Please note that this workshop series has ended. Workshops were very well received!  Click here to view evaluations.

ACEE will construct an Action Centre to support groups with tools to 'respond to tough economic time' - please check back soon.

We are pleased to offer registration on a first-come, first-served basis for this workshop.  Attendance is free, and organizations may send more than one individual -but each person must register so that we can order you lunch!

Calgary: Friday 20 March, 9:30 – 3:00 p.m.
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About the workshop
This will be a hands-on and interactive workshop that will offer you abundant opportunities to ‘make meaning’ of the information through small group discussions and Q and A sessions.  You’ll have lots of time to network, too!

Gord James CA will tell us how organizations can manage their finances to protect themselves in a difficult economic climate.  He’ll review the relevant tools, techniques and policies required to ensure financial tracking and controls, income projection, and financial stability; and review what boards need to know to make timely decisions.

Pat Letizia, Executive Director of the Alberta Ecotrust Foundation, will illustrate how tough times offer an opportunity to groups to revisit their core business and fund development approaches.  You’ll have a chance to consider your strategic focus and the alignment of your organization within the community, and explore funder fit and the ‘ten commandments’ of grantwriting as you move from Ideas to Impact.

Gareth Thomson, Executive Director of ACEE, will offer supplementary information and resources to support our workshop theme, and provide an update on key initiatives and upcoming opportunities for the environmental education community.
 
About our presenters:
Pat Letizia is the Executive Director of Alberta Ecotrust Foundation and has been with the foundation since 1996. Alberta Ecotrust serves as an important environmental grantmaker and is also proactive in supporting and building the capacity of nonprofit groups to more effectively achieve their mandates.  Recognized as an ardent champion of the voluntary sector, Pat has significant experience in local, provincial and national arenas of environmental philanthropy and non-profit program development. Grassroots leadership development, environmental funding and significant community outcomes are important priorities for Pat. She works closely with other grantmakers, funders, governments and resource agencies to share ideas and strategies for supporting the charitable sector in building healthier, stronger communities.

Gord James, CA recently retired from a career that covered 34 years. His career was spent working in both eastern and western Canada and included public accounting, Controller and Treasurer for a small manufacturer and the oil and gas industry, where for the last 15 years he was the Corporate Controller for Suncor Energy Inc. He strongly believes in giving back to the communities he lives in. Gord has volunteered for his church, a running club, a community newspaper and Junior Achievement. He is currently volunteering for the Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. His volunteer roles have included sitting on Boards as a general member, Treasurer, as well as a member of Audit Committees, and he is currently the Board chair for the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society Southern Alberta Chapter.
 
Thanks to our sponsors:

• the Government of Alberta, who is providing the venue for this workshop
• the Calgary Foundation, who supports our 2009 workshop series
• EnCana Corporation, who is sponsoring our lunch
• Gord James, and Alberta Ecotrust Executive Director Pat Letizia, for agreeing to share their knowledge with us