Bridging the No Man's Land Between Planners and Economic Developers....It's all in the Delivery!

Dec 12, 2015: My new office?

Ah yes I'm home sick today.  Do I miss ice and snow and cold? No but I miss my home, my husband and my friends. Even the cat.  And yes I miss my VBDS crew!!

But I'm pulling up the big EDO panties and soldiering onward....from my new temp office location poolside. 

A patio table does not make the ideal desk and the chairs make my shoulders sore. But I will take one for the team! So with water bottle in hand I decided to start my final report. Dang fountain is a bit loud from the pool, competing with Christmas carols.... someone has to do it! :-)

Delivering the LEDO 101 message yesterday turned out to be one of the most satisfying experiences of my professional life.  Little did I know that becoming involved in the FCM CARILED initiative would do so much for my sense of "sharing knowledge" and the satisfaction it brings!

The participants were less than we planned for - but 7 eager municipal staff were there, a local Municipal Government Representative  (Clive it's always great to see you!) and the wonderful FCM & CARILED crew.  I'm humbled by the experience and knowledge surrounding me!

Unfortunately due to the horrific flash flooding in Portland area this week and subsequent arrival of the Governor, most senior administration were unable to attend as planned.  We did have the Minister of Local Government and Community Development Hon. Noel Ascott attend the opening of our day which was an honour.  The flood in Alberta still is front of mind with me, so I could empathize with the sense of worry and concern that came from their staff.

I was so heartened by the attention the participants paid and their participation in the discussions when I presented.  A good laugh was had when I said I had always been a bit scared of planners - and my session was delivered to ALL planners - at all levels.  And some of these poor folks had been "voluntold" they would be embracing local economic development in their jobs.  They chuckled at my reference to "The Big Book of No" and how it could be the Big Book of Yes...it's all in the delivery!  My mission - to reassure them Local Economic Development was not a foreign territory strewn with mines, but much more familiar and in step with the work they were used to.  It all comes down to perspective and delivery of the message.

And apparently I was successful, for the next day I received an email from one of the attendees, Christina, who thanked me for the practical examples and shared that she now felt motivated that the LEDO position was one she wanted to pursue! I hope I hear from her in the future and can offer practical advice and information.  It made the entire week worth while!

I've worked with many people over the years, and do really love my profession.  Its so satisfying to know that what you do, how you interact with others can make a difference.  Is it a way to fulfill my need to teach ? (since that is what I always envisioned I'd do when I was younger)  Am I subconsciously "leaving my legacy"?  I'm not sure.  What I am sure of, is that I, a kid from a small prairie town, have now left my mark on up and coming professionals in this amazing Caribbean country.  And that, my friends, is a feeling I hope I never lose.

Y'all have a great day and stay warm.  I'm goin' to the pool to catch some rays!