East Coast Connected promotes brain circulation

I met Christopher Crowell at an event to kick of the next phase of building at the Rotman school this week. Chris is the President of East Coast Connected.

There are lots of ways that ECC and MSVU Toronto Alumnae can work together to develop stronger connections. We look forward to a great association!

Here are the details about ECC from their website:

Brain drain is a well known phenomenon. Individuals from Atlantic Canada are drawn to major economic centres, like Toronto, in pursuit of higher salaries and advanced career opportunities. A 2004 ACOA sponsored survey found that 38% of students from the 18 Atlantic universities planned to leave the region upon graduation. Some speculate that the actual number ends up being much higher.

Atlantic Canadians who have moved away still represent a valuable resource to the Atlantic Provinces. Instead of brain drain, East Coast Connected (ECC) will promote brain circulation - allowing both Atlantic Canada and Toronto to benefit from the best of what each region has to offer through the free flow of capital, knowledge and creativity.

Mission & Objectives

Simply put, East Coast Connected will bring the best of Atlantic Canada to Toronto and bring the best of Toronto back to Atlantic Canada. Specifically, East Coast Connected will:

* Create a community hub and strengthen the bonds between Atlantic Canadians living in Toronto.
* Extend this community's scope to include those who have ties to the Atlantic Provinces through extended families, business or schooling.
* Promote regional development in Atlantic Canada through the exchange of capital, knowledge and creativity.
* Provide a forum in which business, political, academic and cultural leaders in Atlantic Canada can engage the Atlantic community in Toronto and vice versa.

The benefits of joining the ECC community

Individuals can become a member of the East Coast Connected Community simply. Membership is free and all members are invited to participate in all applicable ECC events and programs. There are three categories of programming offered by ECC.
Toronto-based Events

* Social Programs & Networking Events - Regular social events and themed business networking events will offer a chance for the community to come together. Visit this website or sign up for the ECC Newsletter to keep up-to-date on the latest.
* Civic Engagement Initiative - Bonds within Toronto's Atlantic community will be strengthened through the shared experience of making a positive contribution to Toronto.
* East Coast Arts Events - A kitchen party is easy to find almost anywhere; even in Toronto! What can be more challenging is finding an opportunity to experience the diversity of East Coast art and music. ECC will partner with arts organizations to expose community members to established and up-and-coming Atlantic Canadian artists from a wide range of media.

Connecting to the East Programs

* Mentorship Program - Recent graduates from Atlantic Universities can benefit from the experience of Atlantic Canadians on similar career paths already living in Toronto or become a mentor yourself.
* Atlantic Leaders Series - A forum for Atlantic Canadian political, business, academic and cultural leaders to engage the Atlantic community in Toronto. Initially, these events may be held in partnership with existing speaker series a few times a year. Eventually, the series will grow into a dynamic program featuring both large formal addresses and more informal and intimate dinners and chats.
* Policy Forums - ECC will bring together leading thinkers from Atlantic Canada and Toronto alike to focus on issues relevant to improving prosperity in Atlantic Canada and Toronto.

Atlantic Region Programs

* University Chapters - ECC Chapters will be rolled out at universities across Atlantic Canada. University chapters will have the opportunity to host business, cultural and academic leaders who are also affiliated with ECC. University chapter members are also eligible to participate in the mentorship program.
* Provincial Councils - Each Atlantic Province has its own council that is committed to expanding the ECC network and promoting the exchange of knowledge, resources and creativity between Atlantic Canada and Toronto. These councils will host their own events and programs, drawing upon the resources of the Toronto community as required.

East Coast Connected will benefit your organization

The ECC Board of Directors is dedicated to creating a dynamic community of Atlantic Canadians transcending the borders of Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Toronto. To accomplish this, the Board and the Provincial Councils will produce events and offer programs that community members can rally around.

It doesn't stop at this though. As with all communities, there is room for your organization's message within ECC. We will partner with your organization to help you advance your objectives and provide you with opportunities for exposure to our members. East Coast Connected will provide the medium, you provide the message
If you are interested in being a contributing author to this blog, please leave a comment and we will be in touch!