Local Intelligence Gathering - Golden
Catalyze. Connect. Celebrate!
Inspiring citizen engagement. Catalyzing new partnerships. A celebration of local leadership and local innovations. A showcase of resiliency in the face of changing times. Featuring more than 20 local presenters on topics ranging from Community Development to Health to Business and more.
Inspiring citizen engagement. Catalyzing new partnerships. A celebration of local leadership and local innovations. A showcase of resiliency in the face of changing times. Featuring more than 20 local presenters on topics ranging from Community Development to Health to Business and more.
| lig-agenda-nov12014.pdf |
LIG Presentations on YouTube
Thanks to Steve Crowe at Briefly 7 Productions, all presentations were captured and have now been posted to GCRS's YouTube Channel.
Go to YouTube and subscribe to GCRS's Channel to watch them all - and future GCRS events.
Watch one. Watch them all. Send the link to your friends, family and colleagues. And leave comments to encourage more people to watch them.
Go to YouTube and subscribe to GCRS's Channel to watch them all - and future GCRS events.
Watch one. Watch them all. Send the link to your friends, family and colleagues. And leave comments to encourage more people to watch them.
Presenters
Here was the list of presenters:
1. Welcome & Keynote
Corky Evans
Corky Evans is a former prominent provincial politician in British Columbia, Canada. He twice ran for the leadership of the New Democratic Party of British Columbia, placing second both times. In both cases, the party formed the government of BC and its leader became Premier of British Columbia. He served in several cabinet ministries.
Kerri Wall, A Living Wage for Golden
As a community health facilitator for Interior Health, I work with local governments and community partners all around the Kootenays to support healthy municipal policy and planning. I have worked with Interior Health for 4 years. Prior to this position I did adult mental health counselling and youth addiction counselling, as well as parent education and support work. I have a master’s degree in Leadership & Training, in addition to certificates in mediation and negotiation from the Justice Institute of British Columbia. I live in Fernie where I ski and ride my mountain bike and curse the ‘shoulder seasons’.
Presentation Summary: A Living Wage for Golden (17min) What is a ‘living wage’? It centres on the concept that a couple with 2 children, where both adults work full-time for the whole year, should be able to provide for the basic needs of the family. You may already know that BC has the highest child poverty rates in the country. The URL for the 2013 child poverty report card is worstincanada.org! Here in Golden, 37% of out registered recipients at the Food Bank are employed. This is not a humane situation. Come and learn about what a living wage would be for Golden, and about what other communities and employers have done to promote living wages.
Featuring Stephanie Findlater, Bev Collins & Connie Barlow.
Christina Benty, Water and sewer ain't sexy.....until it ain't.
Christina Benty is the Mayor of Golden with over 11 years’ experience as an elected official. She studied political science in university and has a keen interest in governance/governance structures. She is currently enrolled at Royal Roads University in a Masters of Leadership Program. Christina considers Asset Management a stewardship responsibility for all elected officials. Christina is working on a project to help the Town of Golden develop a meaningful process that is focused asset management and on engaging the community to collectively decide what services the people need, want, and are willing to pay for.
Presentation Summary: Water and sewer ain't sexy.....until it ain't. (10 min)
Local infrastructure is the foundation of the health, well-being, and economic prosperity of communities across the country. Dependable core services, such as water, sewer, transportation networks, fire halls, recreation amenities, and more, make up the built environment and exist to provide services that residents rely on every day. Historically, local governments have built infrastructure and acquired assets with insufficient consideration for depletion, depreciation, and amortization. The general public remains largely unaware of the cost implications of maintaining and renewing existing infrastructure. Most people take for granted the basic necessities of life, which include the provision of cost-effective and high-quality services such as drinking water, sewage treatment, solid waste management, snow clearing, and road maintenance services that are essential community foundations.
Deteriorating infrastructure is a long-term problem that requires a long-term solution, and informed citizens can be a powerful force for good. Building a common language and understanding may assist the community in addressing this complex issue in a collaborative manner. Christina is going to talk about asset management which is defined as the process to identify the costs to provide, maintain, renew, and, if necessary, eliminate community-owned capital assets. This is balanced with the community’s willingness to pay for those services and assets.
Break ----
Concurrent Sessions 1.A & 1.B
1.A Concurrent Session
Glen Ewan QC, Glen’s Famous Tour of the Civic Centre (5 min)
Glen Ewan moved to Golden in 1978 with his wife, Bev to begin his Law Practice. He has lived in the Golden Community for over 30 years. Glen has been frequently seen both cheering in the stands and helping out organizing Local Youth Sports and Activities as his family grew.
Glen is a frequent public speaker on legal issues for lay people and a proud contributor to the betterment of his community. Glen has been heavily involved with the redevelopment of the Historic Local Community Center. He regularly holds seminars at the local College of the Rockies campus on legal issues for lay people.
Glen Ewan was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1999. He divides his practise between solicitor’s work and criminal defence.
Presentation Summary: Glen's famous tour of the Civic Centre Travel through time and space from the Civic Centre’s foundations in 1948 up to today community centerpiece.
Monica De, Brain Basics and Strategies to Support a Healthy Brain Lifestyle (5 min)
After teaching English as a Second Language and developing curricula in Canada and other countries for over 15 years, I settled down in Golden in 2003. A few years later, I continued my career in education as a literacy coordinator for the Columbia Basin for Literacy. I continue working with people from different cultures through my other job as homestay coordinator at Golden Secondary School. Golden has been a great place to settle down because of the people, community, and outdoor recreation.
Presentation Summary: Brain Basics and Strategies to Support a Healthy Brain Lifestyle (5 min) Recent discoveries in neuroscience research have changed our understanding of how the brain functions and how we should care for our brains. No matter what our age, there is a lot we can do to improve brain functions and slow brain aging.
Michelle Heinz, Awakening Community (10 min)
Michelle Heinz lives at Clear Sky Center year-round and has been involved with Clear Sky since its inception in 2004. Michelle is delighted to share this wild and wonderful journey with you as Clear Sky celebrates their 10th anniversary.
Presentation Summary: Awakening Community (10min) Clear Sky Retreat Center, is a 310 acre meditation cushion 35 minutes from Cranbook. Dedicated to transformative change, Clear Sky operates on an innovative quadruple bottom line. Join Michelle as she speaks about Clear Sky Center embracing a new era of learning together after 10 years in business. Come away with a whole different view of spirituality, social & environmental impact.
Denise Porter, Asset Based Community Development (10 min)
It is hard to believe I have lived in Golden for 23 years, having moved here in 1991, originally from Manitoba. I was raising two teenage children as a single parent before meeting my current husband, Hal, in 1993. I have held a variety of jobs in private industry, not-for-profit and government, with my most recent employment at the Town of Golden. In terms of education, I consider myself a life-long learner having taken a variety of short courses and completed longer programs such as a Bachelor of Social Work several years ago (more than I care to remember!) and most recent completion of a Master of Arts in Community Development.
