What is your role in the Regional Economic Development Branch?
As an Economic Development Specialist, my
role is to promote and lead two of the Ministry’s programs: Business Retention + Expansion (BR+E) and First Impressions Community Exchange (FICE). Most importantly, my role is to help municipalities and rural stakeholders access these programs.
What initiatives or projects are you currently working on?
In my position, I play a key role in leading the Business Retention + Expansion and First Impressions Community Exchange programs. I help clients by informing them about our programs, helping them with in-the-field program implementation, and delivering program-related training. I also offer a range of advisory supports and help get projects and initiatives started or expanded.
What do you like most about the work you do?
One of my favourite parts of the job is to work with stakeholders to help them complete economic development related strategic planning activities, as facilitating economic development readiness is critically important to our branch. I have a passion for economic development and I love working with a variety of different people to help address economic development challenges and opportunities. I really enjoy creating and implementing economic development strategic plans that have clear, meaningful impacts. I also enjoy being part of a team of seasoned economic professionals, such as the one in the Regional Economic Development Branch.
What is your professional background? How did you become involved with Economic Development?
I’ve had a life-long interest in community development and business development. After my undergrad degree in Commerce, and completing a Master’s Degree in Economics, Economic Development was a natural fit for me. I love what I do and am energized by helping clients and organizations achieve their economic development goals. Prior to joining OMAFRA, I worked for Northumberland County, the Town of Milton (which is one of the fastest growing communities in Canada) as well as the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville, where I developed an Economic Development Strategy.
What is the added value that you give OMAFRA clients?
In my 10 years of progressive government experience (Economic Development and Tourism) I have worked in both rural and urban environments at the municipal, regional and now provincial levels of government. This experience has provided me with a vast amount of knowledge as well as professional contacts throughout the province. For our municipal and regional clients in particular, having that experience and sharing that knowledge is valuable to help them and the Regional Economic Development Branch achieve our goals and objectives through our Economic Development Programs.
How do people contact you?
I look forward to meeting you and can be reached via email at robert.humphrey@ontario.ca, or by phone at 519-826-6683.
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