Creativity, Enthusiasm Key to Celebrating Communities Conference, Awards
The Celebrating Communities Conference has a lot to celebrate this year, the 10th anniversary of the awards.
The awards are lauding a decade of helping the province become a better place to live and this year's 18 finalists are perfect examples.
Narrowed from a field of 37 entries, the finalists at the Celebrating Communities Conference and Awards in Truro on Sept. 23-25, all display creativity, innovation and an enthusiastic spirit. Despite coming from different areas and types of neighbourhoods across the province, the group has strikingly similar stories of working together to achieve success for their communities.
"I am even more proud to be a Nova Scotian when I see what our neighbours around the province have accomplished in our communities," said Percy Paris, Minister of Economic and Rural Development. "It is hard to feel anything but inspiration; they all have empowering stories of growing together."
This commitment to work together for the good of the entire neighbourhood was recognized by the government of Canada.
"We are very pleased to have the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency match Economic and Rural Development's financial support for the event," Mr. Paris said of the federal contribution.
"The government of Canada continues to invest in, and work closely with, communities to identify economic development opportunities," said Minister of Defence Peter MacKay. "The 2009 Celebrating Communities conference will highlight the very best in rural economic development successes from across Nova Scotia."
Many of the award finalists are committed to future success, having already registered for the conference. And that type of effort has not gone unnoticed. Finalists have mentioned they have noticed organizations in other provinces are watching Nova Scotia's best practices.
David Harris of Yarmouth, said his work on a cross-Canada board has made him realize Nova Scotia's true strength.
"When I was first sitting at the table, I thought: we're small, we're way behind," said Mr. Harris. "To my amazement, I found we are way ahead."
The three-day event features sessions to share community development ideas and learning.
Conference speakers like CBC television news personality Ian Hanomansing, a Maritimer, journalist and entrepreneur, will amplify the energy of Nova Scotians. Mr. Hanomansing will speak about the role of small towns in creating an environment for excellence. He has recorded a personal invitation at www.celebratingcommunities.ca .
Paul Shakotko of the Metro United Way, Halifax Region, is introducing a community film about Dartmouth North and speaking about the Action for Neighbourhood Change. Lorraine Glendenning with the Department of Economic and Rural Development, will speak about Connecting Rural Communities through the Broadband for Rural Nova Scotia Initiative. Mr. Paris will speak about building sustainable communities.
Other speakers include Michael Jones, a creative pianist and leadership speaker; Barb Stegemann, an enthusiastic author; Jon Steinman, an accomplished radio host from Nelson Before Nine in B.C.; and Michael Howell, a local entrepreneur/chef.
The conference will feature a community market showcasing local foods and artisans, a dynamic cultural celebration and an awards banquet to celebrate all of the nominees and winners.
To view the conference schedule and to register now, visit www.celebratingcommunities.ca .