Presentation Summary: Asset Based Community Development (10 min) I will introduce the concept of Asset Based Community Development, and share the basic elements of this tool. It is a tool that directs a community's focus on its strengths and opportunities, rather than its problems and possible solutions.
Rachel Darvill, The Columbia Wetlands Waterbird Survey (CWWS) (12 min)
Rachel has been working on water, wildlife research, invasive plant, and environment sustainability projects throughout the world for nearly two decades. She has been working from her home-based office in Golden, BC for the past 9 years, but now finds herself in Parson working directly adjacent to the world-renowned Columbia Wetlands. She has a biology degree from the University of Victoria and is a recent graduate of Royal Roads University’s (RRU) Master of Science program in Environment and Management, where she received all awards in her graduating cohort: one for highest academic performance, one for outstanding leadership and sustainability qualities, as well as the class nominated leader in sustainability. Her thesis compared and mapped the use of multiple ecosystem services across eight differing interest groups in the Upper Peace River Watershed and she was recently published in the journal 'Ecosystem Services'. Darvill has worked for Canadian Wildlife Service, Parks Canada, several universities and NGOs, and is currently working as Wildsight-Golden's Columbia Wetlands Program Manager as well as the coordinator for the Columbia Basin Watershed Network. In her free time, Rachel loves snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, gardening and spending time outdoors with her family in the mountains.
Presentation Summary: The Columbia Wetlands Waterbird Survey (CWWS) (12 min) The Columbia Wetlands are a world renowned ecosystem, yet they are not legally protected and little is known about this unique ecosystem, including the myriad of flora and fauna that require this critical habitat for survival. Recently, Darvill developed the Columbia Wetlands Waterbird Survey (CWWS) - a community-based citizen-science project whose major goal is to collect baseline data on waterbirds, which could lead towards the eventual establishment of an Important Bird Area (IBA) for the Columbia Wetlands. Important Bird Areas are sites that hold significant conservation value for the habitat they provide to birds and it is a significant conservation tool. This new program, managed under Wildsight-Golden, is also working to inventory and remove key invasive plant infestations threatening the Columbia Wetlands, and it aims to monitor Lewis's Woodpeckers, a red-listed species. Volunteers are critical to the success of this program.
1.B Concurrent Session
Dalia Yanai, Meditation and Mindfulness - Why should you Mind? (18 min)
Dalia Yanai has been meditating since 1997 and studying Yoga since 1999. She co-owns Golden Lotus Ayurveda, where she teaches Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda, and is also a Holistic Health practitioner and a Birth Doula.
She is a voracious reader, lover of good food and a bit of a chocoholic.
Presentation Summary: Meditation and Mindfulness – why should you mind? (18 min) The practice of mindfulness has been around for millennia, and was perhaps best summarized and made popular by The Buddha. Why should modern-day, busy and fast-paced people care about mindfulness? Because if you had a tool that was free, easy and effective, with no harmful side effects, that would give you a sharper mind, a calmer disposition, an effective way of dealing with stress and a great problem-solving strategy – wouldn’t you take it? Mindfulness makes you a better person. It really does. Do us all a favour, and give it a try.
Ryan Watmough, Riverfront Golden (4 min)
Ryan was called to the mountains of Golden in 2005 and has split his career between resort and community development roles. Currently, he is working to improve collaboration between community groups and the non profit sector, by research, sharing ideas – like the Local Intelligence Gathering – and formulating plans to improve the quality of life for all.
Presentation Summary: Riverfront Golden (4 min) The conversation has begun. Opportunities to leverage external support or participate in very large projects have come and gone (potential re-purposing of the old Highway 1 corridor, Bridge 2 Bridge, etc.). The community of Golden & Area A needs to look forward to what possibilities lay ahead.
If Golden & Area A wishes to have any chance of determining our future, it is time to discuss our possibilities today. For it is only when possibilities become priorities that plans can take shape and resources dedicated. The sum of a well-conceived, grassroots plan is greater than its parts and everyone has a chance, and responsibility to participate in the evolution of Golden's riverfront culture.
What does your Riverfront Golden look like?
Dr. Erika Buckley-Strobel, Six Simple Substitutions for a Healthier You (10 min)
Dr. Erika Buckley-Strobel is a Naturopathic Physician and founder of Aqua Vitalis Naturopathic Clinic. Her practice focuses on Family Medicine, incorporating the core Naturopathic modalities of Nutrition, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Acupuncture and Hydrotherapy. After graduating from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2004, she has practiced in Whitby, Ontario, but now has moved west and has been servicing Golden, BC and area since January 2013. Dr. Erika’s goal is to encourage a healthy community; physically, mentally and emotionally.
Presentation Summary: Six Simple Substitutions for a Healthier You (10 min) Who says eating healthy doesn’t taste good? In this presentation, Dr. Erika will share six easy to make substitutions to your eating and cooking habits that will make a profound effect in preventing chronic disease.
Shauna Speers, AEDs in Our Public Spaces (7 min)
A resident of Golden for 10+ years, Shauna has been involved in EMS and pre-hospital care for 20+ years. Currently working as a paramedic with BC Ambulance Service in Golden BC and as a independent first aid/CPR/AED instructor throughout the southern interior, Shauna also works with the Mountain Safety team at KHMR in the winter. An active member of GADSAR, she commits many hours to the volunteer organization as a SAR manager and team leader.
Presentation Summary: AEDs in Our Public Spaces (7 min) A brief synopsis of the PAD program in Golden. Presentation will discuss importance of both public education and public access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in our community. Basic review and orientation to a typical AED.
Chuck Gorton, MSD/MSM/ASS - A provocative story (7 min)
With a career in and around the mountains, Chuck has resisted the traditional snow industry and built Mountain Sports Distribution, Mountain Sledder Magazine and Avanlanche Safety Solutions in Golden.
Presentation Summary: MSD/MSM/ASS - A provocative story (7 min) The story of Chuck Gorton's group of companies; different approaches, big risks, ideas in action, and success in Golden.
Break
3. Plenary Session
Matt Thompson, 5 things you can start today to strengthen your community's story (15 min)
Matt Thompson owns Story & Co., a branding firm specializing in community communications.
He has planted nearly half a million trees, written millions of words and thinks a rowboat on the Columbia River in September is about as good as it ever gets.
Presentation Summary: 5 things you can start today to strengthen your community's story (15 min)
“Why story?" and then how to measure it; think experience, not product; smash silos; create connections; and don't sell it. Share it.
