Jon Stanfield is the President, Stanfield’s Canada. He oversees Canadian operations for Stanfield's Limited. Outside of work, he enjoys hockey, golf, boating, mountain biking and relaxing at the lake. He also has an interest in political landscape in NS and Canada. He joined the CoRDA board to move our area forward and because he believes it is vital for the next generation of Truro business leaders to become involved in strategic economic planning for the Colchester Region.

Jon’s vision is that Colchester and the Truro Region becomes a dynamic region with deep roots and well established businesses. He believes that the area needs to diversify it’s economic strategy and industry in order to maintain a strong, sustainable region for many years to come. He also believes that we always need to keep our eye on the future or the next thing that will help us define our region. Today, we have so many current successfully run operations in our region, but, in the end, it is how we deal with the future that will define us.

One of our key success factors will be consolidating all the business parks in the region into one marketing engine under CoRDA. This will give the region a wonderful marketing platform in which to discuss the benefits of setting up a business in Colchester County. In the end, all our efforts will be focused on providing the residents of Colchester County with better lifestyles, not only economically, but personally and culturally. That is our mandate, or at least my reason to be involved with CoRDA.  back to top 

Laurie spent some time away from the Colchester Region (in the big cities) but soon realized that Colchester was too good to miss out on, so he returned after university and some travel time overseas.  He and his wife Lisa have three young and active boys, and a lovely home that is only 2 minutes away from Masstown Market Ltd, where Laurie, as co-owner, and vice president spends most of his days.

Chairman, and corporate director for Atlantic Provinces Chamber of Commerce (APCC). Vice chair of Colchester Regional Development Agency. Board member of Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and Nova Scotia Exhibition Commission. Committee member of Ministers Advisory committee for select Nova Scotia.

Past president of: Colchester Credit Union, and Truro and District Chamber of Commerce, and Nova Scotia Chamber of Commerce. 

"I think the Colchester region has tremendous potential and the political will to be very successful." says Laurie.  "The efforts of CoRDA to bring our economic development efforts under one organization are really paying off. I am excited to be part of the effort and excited to live in such a great region.  back to top

Flora has worked with Sunlife Financial as a Financial Advisor for the past 17 years.

She arrived in Canada more than 20 years ago, and lived in four Canadian provinces, until a job opportunity brought her family to Truro. Flora says the Colchester community made her feel at home.

“When I look back at my life, I feel that I am a very lucky person because I have the privilege of living in one of the best countries in the world, and in a community in which I feel that I am first a member and second an immigrant,” says Flora.

“I am convinced that the policies of organizations such as CoRDA have been very effective in creating such an environment. I think creation of sustainable economic growth not only requires business development, but it requires community development as well,” she says. “Helping new immigrants, youth attraction, retention of educated people and employment programs are all components of sound economic growth. During the past 15 years, I have seen tremendous social changes in Truro, and have seen first-hand CoRDA’s commitment to building a healthy community.” back to top

Laurie is Director of AgriTECH Park, NSAC's university research park. The Park's focus is to assist in the growth and development of innovative bio-economy products, services and technologies. CoRDA has identified this sector as an exciting area for growth in the region.

Living on a small family farm with her husband, Michael, and four boys, Laurie recognizes the urgent need for the agricultural industry to diversify and add value to its primary products. The agri-food industry needs to aggressively pursue novel and under-exploited bioresource opportunities in agri-health, agri-energy and agri-bioproducts.

Laurie's vision for Colchester: " To be a vibrant, diverse and progressive community where citizens have opportunities for meaningful work and have a quality of life second to none." back to top

Peter is the President of Kerr Controls Limited, a Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration distribution company  currently with operations throughout Atlantic Canada and a new state of the art distribution center in Truro.  Peter is a professional engineer, receiving his education at Dalhousie University and is also a proud graduate of the NSCC.

Peter believes that this region offers a unique combination of loyal, high quality workforce and a lifestyle second to none.  CoRDA has the mandate and opportunity to market this region to the world and is very proud to be a member of the board to not only help direct this effort, but to put it into practice.

