Strategic Planning with the Autism Society for the South Shore, NS.

Carried out an assessment and prepared a planning document for Lunenburg Queens Recreation Coordinators and Directors entitled, “Everybody Gets to Play”.

Coordinating the sale of residential land to developers.  Selling commercial / industrial land to businesses.  This is carried out through the Bridgewater Development Association.

Business Management Assessment, development and delivery of business management training, including marketing and development of HR policy and training handbook for management and staff for Union Street Café.

Through the Bridgewater Development Association coordinated a volunteer based Business Retention and Expansion program involving visiting 84 businesses in the Bridgewater area. Won an international award from Business Retention and Expansion International for Best Practices for a community under 500,000 people.

Prepared and delivered workshops for the Native Council of Nova Scotia on the topics of Conflict Resolution, Managing Stress, Motivation and Goal Setting.

Prepared and delivered workshops on topics such as Networking for businesses, Project Management, Marketing your business and Human Resource Development for ACSBE, Volunteer Coalition and South Shore Opportunities.

Completed two evaluations and strategic plan for the Native Council of Nova Scotia.  The programs evaluated were the Child Help Initiative Program (CHIP) and the E’pit Nuji Ilmuet (Woman Advisor) Program – Canada Prenatal Nutrition program.  Both evaluations were carried out over a two-year time frame and involved focus group sessions, personal interviews, conferences, attending parent group meetings and camps, discussions and interviews with staff and community partners in all regions of Nova Scotia.  Final evaluations were completed in 2005 and presented to the Native Council for the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Completed an evaluation and strategic plan for the Aboriginal Peoples Training and Employment Commission (APTEC) for the Native Council of Nova Scotia.  This was carried out over a one-year period and completed in 2004.  This evaluation involved personal interviews, surveys and focus group sessions with participants, clients, Regional Planning Committees, staff, community partners and potential partners around the province of Nova Scotia.

Manager, Bridgewater Development Association, Bridgewater, NS.  Coordinating the work of five action teams, development and implementation of the organization’s strategic plan, marketing the sale of industrial and residential land, marketing the Bridgewater area. Carried out a Business Retention and Expansion program.  Instrumental in the bringing $60M capital development to Bridgewater over a 2 year period.  (2003 to present)

Worked as Sponsorship Coordinator and Economic Development Coordinator for the 2003 World Theatre Congress and Festival held in Nova Scotia.  Prepared proposals and reports relating to government funding.  Facilitated sponsor involvement.  Ensured community economic development initiatives were implemented.

Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor on behalf of several companies carrying out work with clients of Worker’s Compensation Boards in various provinces of Canada.  This work involves assisting clients with work re-entry, vocational services, labour market re-entry assessments, enhanced transferable skills identification and training monitoring. (ongoing)

Completed two evaluations for the Native Council of Nova Scotia.  The programs evaluated were the Child Help Initiative Program (CHIP) and the E’pit Nuji Ilmuet (Woman Advisor) Program – Canada Prenatal Nutrition program.  Both evaluations were carried out over a 1 1/2 year time frame and involved focus group sessions, personal interviews, conferences, attending parent group meetings, discussions and interviews with staff and community partners around the province of Nova Scotia.  Final evaluations were completed in 2002 and presented to the Native Council for Health Canada.

Worked with staff of Claussen Walters & Associates Limited as Employee Assistance consultant.

Motivational speaker for a number of organizations including TOPS conference in new Germany, Acadia Centre for Small Business women’s networking group and the Self Employment Program participants.

Assisted the Tourism, Culture and Recreation Department of the Municipality of Richmond County in a process to establish the Youth Advisory committee in Richmond County.  This involved setting the agenda and facilitating several workshops and assisting with the involvement of youth and transfer of skills in facilitating meetings to youth. (December 2002 to January 2003)

Organized and delivered a program known as “Business Topics Made Easy” which revolves around encouraging business owners to consider the essential skills they need in order to manager their businesses. A portion of the program also encouraged Business Counsellors to become more aware of the various learning styles and abilities of their business clients.  A Business Topic package, which was prepared by Ida Scott for the Department of Education, was used and revised during this project.

