WELLINGTON COUNTY – A local figure in economic development is reflecting on last week’s county award win.
Rick Whittaker was presented the Community Economic Development Influencer of the Year Award at a Wellington County council meeting last week.
He says it means a lot to win the award because it allows one to reflect on the impact they’ve made in the community.
Whittaker, GM of Wellington-Waterloo Community Futures for the past 22 years, went on to say the community in which he works offers plenty of opportunity.
Wellington-Waterloo Community Futures provides funding to local businesses and non profits, and is made up of a board comprised of representatives from nine different townships.
Whittaker says all local governments, as well as MP’s and MPP’s in the region are to thank for his success.
He also gave words of wisdom to those looking to get into economic development.
Whittaker said one of the exciting things about the honor was who the award is named after- someone Whittaker has much respect for.
He says the best part of his job is getting to hear ideas and then fund and bring them to life.
While he said he never considered himself one, Whittaker was recognized as a leader in the community while taking home the award.
