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Food for thought and inspiration

I’ve attended a few community events in the last few weeks that have inspired me and have highlighted the diverse talent and deep resourcefulness of our community.
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Councillor Deb Kozak (left) with Gus Whalen Jr. (middle) of the Warren Featherbone Company

I’ve attended a few community events in the last few weeks that have inspired me and have highlighted the diverse talent and deep resourcefulness of our community.

The Nelson and Area Economic Development Partnership recently hosted motivational speaker Gus Whalen Jr., the chairman of the Warren Featherbone Company, from Gainesville, Georgia. This family company has been through a few reincarnations in its 128 year history and each time has adapted to the changing needs of the marketplace. Gus spoke to a sold out audience from our business community and shared his insights on how to not only weather the difficult times in business but to reinvent, flourish and be true to the greater good in community.

This theme runs strongly in our own community and it was inspiring to hear how much this plays a part in Gus’ realm. At one point Gus stated his concern for the astronomical American debt and spoke about how the nation needed to return to producing more of its own goods rather than continuing to outsource its once thriving manufacturing sector.

The Warren Featherbone Company has once again reinvented itself into a communiversity. The large facility that once housed manufacturing and business has been transformed into a place where disparate community sectors come together to learn and teach. It currently houses Brenau University, a children’s learning environment and a technical school. The business community, educational and non-profit sectors are working under one roof to communicate, educate and change the way communities do business. It was an inspiring couple of hours and provided much food for thought.

On to city council where last week we heard from close to 80 community organizations applying for community initiative grants. The applicants span the spectrum of arts and culture, recreation, sport, family support, and environment. Once again I was struck at the deep commitment to community and the innovation of the projects received. With only $132,000 to spend, council has its work cut out in the selection process. Final decisions were made earlier this week.

I was pleased to welcome members of provincial Lions Clubs to their annual conference in Nelson. These hard-working volunteers make many things possible in their communities across the province.

You are aware of the work of our local Lions provide in Lions Park in Nelson. But you may not be aware that the Lions provide support to people with disabilities through a guide dog program and pay special attention to supporting people with visual impairment.

Our local chapter is recruiting volunteers. You can catch up with them on April 30 at the Nelson dog walk park where they are raising money for the guide dog program. Check it out and join the walk.

The grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Community First Health Co-op building took place this past weekend as well. From the co-op’s inception in 2003 to a mere seven years later this diverse group of volunteers and business people have transformed an old building into a thriving community health and wellness resource centre and on Saturday they all came together to celebrate their great achievement. This facility and the work of the co-op will continue to benefit our community for many years to come. If you haven’t had a chance to see the new, bright renovations, drop in. You’ll be welcomed.