Most of us have done this…packing boxes with the contents of our office as we get ready to leave our current employment to embark on new challenges. Looking in my boxes I see evidence of 10 years of effort to make our city a better place to live, work and play. But it’s not what is in the boxes that gives meaning to this chapter of my career, it is what I see outside of my window that proves to me how much our city has truly changed.
I see evidence of new construction in different parts of our city; many buildings already under construction, and others that have moved from the planning process to development. Our city is set for visible change – from new office buildings and condos to new sports facilities and convention centres- Halifax continues to be the economic hub for the Atlantic region.
People are working in growing industries like financial services, green energy and logistics, and more new jobs have been created in our city than in any other in the country. While the recession is real in most parts of the country and world – we are seeing our unique version of it here – continued measured growth.
Our attitudes are shaping our destiny with confidence and ambition a plenty – people that visit here go away with the distinct feeling that this city has finally found it’s groove. We have more students enrolled in post secondary institutions that we have ever had, and more of them are coming here from other places in Canada and beyond.
What I truly believe is the biggest change I have witnessed in the past 10 year is a clear sense of purpose and a renewed focus on what needs to be done to realize the promise that this Smart City has to offer.
But as I turn back to fill the last of my boxes I am struck by a range of emotions from sadness to excitement as I think about the future.
I will be sorry to say goodbye to my Partnership teammates, knowing that on Monday morning we will be in the same city but in much different worlds. I want to wish all of these wonderful people every success and continued happiness in carrying out the important work of the Partnership.
To all of the Partnership private sector investors, our municipal, provincial and federal officials, l offer my heartfelt thanks for your belief in our partnership approach to growing our economy and for your guidance, understanding and support provided to me during the past 10 years.
…Halifax – You’ve Made It…
Stephen Dempsey
President and CEO
Greater Halifax Partnership
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