2009-09-24

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Downloadable hi-res photographs and a social media release, including video clips, for the Celebrating Communities Awards Thursday, Sept. 24, are available at http://gov.ns.ca/news/smr/2009-09-25-awards.asp
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Enthusiasm and community empowerment were celebrated today, Sept. 24, as the winners of the 2009 Celebrating Communities accepted their awards.

The evening celebration, at the Best Western Trade and Convention Centre in Truro, highlighted the ability of Nova Scotians to grow together.

Six winners from Cape Breton to Clare are celebrating their innovative collaboration and success after the three-day conference where delegates representing more than 200 community organizations, advocacy groups, post-secondary institutions, governments, and the private sector, gathered to discuss the best in community development.

"Congratulations to all the award nominees and to the winners who certainly demonstrate the flavour of community excellence," said Economic and Rural Development Minister Percy Paris. "I am very proud of your achievements and trust that they will inspire similar innovation and collaboration in communities across the province."

"This conference is a showcase for all the excellent community economic development work being done in this province," said National Defence Minister Peter MacKay. "I congratulate all the award winners and finalists for their vision and dedication. The individuals who are being recognized this evening are contributing to the long-term economic prosperity of Nova Scotia and Canada, just as our government is doing with the Economic Action Plan."

The Celebrating Communities award winners are:

• Client Service Excellence, New Ross Family Resource Centre.
  The centre cares for the people in the New Ross area by providing  a free nurse practitioner and many other programs. Working with limited funds, it brings services to a rural community that many people in cities take for granted.
   
• Excellence in Collaboration, Community of St. Andrews.
  From creating the first co-operative store in Nova Scotia to a recent seniors housing project, St. Andrews is an innovator that adopts and develops new models of collaboration.
   
• Excellence in Community Development, Caisse Populaire de Clare.
  The caisse is a great example of how local business can contribute to bettering communities through leadership, dedication and support. Its $50,000 community development fund provides benefits to communities throughout the municipality of Clare
   
• Outstanding Volunteer Achievement, Murray Hill.
  Mr. Hill is a well-rounded champion for development in Pictou County. He is the chair of many local community organizations. His interest and dedication to his community has improved its quality of life, cultural heritage and its economic well being.
   
• Excellence in Youth Leadership, Eastern Communities Youth Association, Youth Council.
  The Youth Council is a group of role models that donate hundreds of hours of volunteer time to the Eastern Communities Youth Association and the community. The youth council determines important programming and activities like establishing a work group to confront the issue of alcohol and substance abuse. 
   
• Innovation In Community Development, Unama'ki Student Firewood.
  Junior high school teacher Gerard Livingston, and his partner/students took charge and turned challenges into opportunities. Their company didn't just teach essential workplace skills but, most importantly, taught them success is possible.

The awards gala was the largest event at the 2009 Celebrating Communities Conference, which began in Truro on Wednesday and wraps up today.

"We are pleased to be celebrating so much success here in the Truro-Colchester region," said Jo Ann Fewer, executive director, Colchester Regional Development Agency (CoRDA). "The award winners, and every finalist, have such great stories of inspiration, determination and accomplishment -- my congratulations is extended to all of them."

Hosted by the CoRDA and sponsored by Department of Economic and Rural Development and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the conference was attended by more than 200 Nova Scotians.

Complete profiles of award recipients and finalists are available at www.gov.ns.ca/econ/celebratingcommunities/ .

Media Contacts:

                Heather Deighan
                Economic and Rural Development
                902-424-8258
                Cell: 902-219-1507
                E-mail: deighanhx@gov.ns.ca

                Alan Johnson
                Colchester Regional Development Agency
                902-893-9139
                E-mail: ajohnson@corda.ca 

2009-08-03

---AS SEEN IN THE CHRONICLE HERALD---
By PAT LEE Staff Reporter
Mon. Aug 3 - 4:46 AM

Community leaders and organizations will be lauded for their efforts when the Celebrating Communities Awards are handed out in September.

The eighteen finalists in six categories were recently announced, highlighting those who have worked to make their communities better places to live.

"We must sustain and recognize the achievements of our communities and people that are moving us toward a more prosperous future," Economic and Rural Development Minister Percy Paris said in a news release.

The honours will be bestowed at the Celebrating Communities Conference and Awards: Growing Together, being held in Truro from Sept. 23 to 25.

The nominees are:

CLIENT SERVICE EXCELLENCE

John Dobrowolski: An avid 18-year volunteer in Halifax Regional Municipality whose many interests have included cycling from Halifax to Texas for three cancer charities last year. He has also touched the lives of many canoeists.

Bonnie Anderson: A public health nutritionist, community developer and board member of the United Way of Halifax Region who has spearheaded flu shot clinics being offered through family resource centres.

