Bill Hay

A life long resident of Truro, Bill is a chairman of Trucorp Investments Limited and President of Hay Hospitality Limited. With business interest in both Truro and Stewiacke, Bill is extremely optimistic about the future of the Colchester area. He believes that Colchester Regional Development Agency, representing as it does, a merger of Municipal, Provincial and Federal interests with those of local citizens and entrepreneurs is a vehicle that can effectively influence economic growth and help insure we make the most of our regions' potential.

Laurie Jennings

Laurie grew up in rural Colchester County, and went away to school (Dalhousie) worked for a few years in the city, traveled, etc. came to the realization that there is not a better place to work, raise a family, and live anywhere else than right here in Colchester County. "My wife Lisa and I have three young and active boys, and a lovely home that is only 2 minutes away from work. I am  Vice President of Masstown Market Ltd. and President of the Nova Scotia Chambers of Commerce. I also enjoy acting up with the Village Follies, a community based theatre group. Why I joined CoRDA was that I learned of a opening on the board at an info session I was attending and thought that it would be an interesting organization to be involved with." "My experience of running a rural based business and my interest in the future of the former CFS Debert seemed to fit in with what CoRDA was looking for. I am very pleased to be involved and feel fortunate to know and work with others both volunteers and staff that have the best interests of our region as their goal." "I think the Colchester region has tremendous potential and the political will to be very successful. The efforts of CoRDA to bring our economic development efforts under one organization will really pay off once complete. I am excited to be part of the effort and excited to live in such a great region."

Laurie Sandeson

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."

Bill Masters

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.

Stuart “Stu” Rath

Stu is President and Director of Stuco Holdings Ltd. a private investment company. He was President and Chief Operating Officer of Halifax Cablevision Ltd. from 1985 to 1995. He is Vice-President of Truro Centre Ltd. and Chair of the Truro Industrial Society.

Benefits to Integration: “Organizations all working together for the betterment of Colchester County.”

Interest in being involved: “Being a successful business man I see this as an opportunity to put something back into the community.”

Jon Stanfield

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.

Bob White

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".

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."

Doug was asked to serve on CoRDA Board by Truro Town Council. Doug's background includes

• P. Eng (Civil 58) NSTC
• Past Executive & CEO four privately held companies (majority shareholder)
• Regional VP Atlantic Prov. for substantial Canadian public corp.
• Past president for several service clubs, etc.

His vision for Colchester Region: "Continued growth and expansion of the industrial and commercial base of Truro and Colchester."

Greg MacArthur

Flora Riyahi

Tanya Smith

Shari Tucker  - Youth Representative

Darlene has been with ACOA for the past 5 years, in the fall of 2005 she accepted an assignment as the Area Account Manger for Colchester and Cumberland Counties and is looking forward to developing a close working relationship with the community.   Darlene brings over 15 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."  

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