AHED

Overview:
Participants (non speaking): 58
Showcase Almaguin 2015, held at the Trout Creek Community Centre on March 23rd, proved to be a very successful event despite having lower attendance than the previous event in 2014.  The theme of ‘Regional Collaboration’ was reflected throughout the day with many engaging presentations from various provincial ministries, municipal representatives, business owners and community organizations.  Below is an overview of the feedback, financial information and considerations for next year.

Feedback Review:
Total Surveys Collected: 31
Overall Value: Very Valuable – 18, Valuable – 12, Little Value – 1.
Would Recommend Event to Others: Yes – 29, Blank – 3.
Preferred Next Event: Spring 2016 – 23, Fall 2016 – 8   
Most Valuable Aspects: Networking opportunities; Engaging Speakers; Umbrella Project/Regional promotion.
Least Valuable: Not targeted towards business owners; Needs more information on business start-ups; Last presentation went too long.
Key Groups Impacted:  Self Employed/Business operators, Community Groups, Government.
Top Suggestions for Next Year:  Increase Networking time; More promotion through social media; Schedule more breaks. 

Financial Information:


Considerations for Next Year:

• Schedule more time for networking and interaction with booths.
• Include more presentations that target businesses:  funding support and tools/skills development. 
• Consider engaging local youth through AHSS.
• Review potential for pre-selling tickets to avoid no-shows.
• Reach out to the municipalities for financial support (well in advance).
• Consider Sundridge as location for Showcase 2016.

Acknowledgments: 
On behalf of the Showcase Almaguin 2015 Organizing Committee I would like to extend sincere thanks the partners that contributed towards Showcase Almaguin 2015:

• Almaguin News
• Almaguin Highlands Photography Project
• Labour Market Group
• Ministry of Northern Development and Mines
• Municipality of Magnetawan         
• Municipality of Powassan
• South Almaguin Highlands Economic Development Committee
• Women’s Own Resource Group

Without their support, interest and efforts in the Almaguin Highlands we could not have held such a great event.
In addition, we would like to thank all of our speakers and booth operators for their time and efforts is highlighting the need for regional collaboration in the Almaguin Highlands.
Lastly, I would like to extend many thanks to all members of the organizing committee:    Carole Armstrong - McMurrich/Monteith, Kimberly Bester - Powassan, Jessica Busch -  WORC, Rosalind Hall – Ryerson, Jeff Johnston – AHED, Chantal Perron-Macintosh – WORC.
If you would like more information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly:
Dave Gray
Community Development Officer
Burk’s Falls, Armour and Ryerson
(705)571-1564
cdobar@live.ca

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