October 20, 2002
Once upon a time, in the vibrant and burgeoning Patricia Kingdom, the PACE monsters reined, bringing positive economic and business development to all.
Many months ago, at the beginning of this fiscal era, they began a journey across their vast territory, meeting with community groups, entrepreneurs, and local government officials. Their intent: to build a network of strong businesses, community initiatives, and a spirit of planned and sustainable community development.
Strategic Planning Lagoon
Their first stop was at the Strategic Planning Lagoon. In such a vast region, putting together five community plans is an essential task, but often laden with difficulties. Success was had, and the monsters have now moved on to the development of a regional plan.
As a result of the community plans, many activities have begun in the kingdom. In the land of Machin, garden sprites have started a horticultural society and goodwill ambassadors have joined forces as a special events committee. Local businesses and volunteers will soon be honoured there during a community awards night. Newly created brochures tell visitors of the area’s mystical shops and restaurants. Machin-folk are also joining together to learn new spells at community interest courses on a multitude of topics.
Further to the northern border of their kingdom, Pickle Lake Princes are working hard to increase access to healthcare and the Internet. In the Sioux Lookout Swamp, the local museum has been improved and expanded with the help of a YI Page. As well, they are currently implementing an Economic Development Program and Committee. Finally, talks have evolved between the PACE monsters and two communities about bringing in a joint Economic Development Officer that can serve specific local concerns and initiatives.
The monsters will pass by here again, to make sure that the plans are kept up-to-date and that there is assistance with the implementation of the priorities identified.
Access to Capital Castle
During their visits to the Lagoon, the monsters made many friends. As a result, many entrepreneurs returned to visit them at their Access to Capital Castle. When they lowered the moat, eight new businesses, four business expansions, and a maintenance loan appeared. The monsters leveraged $989,000.00 with these activities.
Later, they dined with royalty at the castle. The monsters developed a new alliance with the local Royal Bank to increase the access to capital in the region. PACE monsters plan to work with the bank so that the business start-up process is better facilitated and financing new ventures occurs more easily.
Business Services Dungeon
Back home in the dungeon, the monsters began a harsh regimen of teaching and training. The Business Development Monster traveled to a distant Bay of the North to be trained in the art of Business Counselling at the Advanced Level.
The Northern Ventures Knights developed a two-day program to explore E-business as a new dimension in improving the performance of existing businesses or successfully launching small business start-ups. It assists business owners in deciphering the maze of information technology that can be used to improve business, expand their market area with a web site, or successfully venture on the Internet. The program, entitled “Building an E-Ready Business”, is currently making the rounds of their entire kingdom.
The Monsters also met with a group of womenfolk to discuss business issues, the local marketplace, and other topics of interest. Addressing training needs, and exchanging ideas and experience, they form a cooperative that can provide opportunities for networking and learning. They are the Women in Networking Clan.
As you can see, the last fiscal era has been very eventful for the PACE monsters. They are looking forward to continuing to work with businesses and community groups to better their communities. It is a long journey, but one with many rewards.
A final statement to the lowly and unassuming, if you do happen to meet the PACE monsters - be warned! They will infuse in you a great entrepreneurial spirit, the tools to build a sustainable and healthy community, and the skills for successful economic development.
The End