Starting any new job can be a whirlwind. But in the exciting, hectic, (and dare I say, fun) early days at the Partnership, I have found a moment or two, here and there, to pause and reflect.
This is an organization I have always held in high regard. The Partnership has a team of talented people, many of whom I have worked with before and now will have the chance to work with every day. A team that I know firsthand is single-minded in its duty to promote growth in our city.
And on reflection, I have realized that, for the better part of the last 15 years, in an informal way, I have been selling the region and working to position it positively in the eyes of others. It has always come naturally to me. From my involvement in community organizations to being a regional representative with national organizations, I have always been an unofficial, yet ardent, supporter of Greater Halifax.
Now it’s my day job.
In my first week, the Board affirmed the mission of our organization – keep and grow business; attract new investment; and, strengthen our community to create confidence, economic growth and prosperity for Greater Halifax.
Since then, I have been meeting with representatives from business, the Chamber of Commerce, government and all of the groups and organizations that play a role in growing our community. It has validated in my mind the role the Partnership plays, how we partner, collaborate, and how we make connections - all to accelerate economic growth.
And I can tell you there is tremendous passion for our region with everyone I meet. It’s a deep and strong commitment to doing what is best, now and for the future.
There’s an underlying, sometimes understated, confidence, too.
And this is important as we progress because, like any diverse and growing region, there are complexities and challenges that need to be understood and addressed collaboratively if we are to succeed.
But we have the correct pieces in place. We have a roadmap, the Halifax Region Economic Strategy, we have the passion and we have solid economic fundamentals.
Collaboration is key. It has a multiplier effect, but only when everyone is working as hard at creating value for others as they are for themselves.
We must remain focused on our objective. Growing our economy in a way that benefits all. And, while our economy has been holding its own we cannot become complacent.
As the economic hub of our Province and Atlantic Canada, we must continue to identify ways to accelerate growth and investment in Greater Halifax. This is our collective responsibility. Because as Halifax grows, the rest of Nova Scotia – and indeed, our entire region, grows.
I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead the organization that is the catalyst for growth in our region. I will be guided by principles I hold dear: integrity, trust, respect and most importantly collaboration - as the only way we can continue to achieve success is by working together.
This is my commitment to you and to the community I value so much.
The Greater Halifax Partnership is the catalyst for economic growth and confidence in Greater Halifax, the economic hub of Atlantic Canada.
Paul Kent is the President and CEO of the Greater Halifax Partnership.
Comments