Presenting keynote addresses, delivering workshops and providing in-depth consulting services to municipalities, regional organizations, and non-profits who know they need to build capacity in order to achieve their goals in respect to the local economy and the quality of life of residents. Attendees and participants are offered tools based on practical experience and research including the IGNITE Community Building Model. This model can quickly help communities take stalk of opportunities and challenges and then set growth goals and priorities. Easy to grasp in a one-hour keynote address and excellent to use as a framework to deliver results. Leaders and organizations will gain insight on growing the potential of their communities through a values and opportunities based approach.

The first woman elected to represent the 80,000 constituents of Fundy Royal in the House of Commons. Demonstrated the ability to build strong relationships with constituents, community organizations, and colleagues from all parties to identify priorities and achieve results. Focused on building strong rural communities by leading on policy changes to build a stronger work force, optimize investments in infrastructure, cultivate leadership, and encourage private investment. Achievements include:Obtaining unanimous consent across parties in the House of Commons for a Private Members Motion (M-39) to study immigration as a means of growth for Atlantic Canada. A study that led the launch of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot in 2016 which has been credited for the most significant boost in population in Atlantic Canada since the 1970s.Successfully advocating for changes in the federal infrastructure policy to recognize the financial capacity issues related to small rural communities. A specific fund was created for communities of less than 5000 people and the traditional equal funding sharing equation was modified to lower rural community contributions to 7% from 33%. Contributing directly to the Canadian National Tourism Strategy which recognizes and invests in the economic potential of tourism in transitioning and rural communities.Successfully advocating for connectivity in rural and remote communities resulting in a historic $5-6 Billion investment that will result in 100% of Canadian households connected to highspeed internet by 2030.Promoting trade opportunities for local businesses by acting as the federal representative for New Brunswick for an Atlantic Trade Mission to China in 2018.Served as a Member of the following Parliamentary Committees:Veterans AffairsAgriculture and AgrifoodsOfficial LanguagesIndustry, Science & TechnologyParliamentary Secretary to the Ministers of Small Business and Tourism and the Minister of Official Languages

Purchased and then established a relatively small bridal boutique in a rural community as the premier bridal destination in New Brunswick by focusing on and providing an experiential customer centric shopping experience unmatched by competitors. Negotiated with distributors of top designers to procure products specific to the tastes and budgets of brides in the region while maintaining optimal inventory levels and exceptional delivery of custom orders. Increased sales revenue by 250% over 10 years while increasing profitability each year. This was established by successfully managing the following aspects of the business:- Development and refinement of the Lockhart’s Sales Process that began with marketing campaigns, included service and product quality benchmarks both online and instore and followed through to the final delivery of goods and services. - Provided leadership throughout a recruitment, training and retainment program resulting in a team of consummate retail professionals who understood the brand and were committed to meeting and exceeding service expectations as well as revenue goals.- Established and managed strategic goals related to the growth and eventual sale of the business. This work included managing seasonal inventory, physical assets, human resources, and the finances of the business by analysing results on monthly, quarterly and annual intervals and adjusting course as required.- Prioritized the values related to good corporate citizenship by seeking out opportunities to give back to the local community by volunteering and encouraging employees to volunteer in the community, taking on leadership roles in community projects and supporting local fundraising initiatives as well as other local businesses.