With two daughters in new schools, a major hospital under construction, a civic  center on the radar, a bio-tech park beginning to blossom and consistent new business openings are just a few of the examples of the commitment made to this region by various levels of public and private investment and indicator of the potential for significant growth going forward.

Ann Marie has lived in Salmon River for over 18 years. She has 3 daughters at various stages of their education and life - one in middle school, one in high school and one in university.

Over the years Ann Marie has had many careers. She has been a banker, an entrepreneur and now an educator at a local elementary school. She thoroughly enjoys the interaction with the children, our next leaders. Because of her own family and the students that she sees each day, she has made a firm commitment to try to ensure that our future generations are able to enjoy the quality of life from which we now benefit.

Ann Marie states, "Economic development, with sustainability, community diversity and green initiatives, is needed to ensure a stable and consitent quality of life for all residents of Colchester County. CoRDA, with its myriad of sustainable and forward-thinking plans and projects, is an excellent example of how to consider all aspects in the building and maintaining of a prosperous and equitable community, and I am proud to be a member of this auspicious Board."

Truro Town Councilor Gregory J. MacArthur has taken a keen interest in CoRDA.  As a board member, he understands the need for the Town of Truro and its Colchester County partners to work together.  Greg has lived in Truro for 45 years and feels there is no better place to live.  He is married to Carolyn Lindsay-MacArthur and they have two children, James and Elizabeth.  Greg has been a member of the Canadian Military for 25 years and currently is the Training Officer for Formation Logistics/CFB Halifax.  As a board member for the last 4 years, Greg has seen a lot of positive changes in his community, that have come directly from the good work of CoRDA.  Greg also chairs the Truro Recreation Committee, and is Co-Chair of the new Central Nova Scotia Civic Center project which will bring a new 50-million dollar recreation  and entertainment center to Truro in 2012.  Being busy is just the way Greg likes it, so he tells us that being a member of the CoRDA Board is very rewarding. back to top

Bill is the General Manager of Nova Enterprises, Truro.  “One regional focus by only one body that not only has the mandate but the support and resources to foster and promote the economic development of the whole county not just one part of it.”

Bill has long been a supporter of this concept and the people at Colchester Regional Development Agency and was more than happy to become involved when approached. back to top

Bob’s interests include Promotional Products Sales, hockey, golf, camping and hunting. He joined CoRDA in 2004 to become part of a team that has a positive attitude for economic growth and regional development in the County as a whole.

Bob would like to see Colchester be “the place to live” in Atlantic Canada because of the employment opportunities, the cultural values and the quality of life.

Bob's vision for Colchester is: "To see more growth in the area as more businesses and people see how central the region is and how cost effective it is to do business here". back to top 

Mark grew up and studied in Fredericton, New Brunswick. After a decade living and traveling in Europe, the Far East and USA, he and his wife, Desiree, decided to make Great Village home. They have 3 children: Nicolas, Maria & Byron.

Mark is an electrical engineer who works with sensors. He started out in the field of medical electronics, but switched to marine technology because it’s simply more fun. Since starting his engineering company, Instrument Concepts Inc, his main interest has been in the offshore energy industry. Sensors developed by his company are used in nearly every ocean in the world, for surveying, energy production and safety.

He realizes that the world’s energy industry is beginning to see huge changes, and hopes to see Nova Scotia industry play a big part in shaping the future of offshore energy. "I would like to help promote a balanced range of industries in this region. To see more knowledge-based and technology companies succeed here. I see CoRDA as a vital conduit for growing Colchester County into a great place to live."

Mark's vision for Colchester: " A prosperous, well-educated community with a broad balance of resource, manufacturing, tourism and knowledge-based industry. A place where the quality of life competes easily with any community or city in Canada, and where young people can choose to live here and have satisfying work lives." back to top  

Darlene has been with ACOA for the past 7 years. In the fall of 2005 she accepted an assignment as the Area Account Manager for Colchester and Cumberland Counties and is looking forward to developing a close working relationship with the community. Darlene brings over 17 years of experience in the public sector working in a variety of fields.

Darlene's vision for the Colchester Region: "To be a vibrant and welcoming region, one where ideas for growth and prosperity are encouraged, supported and celebrated." back to top