Posts by Kelly RM Ells
Report from the Valley REN Annual General Meeting
There is a shared optimism for the economic strength of the Annapolis Valley. The Valley Regional Enterprise Network (Valley REN) held its second Annual General Meeting at the historic King’s-Edgehill school library in Windsor on June 19. More than 60 people attended, representing our government partners, local businesses, and service agencies and associations that support…
Read MoreAnnapolis Valley community shows its support for Michelin Waterville
Thirty-five years ago the first tire rolled off the production line at the Michelin tire plant in Waterville, a major employer in the Annapolis Valley. To mark the occasion, community and municipal partners held a dinner on June 7 to recognize the important contribution the company makes to the economic and social well-being of the Annapolis…
Read MoreGrowing the Annapolis Valley region, together
On behalf of the Valley Regional Enterprise Network, I would like to acknowledge and thank all of the mayors, wardens and councillors throughout the Annapolis Valley who have represented their communities up until Saturday’s election. We all owe you a great debt for your committed service and leadership. Thank you! And to all the newly…
Read MoreThe Valley REN journey: Part 3
“Economic development is a team sport.” Economic development is a team sport. Citizens, business and the public sector are all key contributors and essential partners in shaping the local economy. Like any great team – we need to work together towards a common goal. With a vision of communities working together to create a prosperous…
Read MorePlanning for the future: Part 2 in the Valley REN journey
In this second blog in a three-part series, CEO Kelly Ells explains how the Valley REN created an economic development strategy for the region. You can read the first part here. Where to start? You don’t know what you don’t know. What are the pieces needed to create a solid regional economic development strategy? Who do we consult? Who is not represented…
Read MoreOur Journey Here, Part 1: Building the Foundation
Ever wonder why Regional Enterprise Networks (RENs) exist in Nova Scotia? RENs are the result of an independent panel of economic development and business experts, who were asked to recommend a new approach to economic development in the province. They published their report in 2012. (It was called “Renewing Regional Economic Development in Nova Scotia”…
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