CCEDA. Collaborate. Diversify. Thrive.
The Cortes Community Economic Development Association (CCEDA / "seed-ah") supports a vibrant and active community, grounded in a sustainable and conscious economy.
We define community economic development (CED) as the actions taken by people locally to create economic opportunities that improve social conditions. To be effective, solutions must be rooted in local knowledge and led by community members. CCEDA works within this model to foster a resilient and diversified local economy for Cortes Island. We do this by promoting and advocating for the health and wellbeing of all living beings in our community; developing dynamic and responsive strategies and programs that increase community capacity; collaborating on regional economic development partnerships and initiatives; and conducting research, studies and compiling reports to support community economic development.
For more details on what we're all about, see the CCEDA 2021 Strategic Plan, and our Constitution.
Our Values
Capacity
Building We encourage and support individual and business capacity building – the ability to obtain, improve and retain the necessary skills needed to thrive in our local economy.
Integrity
We strive to act truthfully and honourably, build trusting relationships, and consider all of our work from a diversity of perspectives.
Collaboration
We create meaningful partnerships and mutually beneficial opportunities based on a holistic, values driven and collaborative approach to attaining community economic prosperity.
Reconciliation & Shared Prosperity
We value reconciliation with the equitable distribution of land and wealth, and building respectful & meaningful relationships with our Indigenous partners.
Inclusivity
We support a society that is inclusive, diverse, respectful and supportive of the rights and abilities of all persons.
CCEDA is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where all are treated with respect and dignity:
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Diversity refers to race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual identity, familial status, age, disability and socio-economic status;
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Inclusion is valuing, respecting, and encouraging the full participation of each individual in the life and leadership of the organization
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Equity is a process that ensures all people have the opportunity to contribute, develop, and grow despite historical, structural, legislative, racial, and socio-economic inequities.
Meet our team
Board of Directors
- President: Tommaso Biasiolo
- Vice President: Lisa Ferentinos
- Secretary: Kaye Hope
- Treasurer: Jenny Hartwick
- Director: Duane Hansen
Staff
Economic Development Officer: Kate Maddigan
Business Mentorship Coordinator: Tammy Collingwood