calendar of upcoming events

Teresa Shaver is the Manager of the Business Advisory Centre Durham, one of Ontario’s 54 Small Business Centres. She is also representing the nonprofit association, Small Business Centres of Ontario.

For more than 30 years, SBCs have supported entrepreneurs and small businesses across the province. They are funded through the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, along with local counties and municipalities. SBCs deliver a wide range of programs, including Digital Main Street, Starter Company Plus, Summer Company, Foodpreneur Advantage, and My Main Street.

Across Ontario, SBCs host more than 3,000 events each year, support over 15,000 businesses, and contribute to the vibrancy of local communities.

Teresa has also operated several of her own businesses and has been a business coach for more than 10 years. She earned her Registered Business Coach designation in 2014 and her Economic Development Certificate in 2017.

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FOR OFNEDA MEMBERS ONLY

• Internal Communication 101
• Writing with purpose; reaching a range of internal audiences
• External Communications
• Writing for specific audiences; active vs. passive voice; less is more
• Document types: email (requests, follow-up etiquette), crisis/urgent communication, press release, MOU, partner communications
• Report writing; grant writing (workshop: two types)
• Using AI Without Losing Your (Community’s) Voice
• Intro to AI/LLM tools; healthy skepticism; using AI without letting AI use you
• Wrap-Up

Whether you're drafting a grant proposal, responding to a partner email, or managing a community crisis, strong communication is the backbone of economic development. This hands-on session walks First Nations communicators through the full spectrum, from sharpening internal messaging for your own team to crafting press releases and MOUs that land with outside audiences. 

Caroline Starr is a graduate of the University of Waterloo's Master's in Economic Development program, Caroline is an economic development consultant with a deep experience in public and private sector communications. Her work focuses on creating, accessible, transparent economic development outcomes for small and rural communities, and supporting accessible, clear storytelling with a range of partners. 

Katherine Skene is a communications and marketing executive known for building institutional reputation, leading through change, and turning strategy into stories that inspire action and connection. She brings depth across brand, issues management, digital transformation, and stakeholder engagement, with a reputation for galvanizing teams and earning trust across complex organizations. 

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FOR OFNEDA MEMBERS ONLY

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Archaeological and environmental participation in major and minor projects creates jobs and revenue, builds community capacity, and engages communities in both Western and traditional land-based practices while building sector relationships and direct investment confidence.

Zack is a heritage and economic development sector professional of 13 years, a professionally licensed archaeologist and historian, the Director of Economic Development and Resource Management for Ginoogaming First Nation, and the Principal of Round Lake Consulting. He has a Bachelor of Arts, Honours and Master of Arts from the University of Windsor. Zack began in archaeological surveys and fieldwork in 2012, started a sole-proprietorship in academic editing in 2015, entered built heritage research work in 2016, and transitioned to heritage project management between 2018 and 2021 across southern Ontario before starting work in-community in environment and consultation, leading eventually to managing and directing First Nations economic and lands departments. He has developed and launched several First Nations project participation programs focused on archaeology and environmental work. He founded Round Lake Consulting in 2025, and lives and works in Longlac, Ontario with offices in Longlac and Windsor.

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