New Ross Family Resource Centre: The centre provides the services of a free nurse practitioner and many other programs, as well as running blood donor clinics and publishing a monthly newsletter

Ron Levy (honourable mention): A lifelong champion for community service who has had a lasting impact on Pictou County’s disabled citizens.

COLLABORATION EXCELLENCE

Guysborough Country District RCMP: The RCMP have brought together many key community partners to establish the Eastern Communities Youth Association.

The community of St. Andrews: The Colchester County community supports sustainability and boasts having the first co-operative store in Nova Scotia and, more recently, the first funeral co-operative study group.

Women Unlimited: By breaking through the barriers of re-entering into the workforce, the program has grown over the years to have a presence at three Nova Scotia Community College sites.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT EXCELLENCE

Centre for Entrepreneurship Education & Development Inc.: The organization is devoted to helping people to use entrepreneurship as a vehicle to become self-reliant and oversees programs such as Second Chance and the Youth Employability Project, which have helped more than 350 high-risk youth achieve success in school, at work and as entrepreneurs.

Westfield Community Centre Society: Once a one-room school, the community centre was in the midst of renovations when a devastating fire consumed the building in 2007. The community immediately made the decision to rebuild and today many community groups use the facility to host weekly meetings, concerts, wedding receptions, fundraisers, Christmas parties and Valentine’s Day dances.

Caisse populaire de Clare: In three years, the Caisse populaire de Clare has assisted more than 60 community initiatives and infrastructure projects that provide benefits to communities across the municipality of Clare and in 2006 established a $50,000 community development fund.

INNOVATION IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Action for Neighbourhood Change: A United Way of Halifax Region initiative, the program awards small- and medium-sized grants to 44 different projects in Spryfield and north-end Dartmouth that are focused on resident-led initiatives.

Unama’ki Student Firewood: When the traditional school system wasn’t working for several students in Potlotek First Nation (Chapel Island), their junior high teacher, Gerard Livingston, and several community partners formed a company and used the students’ love of the outdoors and their energy to cut, split and sell firewood.

The Societe acadienne de Clare: The Baie Sainte-Marie spoken word festival, an initiative of the Societe acadienne de Clare, was established in 2004 to enhance Acadian language and culture through French literature and poetry

OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER ACHIEVEMENT

David Harris: He has supported the entrepreneurial community in Yarmouth over the past 15 years through his work with Yarmouth’s Community Business Development Corp. He is presently the chairman of the Yarmouth chapter’s board of directors, president of the Nova Scotia Association of Community Business Development Corporations and a chairman with the Community Futures Network of Canada.

Peter Herbin: His volunteer work has brought prosperity and recognition to the town of Wolfville, and as an active and founding member of the Wolfville Business Development Corp., he has worked to grow and improve the downtown core. His most recent contribution includes securing $800,000 in government and private-sector funding to rejuvenate building facades and leading the bid for Grand Pre and the surrounding area to be recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site.

Murray Hill: He is a champion for development in Pictou County and serves as the chairman of the Pictou Regional Development Commission and Citizens for Healthy Pictou County. In the past, he has served as chairman of the Pictou County regional health authority, Pictou Academy Education Foundation and the Ship Hector Foundation.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE

Conseil jeunesse provincial de la Nouvelle-Ecosse: The Frogstock music festival and Prends ta place sketch on bullying are two of the marquee programs of the non-profit organization supporting Nova Scotia’s francophone and Acadian youth communities. The organization and its youth leaders consist of eight voting-member regions and non-voting members in the francophone areas of the province.

Eastern Communities Youth Association Youth Council: From hip-hop lessons to a summer soccer program and Haunted Houses to birthday party help for parents, the non-profit youth group provides a home away from home for children ages five to18 in Canso and its surrounding areas. For more than 10 years, teenagers have comprised a youth council, a formal subcommittee of a larger board, to create successful drop-in centres with intervention and outreach programs.

Nova Scotia Co-operative Youth Alliance: The co-operative provides support to its members by running seminars throughout the year and members gain hands-on experience with co-operatives or credit unions in their community, either through helping to run the business or sitting on the board of directors.

2009-07-31

Blend the passion of Nova Scotia's best communities with the excitement of their community builders and you have the ingredients for this year's Celebrating Communities Awards nominees.

Eighteen finalists have been selected from 37 entries in six categories focusing on community achievement. The vibrant community leaders will find out who wins at the Celebrating Communities Conference and Awards, Growing Together, in Truro Sept. 23-25.

2009-07-06

The nominations are in and the excitement is building for the 2009 Celebrating Communities conference and awards.

The people and organizations that drive community growth and prosperity in Nova Scotia will be the focus of the conference being held at the Best Western Trade and Convention Centre in Truro, Sept. 23-25.

Leading the line-up of speakers at this year's event is CBC television news personality Ian Hanomansing.

As a Maritimer, journalist and entrepreneur, Mr. Hanomansing has a deep appreciation for the role small towns have in creating an environment for excellence.

