Colleen DeMaere

Colleen DeMaere

Colleen is an advocate of collaborative strategies for economic development in rural communities, based on her work as both development officer and economic development officer in Alberta over 20 years ago. Her experience with government regulation and venture capitalists has given her valuable insights into the requirements for developing potential entrepreneurial initiatives. Supporting small business growth has been a focus of her career. She owned and operated her own mortgage and business finance company in Alberta, managing 20 to 30 brokers and agents at any given time, over a five year period.

Ron DeMaere

Ron DeMaere

Ronald has dedicated his educational career to supporting young people in their quest for practical education. Whether it was on the field or in the classroom, he focused on developing student skillsets that would serve them throughout life. Working at senior administrative positions throughout most of his last two decades in the educational system in southern Alberta, Canada, Ron’s passion for practical education was demonstrated in his customization of required curriculum to support the employment potential of his students.