards and committees in communities across the province.
Regional development authorities work on a variety of community-based projects that increase the capacity of businesses and communities. An example is the development of e-commerce capability on the South Shore where small businesses, with the help of the development authority, can use e-business tools to compete in the marketplace. Another ongoing regional development authority-assisted initiative is increasing broadband capacity throughout rural Nova Scotia communities.
To learn about the strategic initiatives regional development authorities are involved in around the province, see the website at www.nsarda.ca .