Palo Alto Paradox
Palo Alto Paradox A funny thing happened on the way to the core apple store. Driving into the heart of Silicon Valley, where the tech beat began, I started out touring the grounds of Stanford University and then traveled along their palm tree-lined boulevard, under the freeway, popping up on the main street of Downtown […]
Wenatchee Vibe
On a trip to Wenatchee, Washington I decided to do some exploring in the Downtown area. Wenatchee is situated in the dry and productive Columbia River valley, with a similar look to my home stomping grounds of Kamloops, BC. Being a continuation of the Canadian Okanagan valley, fruit orchards and vineyards abound. Driving into the […]
Community Planning
Community Planning Community Planning does not rest on the shoulders of one entity. There are many people, businesses and organizations that must work together to develop a community. Neighbourhood Plans Developing neighbourhood plans takes a substantial amount of time. You must involve everyone who uses the neighbourhood: Businesses, residents, and visitors. Business Improvement Associations have a role to play. -Facilitating conversations; bringing businesses together with each other and […]
Community Squares – Merida, Mexico
Community Squares – Merida, Mexico Central Squares are the Heart of Vibrant Cities Latin culture is wonderfully social. The practice of gathering in public spaces to socialize is ingrained in their daily lives. Community squares are designed into their cities to serve as their social and cultural heart. The activation that North American place makers work to cultivate, naturally […]
Silver Linings for Public Space Strategy
Silver Linings for Public Space Strategy Right now, we are looking at a silver lining opportunity not to be missed. Previous strategies on public space have been turned upside down during the pandemic. Acceptance of more public use of sidewalks Businesses utilizing parking spaces that were previously sacrosanct Regulations have been relaxed, open to new ideas. Cooperation between business and […]
Board of Director Leadership Development
Board of Director Leadership Development The who, what, why and how to create and retain an effective board of directors. Get the right people on your Board Actively recruit – this is an ongoing pursuit, don’t wait for the AGM. Current Directors and the Executive Director can be part of recruiting potential directors. A few […]
Community and Business in Recovery
Community and Business in Recovery Who specifically can help business owners and who can help build back a thriving community? Between Organizations like Community Futures, Chamber of Commerce and Business Improvement Associations (BIA’s) and the City or Township itself, there are many people at the ready to take this task on. Communities in recovery […]
Time Management for Email
Time Management skills are a fundamental part of creating a successful Non-Profit Organization foundation. We have all heard that time is money, and how we spend it counts. Over the years I have struggled with this skill but learned many ways to better manage my time. I continue to find solutions as the workplace changes. The pandemic has been a good test […]
Emerging from HermitVille
I made the best of my time in HermitVille In March of 2020 the world stopped turning. In March of 2021 I found myself emerging from HermitVille. Over the past year, I made the best of my time in HermitVille. Feeling rested and inspired I was ready to emerge from my cocoon. It was time to […]
Lightning Strikes HermitVille
Lightning Strikes! One day, several weeks into the lockdown I received a text. It was a photo from my younger sister Kirby. She had purchased a few items at the Tucson Rock show (she had much more restraint than me). She created a necklace and earing set and showed off the results to our sibling […]