Andrew Nickerson, Collaboration in Events (17 min)
Andrew Nickerson offers nearly 20 years of experience in Canadian and international tourism, the majority in senior management roles focussed on strategic planning and tourism product development. He is currently the President and CEO of Tourism Canmore Kananaskis, having successfully rebuilt the organization over the past three years, and is an active member of Canmore’s business community involved with several committees and working groups. Andrew has previously served on the Tourism Canmore Kananaskis Board as treasurer and vice-chair and as secretary of the Canmore Economic Development Authority Board. In addition Andrew has been appointed by the provincial tourism minister to the newly-formed Alberta Strategic Tourism Council.
Presentation Summary: Collaboration in Events (17 min) In April 2014, Tourism Canmore Kananaskis brought the local F&B industry together to illustrate Canmore's remarkable culinary scene through a 10 day food and drink festival: Canmore Uncorked. The outcomes were astounding for a first-year festival – every ticket sold, restaurants showing triple-digit increases, and the event being selected as a finalist for both provincial and national awards! This was however just a part of the story – it was the result of a 3-year rebuilding of an organization and a forging of critical partnerships. This presentation hopes to demonstrate how though big thinking, passion, creativity, and most importantly COLLABORATION, a platform for economic success can be built in a mountain community.
Break
4.A Concurrent Session
Denise English, Killer Cats: Should we be encouraging free range cats? (3 min)
Denise English, MF, RPF started her forestry career with the Ministry of Forests in Golden as a silviculture surveyor. She later worked as the district auditor and woodlot forester. On leaving the Forest Service, Denise consulted as an auditor with the Forest Practice Board. Currently Denise is a partner and Forestry Consultant with Doroshuk English Enterprises. Her current focus include assessment of on the ground forestry and woodlot management. Denise is an avid community volunteer and has been volunteering on various not for profit boards for over 40 years.
Presentation Summary: Killer Cats: Should we be encouraging free range cats? (3 min) With bird watching the fastest growing hobby in North America, should we take seriously controlling the number one killer of birds? Our community, specifically this river influenced ecosystem is home to many wintering birds and a stopover for migrating species. Some cities have adopted bylaws that demand licensing and containment of cats, as well as reduction of feral cat population. Many people claim to reside in Golden and Area A because of the natural surroundings, but are we doing enough to protect the birds that depend on this ecosystem?
Scott Ryan, The Wisdom of the Tongue: Ayurvedic Tongue Diagnosis (18 min)
Scott Ryan has been a Chartered Herbalist since 2001 and a Practitioner of Ayurvedic Medicine (the traditional medical system of India) since 2005. He co-owns and operates Golden Lotus Ayurveda, and provides Diet & Lifestyle Consultations there. He is a prolific writer on Ayurveda with several articles published in Light on Ayurveda (a peer reviewed Journal) as well as Parabola Magazine. He regularly teaches at Mount Royal University in Calgary and has developed the Ayurvedic curriculum for their Yoga Therapy Program, along with his wife Dalia Yanai.
Presentation Summary: The Wisdom of the Tongue: Ayurvedic Tongue Diagnosis (18 min) The skill of diagnosis in Ayurveda (the traditional indigenous medical system of India) is developed through observing and recognizing the patterns of nature and how those patterns are reflected in the body not by technological advances but by purely empirical data gathered over millennia. Tongue Diagnosis is one method we use to reveal metabolic imbalances and pathological changes that are happening in the body. Listen to what your tongue is telling you, and come to a deeper understanding of your body.
Lynn Martel, All I need to know I learned from outdoor adventure (12 min)
Lynn Martel is a Canadian Rockies writer and speaker who explores stories that focus on the mountain environment—through outdoor adventure, historical biographies, social issues and current events, through nature and environmental science, and through mountain-inspired art, writing, filmmaking and personalities. She’s written two books of adventure, Expedition to the Edge: Stories of Worldwide Adventure, and Tales & Trails: Adventures for Everyone in the Canadian Rockies, both published by Rocky Mountain Books. Lynn has also written nine biographies of people who have made significant contributions to western Canada’s mountaineering community, including Columbia Valley locals Syd Feuz, Rudi Gertsch and Leo Grillmair, as well as the only published history of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. She’s contributed hundreds of articles to magazines and newspapers including Canadian Geographic, Explore, Highline, Westworld, Alberta Views and Kootenay Mountain Culture, and for the past decade she’s edited the Alpine Club of Canada’s thrice-annual newsmagazine, the Gazette, which is read by 10,000 ACC members in Canada and abroad.
Presentation Summary: All I need to know I learned from outdoor adventure (12 min) How does a disco princess who grew up in Montreal pursuing extreme fashion and high-end dance moves become one of the Canadian Rockies’ most prolific mountain writers?
Since she first visited Banff in the 1980s, Lynn has climbed up and skied and snowboarded down 11,000-foot Rockies peaks, kayaked across glacier-fed backcountry lakes, explored far into the Rockies wilderness on backpacking and horseback journeys, ventured deep inside the caves of Grotto Mountain and tented at 10,000 feet in minus 30 C temperatures on the Columbia Icefield.
Along the way she's established herself as an authority on the unique culture of outdoor adventure that shapes the distinct world of the Canadian Rockies, authoring 11 books on the places, the people and their bold accomplishments that make the Rockies one of the world's most intriguing physical and cultural landscapes.
Like any mountain expedition, Martel's journey unfolded one step at a time. Learn how a fashion-conscious urban disco girl grew to be an accomplished mountain writer and outdoor adventurer, and what those adventures taught her along the way.
Greg Hill, A Risky Life (15 min)
This man has a passion for ski mountaineering. Named one of the Top 25 Fittest Guys in the World 2011 for climbing and skiing 2 million feet in a year (roughly the equivalent of climbing Toronto’s CN Tower 3xday for 365 days), Greg has set records and established many firsts on mountains the world over.
Most recently he pushed his limits on what he called “March Madness” in 2014, during this month he climbed and skied 100 vertical KMs, averaging over 10500ft a day for the entire month. To make it more challenging he never visited the same place twice, and summited 11 different mountains along the way.
Always one to question the status quo and push limits, he has been challenging himself for years. Staring off by winning many ski mountaineering races 2001-04 In 2003 he pioneered a 21-day pioneer route over the Northern Monashees (summiting 21 peaks along the way), set the complete Spearhead with 11 summits (20 000ft in 13 hours). He set a world record of climbing and skiing 50 000ft in 24 hours. Greg’s mountain summit count is up over 200 and the numbers keep growing. He has many first descents in Norway, Chile, Pakistan, and Canada.
