Testimonials

Here’s what people are saying…

Click here to read: How students from 2007 - 2010 evaluated the program.

This training equips professionals and community leaders alike with vital skills and knowledge to effectively integrate social, economic and environmental concerns into pragmatic strategies which are not only more sustainable, but improve the well-being of all citizens.
- Tamara Vrooman, CEO, Vancity Credit Union

The CED Certificate Program energizes and focuses co-op staff and board members by broadening their knowledge and skills.
- John Restakis, Executive Director, BC Co-operative Association

The SFU Program gave me a deeper understanding of the role of Economic Development in Sustainable Community Development. I now know that you cannot have one without the other.
- Kelly Starling, Director of Economic Development, Brazeau County

I loved every second of the program. I was expecting to leave with a deeper understanding of CED, and I did, but more importantly I connected with my fellow students and have been inspired by their passion and enthusiasm for making a difference in their communities.
- Michelle Eggli, Communications and Program coordinator, enterprising non-profits program

The Program’s broad-based, grassroots approach to community economic development is extremely valuable, surprisingly innovative, and completely refreshing. Every economic development professional should take the SFU-CED Program!
- David Kalinchuk, Economic Development Manager, Rocky View, Alberta

The CED courses at SFU have proven to be an invaluable asset for my staff who have participated. They not only get instruction from highly qualified instructors but, in most cases, from instructors who are still working at the grass roots level in CED.
- Ray Gerow, Manager,
 Aboriginal Business and Community Development Centre

The whole program has really been a huge benefit to me. I like the format, having two days and then an assignment; the assignments have been valuable and applicable. Good good good.
- Kevin Koopmans, Community Futures South Fraser

The magnitude of the SFU CED Program is truly an eye opener for me. I know now with certainty that restructuring our economic development office to undertake CED was the right thing to do.
- Richard Wright, Economic Development Manager, Gitanmaax Band

This CED program provides skills that form the ‘glue’ between non-for-profit organizations, economic development and the business world.  Participants have gained an understanding about how all disciplines are interconnected and that without these connections, communities cannot be balanced, healthy and vibrant.  For many of us, this program has been life-changing and has given us the language we need to get our messages across.
- Corinne Burns, Town of Cochrane, Regional Delivery Partner 2008-2009.

It’s not only the learning – it’s the synergies & networks that are created add value to the program.
- Garth Stiller, Western Economic Diversification Canada

I’ve had the opportunity to use the information I gleaned into practice and observe the outcomes, and that has been very gratifying. I have recommended the program to colleagues.
- Robert Wilmot, Manager, Broadway Youth Resource Centre

The Community Economic Development Certificate Program was an amazing program. I was looking for a program that would give me hands on knowledge in the industry and it delivered just that.  It also had the added benefit of networking with colleagues around Northern BC.
- Jenn Dolen, Misty Isles Economic Development Society

The program’s focus: to use resources within your own community aligns nicely with the Community Futures’ mandate to facilitate CED through partnerships and community participation. The courses centre on current community issues affecting every community, including Affordable Housing, Social Enterprise and Sustainable Development and they are relevant to the work of the Community Futures network.
- Oleene Herman, Executive Director, Community Futures North Fraser

Coming to Vancouver eight times took lots of time, energy, and money, but it was worth it, because of the opportunity to learn about applied Community Economic Development.
- Maureen LeBourdais, Fraser Basin Council

The Certificate in Community Economic Development for Professionals has allowed me to take my self more seriously as a professional by being more able to contribute valuable skills and useful, up to date tools at the social enterprise where I work.
- Heather Feenstra, Earth Matters ECO Store

A great class once again! I am so glad I decided to take this program. It has really helped me gain a better understanding of the work that I am involved in and also given me a way to focus what I do now and in the future.
- Tabitha McLoughlin, Coquitlam Farmers Market

Participating in the Community Economic Development program has been an absolute privilege and receiving the bursary allowed me to do so. The bursary allowed me to be in a program that has given me the confidence to go out into my community and create change.
- Chris Diplock, Vancouver Tool Lending Library

The CED program has greatly impacted me as a leader and small business owner working in my community. It’s given me the tools, experience and contacts I need to support our thriving community of builders working on Vancouver Island. It’s so important that this kind of education is made available to grassroots young leaders like myself. We have the inspiration and the energy to make things happen - we just need the right amount of support and tools to launch us on our way.
- Dawn Smith, Island Village Builders Cooperative

I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoyed the program. It opened my mind and opportunities. The program was an amazing catalyst!
- John Waldo, Spice Management Group