White River EDO Travells to Waterloo
Recently, White River’s Economic Development Officer James Bernardi, traveled South to Waterloo, Ontario for a 6 week program at the University of Waterloo. Though he was confident this would be a worthwhile trip, Bernardi did not anticipate the wealth of information he would gain nor the vast network of professionals whom he would meet.
Bernardi shares with OntarioNewsNorth.com a little more about the program and how he, his community and our region will continue to benefit long-term, from his participation in the Program.
A Development Experience in Waterloo
by James Bernardi, EDO White River
Bernardi & his classmates from the program.
The experience that I received while attending the Year 1 – Fundamentals of Community Economic Development offered through the University of Waterloo in partnership with the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) was one of the most rewarding experiences I could have ever imagined. The quality of the program, its instructors, and participants made my overall experience one that will never be forgotten and has provided me with the skills to further enhance and develop my career here in Northern Ontario.
Being relatively new in my career I am constantly looking for training and workshops that would allow me to function more efficiently in my position as the Economic Development Officer for White River, what I found through my association with the EDAC would change my career forever.
The course was structured in such a way that anyone, regardless of culture, age, or experience, could gain information to take back to their employment fields. The ability and experience of Director Paul Parker (Economic Development Program) and Coordinator Sharon Jones in combination with the many professors and instructors; including Professor Emanuel Carvalho, Mark Seasons, Brock Dickinson, George Borovilos and others, is what truly made this unique program a success. The opportunity to network with other individuals in similar professions was unlimited and my classmates represented world-class quality individuals.
I spent much time in discussion regarding the opportunities that exist for my community and others; I learned a more regional approach to economics and saw clearly how a community plays a much larger role in regional economics. Colleagues ranged from government employees to private consultants including individuals from the planning and economic sectors, program administrators and co-coordinators.
I would recommend this program to anyone that is employed in community development initiatives of any kind, looking for strong networking opportunities. The information and expertise that I have returned to work with has already begun to make a difference and the networking I conducted has opened new doors for White River and our region. I feel future opportunities are without limit.
I do plan to return to attend the Year Two Program intending to obtain my Ec.D. designation after completion of the program and necessary requirements. I would like to also take this opportunity to sincerely thank my colleagues, professors, instructors and administrators for providing such a world-class program and for the important part each has had in the continued development of my career in Community Economics.
James Bernardi
Economic Development Officer
Township of White River
MORE INFO
- Local Economic Development at the University of Waterloo
- Professional Development Courses offered through the Economic Developers Association of Canada
- Visit the Township of White River to see how Bernardi is putting what he has learned into practice