Evaluated a project known as the Buccaneer Bay and Heritage House Outreach Centre.  The evaluation was prepared for the South Shore Family Resource Association, Bridgewater, NS.

Prepared a Business Plan for LaHave Denture Clinic, Bridgewater.

Executive Director / Economic Development Officer for World Youth Sailing Canada 2002 Ltd. (January 2001 to October 2002)

Contract with Native Council of Nova Scotia to do an Evaluation for two projects – "Child Help Initiative Program" (CHIP) and "E'pit Nuji Ilmuet" – Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program covering the period of April 2000 to April 2002.  A strategic plan was prepared for CHIP.

Completed a Feasibility Study for using the former Port Mouton Consolidated School as a multi-purpose facility.

Prepared a Feasibility Study and Business Plan to restart the Moyle Oxner Barrel Factory as a working museum in Chester Basin.

Completed a Youth Involvement project in Annapolis and West Kings counties for Human Resources Development Canada known as Extreme Talk 2001.  A series of sessions with youth and youth help organizations, a symposium, leadership development training and Problem Solving and Decision Making exercises were part of this project.

Developed and facilitated Extreme Talk 2000 on contract with Human Resources Development Canada.  A symposium and trade show for youth was organized with the full participation and involvement by youth in the planning and implementation.

Piloted essential skills business topics with participants of the self-employment program of the Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association (MISA).  The topics delivered were:  Finding Partners and Suppliers We Can Trust, Pricing, Professional Skills and Understanding the Local and Canadian Culture.  Delivered through Work Place Education, Adult Education Section, Department of Education.

Completed a one-year contract to develop essential skills curriculum for entrepreneurs with lower literacy skills.  The end product of this project, were Topic Sheets, which can be used by Business Development Counsellors in reviewing specific topics with clients.  As well, the Topic Sheets can be used by business owners as a Self-Assessment tool to help them identify the essential skills they may need to learn more about.  This project involved working with 10 entrepreneurs on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia in helping identify essential skills for small business owners and developing and piloting curriculum before it is finalized.  This project is being completed for Workplace Education, Adult Education Section, Department of Education.  The project was funded by the National Literacy Secretariat.

Worked on a year long Youth Action project for Human Resources Development Canada, which helped youth, adults and organizations establish Youth Actions groups in Lunenburg and Queens counties.  The Assistive Technology Society Centre Society worked with Economic Spectrum Unlimited on this project.

Completed Evaluations for the Native Council of Nova Scotia on two projects they deliver with funding from Health Canada in 1999.  The project evaluations were for a three year period for the Child Help Initiative Program (CHIP) and for a two year period for the  E'pit Nuji  Ilmuet  (Prenatal) program.  Both programs are province-wide.  The project involved carrying out 9 focus group sessions throughout the entire province.  It also involved research and review of previous studies and reports as well as interaction with Health Canada.  The reports were delivered to the Native Council of Nova Scotia and Health Canada.

Strategic Planning and Team Building - Claussen Walters & Associates Limited. (Real Estate Company).

Worked on a Business Plan Mentoring project with Combined Efforts Cooperative.  The company designed and manufactured enameled Jewelry.

Preparation and delivery of one-day sessions “Job Interview Skills” for Human Resources Development Canada.

Organized and developed, with the help of youth, a youth symposium - eXtreme Talk ‘99 - for Grade 10, 11 and 12 students in Lunenburg and Queens Counties for Human Resources Development Canada.  This was a formal consultation process through which 100 youth identified concerns and solutions, which hopefully will lead to, improved communities and future prospects for young adults.

Preparation of a Business Expansion Plan for ProVerb Texts and Translations.

Preparation of a complete profile package for a number of clients who are seeking work.

Ongoing private employment counselling for a number of clients.