"Every job I've ever had in journalism can be traced to that first job I had at CKDH in Amherst, 30 years ago," said Mr. Hanomansing. "You don't have to go to the big cities to find opportunity and inspiration. I am very much looking forward to coming to Truro and taking part in this conference."

Delegates will hear from four other speakers including Michael Jones, a creative pianist and leadership speaker; Barb Stegeman, an enthusiastic author; Jon Steinman, an accomplished radio host from Nelson Before Nine; and Michael Howell, a local entrepreneur/chef.

The speakers will share new ideas and best practices to help motivate individuals and groups to enhance communities and work together. Their insights, along with conference workshops, will emphasize the themes Growing Together and Sharing the Flavour of Community Excellence.

Individuals, community organizations and volunteers have been nominated for awards in the following categories:
excellence in client service
excellence in collaboration
excellence in community development
outstanding volunteer achievement
excellence in youth leadership
innovation in community development

The conference will also feature a community market showcasing local foods and artisans.

"There are many great outcomes from purchasing locally grown foods, from creating a smaller global footprint to reducing energy emissions," said Mr. Howell.

For more information, and to register early at a reduced rate by Monday, Aug. 3, visit www.gov.ns.ca/econ/celebratingcommunities/2009/ .


FOR BROADCAST USE:

The nominations are in and the excitement is building for

the 2009 Celebrating Communities conference and awards being held

in Truro, September 23rd to 25th.

Leading the line up of speakers at this year's event CBC

television news personality, Ian Hanomansing.

As a Maritimer, journalist and entrepreneur, he has a deep

appreciation for the role small towns have in creating an

environment for excellence.

Award categories for individuals, community organizations

and volunteers include client service, collaboration, community

development, volunteer achievement, and youth leadership.

For more information and to register, visit W-W-W dot gov

dot N-S dot C-A slash celebrating communities slash 2009.

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Media Contacts: Heather Deighan
Economic and Rural Development
902-424-5836
E-mail: deighahx@gov.ns.ca

Allan Johnson
Colchester Regional Development Agency
902-893-9139
E-mail: ajohnson@corda.ca

2009-04-01

The province is preparing to honour the people and organizations that drive community growth and prosperity across Nova Scotia.

The 2009 Celebrating Communities Conference and Awards, Growing Together, will be held at the Best Western Trade and Convention Centre in Truro, Sept. 23-25. Held in partnership between the Department of Economic and Rural Development and the Colchester Regional Development Authority, the conference is expected to draw about 300 participants from across the province.

The conference, held every two years, attracts people from social, cultural, heritage and environmental groups, and from all levels of government who will share and hear about community and government working together. The awards gala, cultural celebration and daily workshops will focus on the spirit of innovative, community-led solutions across Nova Scotia.

"Sustainable communities are vital to the future strength and prosperity of this province," said Economic and Rural Development Minister Murray Scott. "Nominating individuals, community organizations and volunteers for awards demonstrates our appreciation for their valuable contributions to community development across the province."

As part of government's vision to build a strong, competitive economy, a healthy environment and vibrant communities, the community development policy was adopted in 2004. The policy and its initiatives help communities lead their development, while reflecting the values of Nova Scotians. Celebrating Communities is one of this policy's key initiatives.

"This conference showcases the best and brightest in community development," said Jo Ann Fewer, executive director, Colchester Regional Development Authority. "The good news for Nova Scotians is that much of the best and brightest can be found right here."

Individuals, community organizations and volunteers can be nominated in the following categories by June 26.
Excellence in Client Service
Excellence in Collaboration
Excellence in Community Development
Outstanding Volunteer Achievement
Excellence in Youth Leadership
Innovation in Community Development

For more information, visit www.gov.ns.ca/econ/celebratingcommunities/2009/ .


FOR BROADCAST USE:

The province is honouring the people and organizations that

drive community growth and prosperity with the Celebrating

Communities Conference and Awards, Growing Together.

The conference, at the Best Western Trade and Convention

Centre in Truro, from September 23rd to 25th, is expected to draw

about 300 participants from across the province.

Economic and Rural Development Minister Murray Scott says

nominating individuals, community organizations and volunteers

demonstrates appreciation for their contributions to community

development across the province.

Individuals, community organizations and volunteers can be

nominated by June 26th for:

Excellence in Client Service
Excellence in Collaboration
Excellence in Community Development
Outstanding Volunteer Achievement
Excellence in Youth Leadership
Innovation in Community Development

For more information, visit w-w-w dot gov dot n-s dot c-a

slash e-con slash celebrating communities slash 2009.

-30-

Media Contacts: Heather Deighan
Economic and Rural Development
902-424-5836
E-mail: deighahx@gov.ns.ca

Allan Johnson
Colchester Regional Development Authority
902-893-9139
E-mail: ajohnson@corda.ca