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UCN campus manager tells chamber about upcoming economic development conference

Charlotte Larocque, University College of the North’s (UCN) Thompson campus manager, presented details of the upcoming Linkages in Northern Economic Development (LNED) conference at the Thompson Chamber of Commerce meeting Jan. 15.
University College of the North’s Thompson campus manager Charlotte Larocque spoke to the Thompson C
University College of the North’s Thompson campus manager Charlotte Larocque spoke to the Thompson Chamber of Commerce Jan. 15 about an upcoming economic development conference.

Charlotte Larocque, University College of the North’s (UCN) Thompson campus manager, presented details of the upcoming Linkages in Northern Economic Development (LNED) conference at the Thompson Chamber of Commerce meeting Jan. 15. The conference will be taking place on April 1-2, and is being organized by UCN and the chamber.

“All business owners in the region, entrepreneurs, organizations, and communities are encouraged to attend,” said Larocque. “Not just Thompson.”

“The focus of [the conference] is to initiate creative, critical thinking and collaborative conversations about northern economic and human development,” the UCN website states. “Northern Manitoba is at a critical juncture and we need to work together to create new paradigms, new goals and new opportunities for northern people. The Linkages Conference will be the conversation about our future.”

Larocque said the LNED will channel prosperity into the region and attract new growth. 

“Basically, it is a combination of highly qualified guest speakers and workshops,” she explained. “We are going beyond the conversations and providing the tools so that we can develop that growth.”

Larocque wants to see current businesses succeed, “but also to attract new partnerships, joint ventures, and create new businesses as well.”

Economic development, according to attendees at the chamber meeting who offered their insight, can be defined as sustainability for Thompson’s growth, job security, growing the economy, equal access, attraction of jobs, an engaged and skilled workforce, attracting new businesses, creating local businesses and creating partnerships.

“In the end it’s about bringing more talent and more money to our region,” explained Larocque. “Whether that be joining forces with a local company, or creating something local. And it all starts with communication. People like ourselves, coming together, having a vision, and moving it forward.”

For more information on the Linkages in Northern Economic Development conference, please contact Charlotte Larocque at 204-677-6463 or clarocque@ucn.ca.

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