Preparation of Regulations and Employee Policies for businesses owned by Acadia First Nation.

Assessment and Plan of Action for expansion and exporting for Lunenburg Traditionals.  This was a mentorship business plan development project prepared under ACOA (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) guidelines.

Developed and delivered a series of General Information Sessions about the services of Human Resources Development Canada for unemployed people in Middleton and Kentville areas for the HRCC - Kentville.  Several hundred sessions have been delivered. (1997-2001).

A series of workshops on the topics of Job Search Tips and Resume Writing developed and delivered on a regular basis for Human Resources Development Canada in Middleton for the HRCC - Kentville. (1997 - 2001).

Developed and delivered management training program for manager and assistant manager of a Yarmouth business, which is owned by Acadia First Nation.

Developed and delivered a series of General Information Sessions about the services of Human Resources Development Canada for unemployed people in Chester, Liverpool and Bridgewater for the HRCC - Bridgewater.  Several hundred sessions have been delivered from 1997 – 2001.

Numerous workshops on the topics of Job Search Tips and Resume Writing developed and being delivered on a regular basis for Human Resources Development Canada in Chester, Liverpool and Bridgewater for the HRCC - Bridgewater.  (1997-2001).

Regional Coordinator - Lunenburg / Queens Counties for the "Counting Women In" to community economic development project - Phase 1 completed.

Developed and facilitated a workshop for youth working on a project sponsored by South Shore Drug Dependency Association - "The Next Step - If it is to be ..  it's up to me."

Workshop facilitator for Step-Up Program - BDC - Halifax - subject - "The Plan" where to go from here with business expansion.

Developed and facilitated 2 one-week Career Assessment, Managing Change training sessions for displaced Scallop Fishermen.

Developed and facilitated a workshop entitled "Human Resource Planning and Development for Expanding Businesses" for Step Up Program, BDC, Halifax.

Workshop facilitator for Step-In Program - BDC- Bridgewater - subject "The Next Step".

Workshop facilitator for Step-In Program - Business Development Bank of Canada - Bridgewater - subject "Marketing Plan - Strategy and Promotion".

Workshop facilitator for Step-In program - Business Development Bank of Canada - Bridgewater - subject "Identifying Opportunities".

Provided Case Counselling for the Business Development Bank of Canada - Bridgewater relating to Marketing for several businesses.

Plan of Action for The Old Burial Ground Conservation Committee – Liverpool.

Strategic Planning for Recreation Facility Association of Nova Scotia.

“Understanding and Marketing to Your Audience” training session developed and delivered for the Federation of Nova Scotia Heritage.

Strategic Planning for Marketing, Sponsorship and Volunteers’ Workshop for South Shore Festival of the Arts.

Provided business Marketing consultation for many businesses.

Provided How to Create Your Own Career counselling session for many individuals.

Provided How to Start a Business counselling session for numerous individuals.

Prepared business plans and funding proposals for several existing and new businesses.

Developed and delivered a weekend marketing training session for 22 business owners in Amherst area.

Developed and delivered marketing training session for 18 business owners in Bridgetown area.

Training and counselling for eight entrepreneurs in Preston, NS on Preparing a Business Plan and on Marketing their Businesses.

Developed and facilitated a training session for employees of various businesses on the subject of Team Work, Motivation, Quality Customer Service and Understanding Your Role in the Business you work for.

Developed and delivered one day and half day sessions, on the topics of Creating Your Own Job, Finding a Job in today's market, Networking and Mentoring, to people in skills training programs.

Assisted the Nova Scotia Association of Business Development Centres in developing a strategy and model for change for the Association, which is made up of 14 member Business Development Centres.

Developed and facilitated a number of Career Assessment and Planning Training Programs for displaced workers for Human Resources Development Canada TAGS program.  These were one-week long training programs.

Worked with several businesses in developing and implementing Marketing Strategies to find new International Markets for their products.  This also involved sourcing and speaking to prospective customers.

