Two Lake Country staff receive FCM award

LAKE COUNTRY – Mark Koch, Director of Community Services, and Jamie McEwan, Community Development Manager, were recognized for their contributions to Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ (FCM) international programs – which are fully funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada – and were presented with a plaque and personal letter from FCM President, Clark Somerville, by Mayor Baker at the Council Meeting Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

“We are very pleased that these key members of the Community Services team at the District of Lake Country have been involved in sharing their expertise through the FCM international programs,” said Alberto De Feo, Chief Administrative Officer. “The opportunity to liaise with other professionals and help out in communities around the world results in these managers bringing back new ideas and experiences to benefit our local community as well.”
 
In 2017, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) celebrates 30 years of international development programming in partnership with Global Affairs Canada. “Every year, FCM recognizes the great work done by individuals in FCM international activities and the leadership they demonstrated through their contributions to programs,” said Sébastien Hamel, Senior Director, FCM Programs. “FCM is very grateful for the support and expertise that the District of Lake Country provided to the Caribbean Local Economic Development project (CARILED).”
 
Jamie has made outstanding contributions to CARILED in multiple countries. Through his practical and relevant recommendations, Jamie provided strong support to the establishment of viable local economic development initiatives and practices in Caribbean communities. In 2015, Jamie developed and led a key workshop session on Community Entrepreneurship and Innovation Strategies at the Biennial Community Development Partnership Forum & Exhibition (CDPF-II) in Trinidad. More recently, he developed and conducted LED sensitization sessions with FCM partners across the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

Mark has made outstanding contributions through his leadership in introducing LED concept and practices in Belize, and for his recent mission to Trinidad where he made a big impact in the two communities of Sangre Grande and Couva-Tabaquite-Talparo providing them crucial support in developing their LED Strategic Plans. “The CARILED team and local partners truly appreciate Mark’s most generous support, and by extension, that which is offered by the District of Lake Country through the partnership between the District and FCM,” said Hamel.