Community interaction and involvement is at the foundation of the London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC). In order to successfully foster job and investment growth in London, the LEDC engages with the city and external stakeholders on a consistent basis. As a corporation, the efforts of the LEDC team create a multiplier effect in the community, impacting many lives in London. Additionally, each LEDC employee is also actively involved with the city in their own way.
Every team member at the LEDC has their own special tie to the city that both compliments and extends beyond their roles at work. Kapil Lakhotia, President and CEO at LEDC, is actively engaged with Fanshawe College and King’s University College. “It’s important to engage with your community to gain a broader perspective and determine gaps or opportunities that are present,” says Kapil. Robert Collins, Director of Workforce Development at LEDC, says discovering new opportunities will allow the LEDC team to make more connections amongst workforce sectors and in turn, offer clients better suggestions to support or enhance their company.
Building relationships within your community is valuable, whether it be in your own personal life or in a company role. It boosts morale while fostering growth and confidence amongst employees. More benefits of volunteerism within and outside of the workplace include:
- Re-investing: “As a Brescia graduate, I wanted to re-invest in the institution and city that helped me build my future.” – Ashley Conyngham, Director of Marketing and Communications at LEDC; Board of Trustees for Brescia University College and Board of Directors for the Children’s Aid Society.
- Networking: “It’s important in our roles to be connected with local businesses in the community. It gives me the chance to network and keep a pulse on what’s going on in the community.” Jack Adams, Manager of Business Growth & Retention at LEDC; Fanshawe College Advisory Committee and Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Advisory Board.
- Resources: “The more we know about London, the more we can promote and advocate for the city. Being involved helps make me a more well-rounded and resourceful person overall when I’m talking to my clients. I’m not stuck in a business mindset – I know about the social and community aspects and resources London has to offer as well.” – Larry MacKinnon, Director of Business Development at LEDC; Board Member for LARGNET Inc. and incoming Board of Trustees Chair for Brescia University College.
- Voice: “Being involved within the community allows me to advocate for London, give the city a voice and raise awareness to Ontario as a whole. Personally, volunteerism is enriching and offers life-long learning experiences that help me to better inform my clients.” – Heather Pilot, Director of Business Development at LEDC; Board of Directors for the Arts Project and the Southern Ontario Defense Association (SODA).
- Growth: “From the standpoint of a community builder and purveyor of creative industries in London, community involvement is the quintessential element to growth. Being involved with events and keeping communication with networks allows for LEDC to deliver support to those who need it.” – Katie Wilhelm, Marketing and Design Specialist at LEDC; Board of Directors at LondonFuse.
It can be difficult to find the time to get involved, but Ashley says the busy schedule helps her to stay organized, prioritized and productive. Andrea Martens, Graphic Design and Communications Coordinator at LEDC, adds that it’s easy to make time for the things you’re passionate about without any priorities suffering – it’s about planning and creating a balance. Andrea volunteers at Museum London on the Museum Underground Committee and appreciates the creative ideas and experience she can bring back and share with her colleagues.
Get Involved!
London is a diverse, welcoming, and compassionate community. 60 per cent of Londoners volunteer compared to the national average of 48%, bringing more than $600 million in value. With over 1,200 non-profits and charities to offer, there are countless ways to interact with the community to truly make London your home.
“Volunteering is energizing and rewarding,” says Krista Wakefield-Tryon, Manager of Talent Development at LEDC. “It allows you to recognize opportunities in the community and grow as a credible professional.” Krista volunteers for the Parkinson’s SuperWalk and is incoming Vice President at the Human Resources Professional Association (HRPA) London and District Chapter. Last year, Krista was recognized as one of London’s Top 20 Under 40 for her business achievements and community involvements.
For more information about each LEDC team member’s community involvement, please visit http://www.ledc.com/about. To search for volunteer opportunities, take a look through our Concierge at http://ledc.com/assets/pdf/LEDC_Concierge_09-01-2015_web.pdf.
