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Gather & Grow: Fall Celebration of Community Impact and Innovation
Join us for a fall gathering to network and hear stories of impact and innovation with guest speaker Mayor John Norman, Town of Bonavista, NL.
Date: Monday, October 28th
Location: Parker’s Barn (3894 White Hill Road, Hopewell NS)
Time:
- 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. networking, and musical entertainment by Leah & Kyle
- 6 p.m. Guest Speaker, Mayor John Norman, Town of Bonavista, NL.
Celebrate the end of small business week and kick-off the social enterprise summit.
About the Guest Speaker: John Norman, Mayor of Bonavista, NL
Mayor John Norman is a prominent leader in cultural heritage and community development. He has expertly leveraged over 1,000 historic properties in Bonavista to drive a sustainable economic revival. Through strategic use of federal and provincial heritage funding, Norman has revitalized these properties, attracting new residents, businesses, and tourists, which has significantly boosted the local economy.
Under Norman's leadership, Bonavista has experienced remarkable growth: house prices have risen by 57% in five years, and the town has seen the launch of 50 new enterprises in just two years. The municipal budget consistently shows strong growth, further enhanced by the recognition of the nearby Discovery UNESCO Geopark. Norman's deep appreciation for Bonavista’s architectural heritage has inspired his visionary initiatives, such as Bonavista Living and Bonavista Creative. These projects have transformed historic properties into dynamic spaces for living and entrepreneurship, supporting a diverse group of craftspeople and professionals.
As mayor, Norman has successfully collaborated with multiple stakeholders to secure significant funding for heritage and cultural projects, profoundly impacting Bonavista’s economic and visual landscape. He has also shared his insights on cultural and heritage community-based development at international venues, including Harvard and Oxford.
John Norman’s work exemplifies how integrating cultural heritage with community development can create vibrant, thriving rural communities, establishing him as a respected leader and innovator in rural renewal and cultural preservation.