Presentation Summary: A Risky Life (15 min) Greg talk “A risky Life” will discuss two major avalanches in the Himalayas, one that he witnessed in 2012 that killed 11 people and one that tumbled him down a mountain side in Pakistan this spring. His talk is an open insight into an adventurous father and how he balances his two lives.
4.D Concurrent Session
Carrie Bakos, The Value of Project Management (10 min)
Carrie moved to Golden, B.C. in 2005 in search of snow and new adventures. Since 2005, she’s been working in and for the ski industry, primarily in project management. She’s applied project management methodologies to all shapes and sizes of software, hardware, process improvement, and construction projects, and worked with diverse cross-functional teams. Recently, Carrie has realized she’s become a bit of a project management nerd, and finds herself waxing poetic on the value of proper planning and execution to support a successful project.
Presentation Summary: The Value of Project Management (10 min) We’ve all worked on a project in our personal or professional life. When that project was completed, was it a success? Was it delivered on time? Was it delivered on schedule? Was it delivered within budget?
Defining and using a project management process takes some initial effort, but the results will be well worth the work. Using a few key processes and techniques will set you on the path of better estimating, planning, and project definition. Adequate planning will allow for efficient execution. By monitoring your project and tracking deliverables, you can ensure it’s on track for success.
Lynne Romano, Customer Service with a Touch of Funny (15min)
Lynne Romano has been a resident of Golden for more than 25 years and for the past eight years she has trained and coached 100 employees and 100 volunteers in customer service training and ambassador training. In addition, Lynne has co-authored 150 business plans across multiple sectors. Lynne is a nationally trained Tourism Supervisor and has an MBA from Royal Roads University. Lynne teaches on-line for SAIT and manages the Gateway Visitor Center.
Presentation Summary: Customer Service with a Touch of Funny (10min) Managing the BC Visitors Centre @ Golden since it’s opening has provided Lynne some funny stories about customers and the service they desire.
Kent Donaldson, Support Your Local (Golden) Craft Brewery! (13 min)
Kenton (“Kent”) Donaldson is a professional geophysicist and home-brewer. He graduated in 1984 from the University of British Columbia in Geological Engineering (Applied Geophysics Option) where, coincidentally, he discovered beer. Kent is a member of the Cowtown Yeast Wranglers homebrew club in Calgary. He obtained BJCP (“Beer Judge Certification Program”) beer judge recognition in 2010. He has an appreciation for beer styles from extensive travelling and sampling. He is founding CEO of Whitetooth Brewing Company Ltd. in Golden BC.
Presentation Summary: Support Your Local (Golden) Craft Brewery! (13 min) The BC craft beer renaissance is expanding to Golden BC. Whitetooth Brewing Company Ltd. intends on breaking ground in spring 2015 on a new production brewery with a tasting hall located at 623-8th Ave N. What is the rationale for building a brewery in Golden? What business philosophies are anchoring the project?
Stephanie Findlater, The Golden Food Bank Society’s Food Recovery Project (5 min)
Stephanie has worked for the Golden Food Bank Society since May 2013. In the beginning she worked as the Garden Manager, growing produce for distribution at the Food Bank and has since taken on the role of General Manager. An avid gardener herself, Stephanie has always had a love for the environment and believes strongly in finding new ways for our community to become more food secure. Her recent work at the Food Bank has echoed these beliefs.
Presentation Summary: The Golden Food Bank Society’s Food Recovery Project (5 min) The idea of food recovery or food rescue is not a new one. Many food banks in BC and across the country run food recovery programs, retrieving edible food that would otherwise go to waste and distributing it to those in need. The Golden Food Bank has been recovering food in various ways for years now. With funding from CBT the GFBS has since taken on a Food Recovery Pilot Project, exploring ways to reduce waste in our community, increase the nutritional value of our food hampers and reducing our food costs in the process. The result, in just a couple of months, has been incredible and has been a great benefit to our recipients.
Nola Milum, Vital Signs. Working together (8 min)
Nola Milum, chair of the Golden & District Community Foundation for the last 3 years. I was a volunteer on the first Vital Signs project 3 years ago and again this year. I also sit on the boards of the Columbia Valley Credit Union and the Golden Community Resources Society. I grew up in Golden and have lived in Area A for 35 years. This is my community.
Presentation Summary: Vital Signs. Working together (8 min) From the time the GCDF decided to complete the 2014 Vital Signs project, we knew there would be some barriers to collecting local relevant data about our community. We are few in number, and with the long form Census no longer mandatory, statistically significant data would not be available from the usual sources. We knew that we would have to partner with as many local groups, societies and not for profits as we could. Working together was key to the document we now have available for all of you to use.
Break
5. Leadership Panel Discussion
Opening: Christina Benty
Being a good leader is not just about one’s opinion or stance on an issue. It is about vital attributes, characters and qualities that contribute to the short term and long term well-being of the community now and into the future. This panel discussion will center around those leadership qualities.
Panel: All Candidates (40 min) Columbia Shuswap Regional District Electoral Area A Candidates
Karen Cathcart
Garry Habart
Brian Spain
Town of Golden Mayoral Candidates
Keith Hern
Ron Oszust
Closing: Corky Evans
Thank you: Ryan Watmough
Corky Evans
Corky Evans is a former prominent provincial politician in British Columbia, Canada. He twice ran for the leadership of the New Democratic Party of British Columbia, placing second both times. In both cases, the party formed the government of BC and its leader became Premier of British Columbia. He served in several cabinet ministries.
Kerri Wall, A Living Wage for Golden
As a community health facilitator for Interior Health, I work with local governments and community partners all around the Kootenays to support healthy municipal policy and planning. I have worked with Interior Health for 4 years. Prior to this position I did adult mental health counselling and youth addiction counselling, as well as parent education and support work. I have a master’s degree in Leadership & Training, in addition to certificates in mediation and negotiation from the Justice Institute of British Columbia. I live in Fernie where I ski and ride my mountain bike and curse the ‘shoulder seasons’.
Presentation Summary: A Living Wage for Golden (17min) What is a ‘living wage’? It centres on the concept that a couple with 2 children, where both adults work full-time for the whole year, should be able to provide for the basic needs of the family. You may already know that BC has the highest child poverty rates in the country. The URL for the 2013 child poverty report card is worstincanada.org! Here in Golden, 37% of out registered recipients at the Food Bank are employed. This is not a humane situation. Come and learn about what a living wage would be for Golden, and about what other communities and employers have done to promote living wages.
Featuring Stephanie Findlater, Bev Collins & Connie Barlow.
Christina Benty, Water and sewer ain't sexy.....until it ain't.
Christina Benty is the Mayor of Golden with over 11 years’ experience as an elected official. She studied political science in university and has a keen interest in governance/governance structures. She is currently enrolled at Royal Roads University in a Masters of Leadership Program. Christina considers Asset Management a stewardship responsibility for all elected officials. Christina is working on a project to help the Town of Golden develop a meaningful process that is focused asset management and on engaging the community to collectively decide what services the people need, want, and are willing to pay for.
