Memorial University’s Harris Centre and its executive director, Dr. Rob Greenwood, were awarded national recognition for leadership in economic development by the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) recently.

The President’s Award, recognizing the contribution Dr. Greenwood and the centre has made to the association and the Economic Development Profession, was presented by outgoing president, David Emerson, at EDAC’s annual conference held in Niagara Falls, Ont., last week.

“In today’s knowledge-based economy, universities play an increasing role in advancing innovation and economic development,” said Mr. Emerson.

“In just 13 years, the Harris Centre has become recognized as the Canadian leader in mobilizing university research and expertise to connect with industry, communities and governments. The Harris Centre’s team has also been incredibly generous in sharing their techniques and best practices with all those who ask. It was my pleasure to recognize Dr. Greenwood and the Harris Centre’s leadership and contributions to innovation in economic development best practices and for their dedication to transforming the economic potential of communities from coast to coast to coast.”

Dr. Rob Greenwood accepted the award on behalf of the centre.

“It’s incredibly humbling to be recognized by the foremost economic practitioners’ organization in the country,” said Dr. Greenwood.

“This award recognizes the work of former and current members of the Harris Centre team, as well as, all our partners both inside and outside of Memorial University – it shows that Memorial takes its special obligation to the people of the province very seriously, and we have learned that by focusing on opportunities and challenges in our province we can develop world-leading knowledge and approaches with benefits far beyond the province as well.”

Economic developers

EDAC, with nearly 1,000 members from across Canada, is a national not-for-profit networking association for professional economic developers in the federal, provincial, municipal and private sectors. The annual conference brings together community leaders, economic development professionals and entrepreneurs from across Canada.

The Harris Centre is Memorial University’s hub for regional development and public policy, linking Memorial researchers with groups all over Newfoundland and Labrador, building connections between Memorial and the people of the province, encouraging informed debate and supporting collaboration through mutually beneficial partnerships.