Developed and facilitated 25+ Group Employment Counselling and life skill workshops for displaced fishery workers for Human Resources Development Canada TAGS program.  These were one and two week training and consulting sessions.

Developed Curriculum for "Quality Customer Service in Today's Market" certificate program.  Delivered this 13-week program to 12 students in  partnership with Nelson Consulting Services Ltd., a registered Trade School in Nova Scotia.

Business Advisor, helping four people assess the feasibility of their business idea and guiding them in the preparation of a comprehensive business plan for this idea.  This project was carried out over a one-month period in Truro.

Prepared posters and brochures for a number of businesses and organizations.

Acted as Editor and printer of the Lunenburg Board of Trade Newsletter on a contract basis.

Preparation of Advertisements, news stories and proposals for a number of businesses.

Consultations with many individuals on How to Start Their Own Business.

Developed, coordinated and delivered a Human Resource Planning and Training program for 12 businesses and their employees in the Eastern Shore area over a three month period.

Coordinated, developed and delivered, to 20 businesses, an 80-hour Business Management Certificate Program entitled "Marketing in the 90's" in Lunenburg County for the Federal Business Development Bank (now BDC).

Initiated and developed a process for involving people in a Community Economic Development process in Lunenburg.  This was done through the Lunenburg Board of Trade.  The process involved community meetings, training sessions, discussions with government officials and interaction with municipal units.

Developed and presented a workshop on "Accessing Funding and Financing for Your Business".

Developed and presented a number of short workshops on "Marketing and Promoting Your Business”.

Developed, coordinated and delivered a Human Resource Training program for 10 Women Business Owners and employees over a four-month period.  Worked with the staff of several of these businesses on the topics of team building, marketing, creating an environment for motivation and understanding the business.

Carried out a Quality Customer Service training needs assessment of businesses in the Lunenburg and Queens Counties who are in the Tourism, Retail and Service Industries.

Developed and presented training for the "Up and Running Founders' Group" on the following topics - "Developing Mission/Vision Statements for Your Business", "Human Resource Planning", "Human Rights and Labour Standards Requirements", "Mentorship" and "Networking".

Developed and delivered training to seasoned business owners on "Developing a Marketing Strategy for Your Business".

Developed and delivered training to Young Entrepreneurs on "How to Manage and Market Your Summer Business".

From 1992-96, on contract with the Association of Atlantic Women Business Owners as Regional Coordinator for the South Shore of NS Organized 12 seminars, workshops and trade shows each year.  In addition had responsibility for promoting AAWBO, attracting new members to the South Shore Chapter and acting on behalf of AAWBO along the South Shore.

Seminar leader for numerous seminars on "How to Start Your Own Business" for FBDB (now Business Development Bank of Canada).  Seminars were held in various areas of Nova Scotia.

Worked on contract with Crockett Incorporated in two phases of a project to determine the potential market for Automated Telephone Order Taking software.

Completed a Feasibility Study and Business Plan for an Autobody Shop.

Worked with 12 businesses in the Queens and Lunenburg Counties helping them develop the people side of their businesses and helping them develop Human Resource Plans over a four-month period.  This involved much work with employees in conducting staff meetings, creating an environment for motivation, working with the internal customer, understanding customer needs, helping the business grow.

Developed and conducted a survey of former participants of three literacy training programs - sponsored by Canada Employment Centre (now HRDC).

Working with Audlen Projects to develop an economic strategy for several districts along the Eastern Shore and Musquodoboit Valley by involving the public through community meetings and research.

Economic Overview of four districts in Halifax County - (Eastern Shore and Musquodoboit Valley).  Worked with Leonard Poetschke, Audlen Projects who was on contract to the Community Futures Committee.  ESU carried out the entire overview.

Business Promotional Package for the Town of Lunenburg (Profile of the Town of Lunenburg).

Feasibility Study - Marine Travel Lift, Cheticamp, NS. on contract to FBDB (now Business Development Bank of Canada) by Cheticamp Development Commission.