Presentation Summary: Water and sewer ain't sexy.....until it ain't. (10 min)
Local infrastructure is the foundation of the health, well-being, and economic prosperity of communities across the country. Dependable core services, such as water, sewer, transportation networks, fire halls, recreation amenities, and more, make up the built environment and exist to provide services that residents rely on every day. Historically, local governments have built infrastructure and acquired assets with insufficient consideration for depletion, depreciation, and amortization. The general public remains largely unaware of the cost implications of maintaining and renewing existing infrastructure. Most people take for granted the basic necessities of life, which include the provision of cost-effective and high-quality services such as drinking water, sewage treatment, solid waste management, snow clearing, and road maintenance services that are essential community foundations.
Deteriorating infrastructure is a long-term problem that requires a long-term solution, and informed citizens can be a powerful force for good. Building a common language and understanding may assist the community in addressing this complex issue in a collaborative manner. Christina is going to talk about asset management which is defined as the process to identify the costs to provide, maintain, renew, and, if necessary, eliminate community-owned capital assets. This is balanced with the community’s willingness to pay for those services and assets.
Break ----
Concurrent Sessions 1.A & 1.B
1.A Concurrent Session
Glen Ewan QC, Glen’s Famous Tour of the Civic Centre (5 min)
Glen Ewan moved to Golden in 1978 with his wife, Bev to begin his Law Practice. He has lived in the Golden Community for over 30 years. Glen has been frequently seen both cheering in the stands and helping out organizing Local Youth Sports and Activities as his family grew.
Glen is a frequent public speaker on legal issues for lay people and a proud contributor to the betterment of his community. Glen has been heavily involved with the redevelopment of the Historic Local Community Center. He regularly holds seminars at the local College of the Rockies campus on legal issues for lay people.
Glen Ewan was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1999. He divides his practise between solicitor’s work and criminal defence.
Presentation Summary: Glen's famous tour of the Civic Centre Travel through time and space from the Civic Centre’s foundations in 1948 up to today community centerpiece.
Monica De, Brain Basics and Strategies to Support a Healthy Brain Lifestyle (5 min)
After teaching English as a Second Language and developing curricula in Canada and other countries for over 15 years, I settled down in Golden in 2003. A few years later, I continued my career in education as a literacy coordinator for the Columbia Basin for Literacy. I continue working with people from different cultures through my other job as homestay coordinator at Golden Secondary School. Golden has been a great place to settle down because of the people, community, and outdoor recreation.
Presentation Summary: Brain Basics and Strategies to Support a Healthy Brain Lifestyle (5 min) Recent discoveries in neuroscience research have changed our understanding of how the brain functions and how we should care for our brains. No matter what our age, there is a lot we can do to improve brain functions and slow brain aging.
Michelle Heinz, Awakening Community (10 min)
Michelle Heinz lives at Clear Sky Center year-round and has been involved with Clear Sky since its inception in 2004. Michelle is delighted to share this wild and wonderful journey with you as Clear Sky celebrates their 10th anniversary.
Presentation Summary: Awakening Community (10min) Clear Sky Retreat Center, is a 310 acre meditation cushion 35 minutes from Cranbook. Dedicated to transformative change, Clear Sky operates on an innovative quadruple bottom line. Join Michelle as she speaks about Clear Sky Center embracing a new era of learning together after 10 years in business. Come away with a whole different view of spirituality, social & environmental impact.
Denise Porter, Asset Based Community Development (10 min)
It is hard to believe I have lived in Golden for 23 years, having moved here in 1991, originally from Manitoba. I was raising two teenage children as a single parent before meeting my current husband, Hal, in 1993. I have held a variety of jobs in private industry, not-for-profit and government, with my most recent employment at the Town of Golden. In terms of education, I consider myself a life-long learner having taken a variety of short courses and completed longer programs such as a Bachelor of Social Work several years ago (more than I care to remember!) and most recent completion of a Master of Arts in Community Development.
Presentation Summary: Asset Based Community Development (10 min) I will introduce the concept of Asset Based Community Development, and share the basic elements of this tool. It is a tool that directs a community's focus on its strengths and opportunities, rather than its problems and possible solutions.
Rachel Darvill, The Columbia Wetlands Waterbird Survey (CWWS) (12 min)
Rachel has been working on water, wildlife research, invasive plant, and environment sustainability projects throughout the world for nearly two decades. She has been working from her home-based office in Golden, BC for the past 9 years, but now finds herself in Parson working directly adjacent to the world-renowned Columbia Wetlands. She has a biology degree from the University of Victoria and is a recent graduate of Royal Roads University’s (RRU) Master of Science program in Environment and Management, where she received all awards in her graduating cohort: one for highest academic performance, one for outstanding leadership and sustainability qualities, as well as the class nominated leader in sustainability. Her thesis compared and mapped the use of multiple ecosystem services across eight differing interest groups in the Upper Peace River Watershed and she was recently published in the journal 'Ecosystem Services'. Darvill has worked for Canadian Wildlife Service, Parks Canada, several universities and NGOs, and is currently working as Wildsight-Golden's Columbia Wetlands Program Manager as well as the coordinator for the Columbia Basin Watershed Network. In her free time, Rachel loves snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, gardening and spending time outdoors with her family in the mountains.
Presentation Summary: The Columbia Wetlands Waterbird Survey (CWWS) (12 min) The Columbia Wetlands are a world renowned ecosystem, yet they are not legally protected and little is known about this unique ecosystem, including the myriad of flora and fauna that require this critical habitat for survival. Recently, Darvill developed the Columbia Wetlands Waterbird Survey (CWWS) - a community-based citizen-science project whose major goal is to collect baseline data on waterbirds, which could lead towards the eventual establishment of an Important Bird Area (IBA) for the Columbia Wetlands. Important Bird Areas are sites that hold significant conservation value for the habitat they provide to birds and it is a significant conservation tool. This new program, managed under Wildsight-Golden, is also working to inventory and remove key invasive plant infestations threatening the Columbia Wetlands, and it aims to monitor Lewis's Woodpeckers, a red-listed species. Volunteers are critical to the success of this program.
1.B Concurrent Session
Dalia Yanai, Meditation and Mindfulness - Why should you Mind? (18 min)
Dalia Yanai has been meditating since 1997 and studying Yoga since 1999. She co-owns Golden Lotus Ayurveda, where she teaches Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda, and is also a Holistic Health practitioner and a Birth Doula.
She is a voracious reader, lover of good food and a bit of a chocoholic.
Presentation Summary: Meditation and Mindfulness – why should you mind? (18 min) The practice of mindfulness has been around for millennia, and was perhaps best summarized and made popular by The Buddha. Why should modern-day, busy and fast-paced people care about mindfulness? Because if you had a tool that was free, easy and effective, with no harmful side effects, that would give you a sharper mind, a calmer disposition, an effective way of dealing with stress and a great problem-solving strategy – wouldn’t you take it? Mindfulness makes you a better person. It really does. Do us all a favour, and give it a try.
Ryan Watmough, Riverfront Golden (4 min)
Ryan was called to the mountains of Golden in 2005 and has split his career between resort and community development roles. Currently, he is working to improve collaboration between community groups and the non profit sector, by research, sharing ideas – like the Local Intelligence Gathering – and formulating plans to improve the quality of life for all.
Presentation Summary: Riverfront Golden (4 min) The conversation has begun. Opportunities to leverage external support or participate in very large projects have come and gone (potential re-purposing of the old Highway 1 corridor, Bridge 2 Bridge, etc.). The community of Golden & Area A needs to look forward to what possibilities lay ahead.
If Golden & Area A wishes to have any chance of determining our future, it is time to discuss our possibilities today. For it is only when possibilities become priorities that plans can take shape and resources dedicated. The sum of a well-conceived, grassroots plan is greater than its parts and everyone has a chance, and responsibility to participate in the evolution of Golden's riverfront culture.
What does your Riverfront Golden look like?
Dr. Erika Buckley-Strobel, Six Simple Substitutions for a Healthier You (10 min)
Dr. Erika Buckley-Strobel is a Naturopathic Physician and founder of Aqua Vitalis Naturopathic Clinic. Her practice focuses on Family Medicine, incorporating the core Naturopathic modalities of Nutrition, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Acupuncture and Hydrotherapy. After graduating from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2004, she has practiced in Whitby, Ontario, but now has moved west and has been servicing Golden, BC and area since January 2013. Dr. Erika’s goal is to encourage a healthy community; physically, mentally and emotionally.
Presentation Summary: Six Simple Substitutions for a Healthier You (10 min) Who says eating healthy doesn’t taste good? In this presentation, Dr. Erika will share six easy to make substitutions to your eating and cooking habits that will make a profound effect in preventing chronic disease.
Shauna Speers, AEDs in Our Public Spaces (7 min)
A resident of Golden for 10+ years, Shauna has been involved in EMS and pre-hospital care for 20+ years. Currently working as a paramedic with BC Ambulance Service in Golden BC and as a independent first aid/CPR/AED instructor throughout the southern interior, Shauna also works with the Mountain Safety team at KHMR in the winter. An active member of GADSAR, she commits many hours to the volunteer organization as a SAR manager and team leader.
Presentation Summary: AEDs in Our Public Spaces (7 min) A brief synopsis of the PAD program in Golden. Presentation will discuss importance of both public education and public access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in our community. Basic review and orientation to a typical AED.
Chuck Gorton, MSD/MSM/ASS - A provocative story (7 min)
With a career in and around the mountains, Chuck has resisted the traditional snow industry and built Mountain Sports Distribution, Mountain Sledder Magazine and Avanlanche Safety Solutions in Golden.
Presentation Summary: MSD/MSM/ASS - A provocative story (7 min) The story of Chuck Gorton's group of companies; different approaches, big risks, ideas in action, and success in Golden.
Break
3. Plenary Session
Matt Thompson, 5 things you can start today to strengthen your community's story (15 min)
Matt Thompson owns Story & Co., a branding firm specializing in community communications.
He has planted nearly half a million trees, written millions of words and thinks a rowboat on the Columbia River in September is about as good as it ever gets.
Presentation Summary: 5 things you can start today to strengthen your community's story (15 min)
“Why story?" and then how to measure it; think experience, not product; smash silos; create connections; and don't sell it. Share it.
Andrew Nickerson, Collaboration in Events (17 min)
Andrew Nickerson offers nearly 20 years of experience in Canadian and international tourism, the majority in senior management roles focussed on strategic planning and tourism product development. He is currently the President and CEO of Tourism Canmore Kananaskis, having successfully rebuilt the organization over the past three years, and is an active member of Canmore’s business community involved with several committees and working groups. Andrew has previously served on the Tourism Canmore Kananaskis Board as treasurer and vice-chair and as secretary of the Canmore Economic Development Authority Board. In addition Andrew has been appointed by the provincial tourism minister to the newly-formed Alberta Strategic Tourism Council.
Presentation Summary: Collaboration in Events (17 min) In April 2014, Tourism Canmore Kananaskis brought the local F&B industry together to illustrate Canmore's remarkable culinary scene through a 10 day food and drink festival: Canmore Uncorked. The outcomes were astounding for a first-year festival – every ticket sold, restaurants showing triple-digit increases, and the event being selected as a finalist for both provincial and national awards! This was however just a part of the story – it was the result of a 3-year rebuilding of an organization and a forging of critical partnerships. This presentation hopes to demonstrate how though big thinking, passion, creativity, and most importantly COLLABORATION, a platform for economic success can be built in a mountain community.
Break
4.A Concurrent Session
Denise English, Killer Cats: Should we be encouraging free range cats? (3 min)
Denise English, MF, RPF started her forestry career with the Ministry of Forests in Golden as a silviculture surveyor. She later worked as the district auditor and woodlot forester. On leaving the Forest Service, Denise consulted as an auditor with the Forest Practice Board. Currently Denise is a partner and Forestry Consultant with Doroshuk English Enterprises. Her current focus include assessment of on the ground forestry and woodlot management. Denise is an avid community volunteer and has been volunteering on various not for profit boards for over 40 years.
Presentation Summary: Killer Cats: Should we be encouraging free range cats? (3 min) With bird watching the fastest growing hobby in North America, should we take seriously controlling the number one killer of birds? Our community, specifically this river influenced ecosystem is home to many wintering birds and a stopover for migrating species. Some cities have adopted bylaws that demand licensing and containment of cats, as well as reduction of feral cat population. Many people claim to reside in Golden and Area A because of the natural surroundings, but are we doing enough to protect the birds that depend on this ecosystem?
Scott Ryan, The Wisdom of the Tongue: Ayurvedic Tongue Diagnosis (18 min)
Scott Ryan has been a Chartered Herbalist since 2001 and a Practitioner of Ayurvedic Medicine (the traditional medical system of India) since 2005. He co-owns and operates Golden Lotus Ayurveda, and provides Diet & Lifestyle Consultations there. He is a prolific writer on Ayurveda with several articles published in Light on Ayurveda (a peer reviewed Journal) as well as Parabola Magazine. He regularly teaches at Mount Royal University in Calgary and has developed the Ayurvedic curriculum for their Yoga Therapy Program, along with his wife Dalia Yanai.
Presentation Summary: The Wisdom of the Tongue: Ayurvedic Tongue Diagnosis (18 min) The skill of diagnosis in Ayurveda (the traditional indigenous medical system of India) is developed through observing and recognizing the patterns of nature and how those patterns are reflected in the body not by technological advances but by purely empirical data gathered over millennia. Tongue Diagnosis is one method we use to reveal metabolic imbalances and pathological changes that are happening in the body. Listen to what your tongue is telling you, and come to a deeper understanding of your body.
Lynn Martel, All I need to know I learned from outdoor adventure (12 min)
Lynn Martel is a Canadian Rockies writer and speaker who explores stories that focus on the mountain environment—through outdoor adventure, historical biographies, social issues and current events, through nature and environmental science, and through mountain-inspired art, writing, filmmaking and personalities. She’s written two books of adventure, Expedition to the Edge: Stories of Worldwide Adventure, and Tales & Trails: Adventures for Everyone in the Canadian Rockies, both published by Rocky Mountain Books. Lynn has also written nine biographies of people who have made significant contributions to western Canada’s mountaineering community, including Columbia Valley locals Syd Feuz, Rudi Gertsch and Leo Grillmair, as well as the only published history of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. She’s contributed hundreds of articles to magazines and newspapers including Canadian Geographic, Explore, Highline, Westworld, Alberta Views and Kootenay Mountain Culture, and for the past decade she’s edited the Alpine Club of Canada’s thrice-annual newsmagazine, the Gazette, which is read by 10,000 ACC members in Canada and abroad.
Presentation Summary: All I need to know I learned from outdoor adventure (12 min) How does a disco princess who grew up in Montreal pursuing extreme fashion and high-end dance moves become one of the Canadian Rockies’ most prolific mountain writers?
Since she first visited Banff in the 1980s, Lynn has climbed up and skied and snowboarded down 11,000-foot Rockies peaks, kayaked across glacier-fed backcountry lakes, explored far into the Rockies wilderness on backpacking and horseback journeys, ventured deep inside the caves of Grotto Mountain and tented at 10,000 feet in minus 30 C temperatures on the Columbia Icefield.
Along the way she's established herself as an authority on the unique culture of outdoor adventure that shapes the distinct world of the Canadian Rockies, authoring 11 books on the places, the people and their bold accomplishments that make the Rockies one of the world's most intriguing physical and cultural landscapes.
Like any mountain expedition, Martel's journey unfolded one step at a time. Learn how a fashion-conscious urban disco girl grew to be an accomplished mountain writer and outdoor adventurer, and what those adventures taught her along the way.
Greg Hill, A Risky Life (15 min)
This man has a passion for ski mountaineering. Named one of the Top 25 Fittest Guys in the World 2011 for climbing and skiing 2 million feet in a year (roughly the equivalent of climbing Toronto’s CN Tower 3xday for 365 days), Greg has set records and established many firsts on mountains the world over.
Most recently he pushed his limits on what he called “March Madness” in 2014, during this month he climbed and skied 100 vertical KMs, averaging over 10500ft a day for the entire month. To make it more challenging he never visited the same place twice, and summited 11 different mountains along the way.
Always one to question the status quo and push limits, he has been challenging himself for years. Staring off by winning many ski mountaineering races 2001-04 In 2003 he pioneered a 21-day pioneer route over the Northern Monashees (summiting 21 peaks along the way), set the complete Spearhead with 11 summits (20 000ft in 13 hours). He set a world record of climbing and skiing 50 000ft in 24 hours. Greg’s mountain summit count is up over 200 and the numbers keep growing. He has many first descents in Norway, Chile, Pakistan, and Canada.
Presentation Summary: A Risky Life (15 min) Greg talk “A risky Life” will discuss two major avalanches in the Himalayas, one that he witnessed in 2012 that killed 11 people and one that tumbled him down a mountain side in Pakistan this spring. His talk is an open insight into an adventurous father and how he balances his two lives.
4.D Concurrent Session
Carrie Bakos, The Value of Project Management (10 min)
Carrie moved to Golden, B.C. in 2005 in search of snow and new adventures. Since 2005, she’s been working in and for the ski industry, primarily in project management. She’s applied project management methodologies to all shapes and sizes of software, hardware, process improvement, and construction projects, and worked with diverse cross-functional teams. Recently, Carrie has realized she’s become a bit of a project management nerd, and finds herself waxing poetic on the value of proper planning and execution to support a successful project.
Presentation Summary: The Value of Project Management (10 min) We’ve all worked on a project in our personal or professional life. When that project was completed, was it a success? Was it delivered on time? Was it delivered on schedule? Was it delivered within budget?
Defining and using a project management process takes some initial effort, but the results will be well worth the work. Using a few key processes and techniques will set you on the path of better estimating, planning, and project definition. Adequate planning will allow for efficient execution. By monitoring your project and tracking deliverables, you can ensure it’s on track for success.
Lynne Romano, Customer Service with a Touch of Funny (15min)
Lynne Romano has been a resident of Golden for more than 25 years and for the past eight years she has trained and coached 100 employees and 100 volunteers in customer service training and ambassador training. In addition, Lynne has co-authored 150 business plans across multiple sectors. Lynne is a nationally trained Tourism Supervisor and has an MBA from Royal Roads University. Lynne teaches on-line for SAIT and manages the Gateway Visitor Center.
Presentation Summary: Customer Service with a Touch of Funny (10min) Managing the BC Visitors Centre @ Golden since it’s opening has provided Lynne some funny stories about customers and the service they desire.
Kent Donaldson, Support Your Local (Golden) Craft Brewery! (13 min)
Kenton (“Kent”) Donaldson is a professional geophysicist and home-brewer. He graduated in 1984 from the University of British Columbia in Geological Engineering (Applied Geophysics Option) where, coincidentally, he discovered beer. Kent is a member of the Cowtown Yeast Wranglers homebrew club in Calgary. He obtained BJCP (“Beer Judge Certification Program”) beer judge recognition in 2010. He has an appreciation for beer styles from extensive travelling and sampling. He is founding CEO of Whitetooth Brewing Company Ltd. in Golden BC.
Presentation Summary: Support Your Local (Golden) Craft Brewery! (13 min) The BC craft beer renaissance is expanding to Golden BC. Whitetooth Brewing Company Ltd. intends on breaking ground in spring 2015 on a new production brewery with a tasting hall located at 623-8th Ave N. What is the rationale for building a brewery in Golden? What business philosophies are anchoring the project?
Stephanie Findlater, The Golden Food Bank Society’s Food Recovery Project (5 min)
Stephanie has worked for the Golden Food Bank Society since May 2013. In the beginning she worked as the Garden Manager, growing produce for distribution at the Food Bank and has since taken on the role of General Manager. An avid gardener herself, Stephanie has always had a love for the environment and believes strongly in finding new ways for our community to become more food secure. Her recent work at the Food Bank has echoed these beliefs.
Presentation Summary: The Golden Food Bank Society’s Food Recovery Project (5 min) The idea of food recovery or food rescue is not a new one. Many food banks in BC and across the country run food recovery programs, retrieving edible food that would otherwise go to waste and distributing it to those in need. The Golden Food Bank has been recovering food in various ways for years now. With funding from CBT the GFBS has since taken on a Food Recovery Pilot Project, exploring ways to reduce waste in our community, increase the nutritional value of our food hampers and reducing our food costs in the process. The result, in just a couple of months, has been incredible and has been a great benefit to our recipients.
Nola Milum, Vital Signs. Working together (8 min)
Nola Milum, chair of the Golden & District Community Foundation for the last 3 years. I was a volunteer on the first Vital Signs project 3 years ago and again this year. I also sit on the boards of the Columbia Valley Credit Union and the Golden Community Resources Society. I grew up in Golden and have lived in Area A for 35 years. This is my community.
Presentation Summary: Vital Signs. Working together (8 min) From the time the GCDF decided to complete the 2014 Vital Signs project, we knew there would be some barriers to collecting local relevant data about our community. We are few in number, and with the long form Census no longer mandatory, statistically significant data would not be available from the usual sources. We knew that we would have to partner with as many local groups, societies and not for profits as we could. Working together was key to the document we now have available for all of you to use.
Break
5. Leadership Panel Discussion
Opening: Christina Benty
Being a good leader is not just about one’s opinion or stance on an issue. It is about vital attributes, characters and qualities that contribute to the short term and long term well-being of the community now and into the future. This panel discussion will center around those leadership qualities.
Panel: All Candidates (40 min) Columbia Shuswap Regional District Electoral Area A Candidates
Karen Cathcart
Garry Habart
Brian Spain
Town of Golden Mayoral Candidates
Keith Hern
Ron Oszust
Closing: Corky Evans
Thank you: Ryan Watmough
Call for Speakers - September & October
Calling all local innovators, storytellers and experts! On November 1st, your voice can be heard by the community.
The Local Intelligence Gathering (LIG) is an event highlighting innovative, engaged citizens from across sectors who demonstrate values and actions necessary to build the social, economic, and environmental well being of Kicking Horse Country.
Held on November 1st at the Civic Centre, the event will connect people from across sectors, catalyze greater community engagement, and inspire future collaborative actions. The LIG will provide exposure to the most inspiring people and projects happening in the area, bridge the various sectors, create opportunities for collaboration and enable broad involvement in future initiatives.
“Golden is a very-active community full of both experienced and up-and-coming leaders who are attempting to pull-off some vital community projects,” offered Christina Benty, Mayor of the Town of Golden. “However, up until now, we haven’t been able to pull these leading groups and projects together into something that resembles a coherent conversation.”
LIG-Golden was inspired and modeled after the original Local Intelligence Gathering – Nelson, which was held in 2013. This evening of exciting presentations, panel discussions and practical demonstrations can be compared to TEDx conference events held around the world in much bigger communities.
“The Local Intelligence Gathering will be a great way of pulling the many local and regional initiatives together in a fun and informative way that will appeal to a broad cross-section of the residents – especially those that may not already be engaged in their community, explained Karen Cathcart, Campus Manager at the College of the Rockies. “Also, this 'in our backyard' focus will showcase the many individuals and projects that need our help, understanding and support.”
Speaking in front of a crowd of 5, 30 or 100 friends and strangers can be quite daunting. That’s why LIG-Golden planners have reached out to a local group who can help get prospective presenters ready for their moment in the spotlight. The Golden Voice Toastmasters Club have willing members ready to help coach anyone that wants to participate – from the seasoned presenter (who would appreciate practice before its members) to those whose heart beats faster just by reading this (get your butterflies flying in formation).
There is a tried and true formula for success that can assist anyone in presenting with more confidence. Or just run your ideas by them.
The LIG-Golden event hopes to attract 100 participants and provide the opportunity to hear from 20 local speakers on a wide variety of topics.
Have something to share? Excited about the opportunity, but have some questions? Contact Ryan Watmough at nonprofits.gcrs@gmail.com by October 3rd to get on the Agenda. For more general information about the LIG project, please see www.goldenloom.ca.
The Local Intelligence Gathering (LIG) is an event highlighting innovative, engaged citizens from across sectors who demonstrate values and actions necessary to build the social, economic, and environmental well being of Kicking Horse Country.
Held on November 1st at the Civic Centre, the event will connect people from across sectors, catalyze greater community engagement, and inspire future collaborative actions. The LIG will provide exposure to the most inspiring people and projects happening in the area, bridge the various sectors, create opportunities for collaboration and enable broad involvement in future initiatives.
“Golden is a very-active community full of both experienced and up-and-coming leaders who are attempting to pull-off some vital community projects,” offered Christina Benty, Mayor of the Town of Golden. “However, up until now, we haven’t been able to pull these leading groups and projects together into something that resembles a coherent conversation.”
LIG-Golden was inspired and modeled after the original Local Intelligence Gathering – Nelson, which was held in 2013. This evening of exciting presentations, panel discussions and practical demonstrations can be compared to TEDx conference events held around the world in much bigger communities.
“The Local Intelligence Gathering will be a great way of pulling the many local and regional initiatives together in a fun and informative way that will appeal to a broad cross-section of the residents – especially those that may not already be engaged in their community, explained Karen Cathcart, Campus Manager at the College of the Rockies. “Also, this 'in our backyard' focus will showcase the many individuals and projects that need our help, understanding and support.”
Speaking in front of a crowd of 5, 30 or 100 friends and strangers can be quite daunting. That’s why LIG-Golden planners have reached out to a local group who can help get prospective presenters ready for their moment in the spotlight. The Golden Voice Toastmasters Club have willing members ready to help coach anyone that wants to participate – from the seasoned presenter (who would appreciate practice before its members) to those whose heart beats faster just by reading this (get your butterflies flying in formation).
There is a tried and true formula for success that can assist anyone in presenting with more confidence. Or just run your ideas by them.
The LIG-Golden event hopes to attract 100 participants and provide the opportunity to hear from 20 local speakers on a wide variety of topics.
Have something to share? Excited about the opportunity, but have some questions? Contact Ryan Watmough at nonprofits.gcrs@gmail.com by October 3rd to get on the Agenda. For more general information about the LIG project, please see www.goldenloom.ca.