Social entrepreneurs to speak at Algoma University

NEWS RELEASE

NORDIK INSTITUTE

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Social entrepreneurs speaking at Algoma University

SAULT STE. MARIE - NORDIK Institute invites you to join a lunch hour presentation entitled Social Entrepreneurship: Creative Real-World Problem Solving on October 26, 2012 at Algoma University.

Keynote speaker Barbara Bacon, from the BC Housing Foundation, will share her experience of using business methods to provide affordable housing to some of Vancouver's poorest residents, through the creation of 875 units, with a $7.5 million annual operating budget and assets valued in excess of $100 million.

"Strong financial management has been key to leveraging assets to create housing without government assistance" says Ms. Bacon, "but It's also all about partnerships and people using the skills at their disposal. Successful social entrepreneurship and innovation like ours at BC Housing Foundation, requires people and partners who share your vision and values."

A panel of three local experts will also share their perspectives.

David Thompson, a recent graduate of Cape Breton's MBA program, has conducted research throughout Northern Ontario exploring the use of the cooperative model, while Peggy Lauzon has been looking at how women bring social issues and values to their entrepreneurial activities.

Jose Reyes, will round out the panel with a look at social entrepreneurship at the international level.

"Social entrepreneurship is now recognized as an essential component to making change" says Dr. Gayle Broad, NORDIK's director of research. "These local, regional, national and international examples will help attendees understand the value of fostering the development of social entrepreneurs who can bring innovative approaches to solving long-term social problems."

A light lunch will be provided to enjoy while we learn, share and discuss ideas about applying business skills to addressing social problems.

For those wishing to join from a distance, this presentation will also be available via live stream (https://algomau.webex.com).

All are welcome to attend the NORDIK Annual General Meeting which will commence upon completion of the panel presentations.

WHEN: Friday, October 26 2012 at 12 p.m. Annual General Meeting to follow at 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: Doc Brown Lounge (EW 205), Algoma University, Sault Ste. Marie

Please RSVP for this free event to: Meghan Ableson at (705) 949-2301 ext. 4229, meghan.ableson@algomau.ca, or visit the NORDIK website

About NORDIK Institute

NORDIK Institute is a community-based research institute at Algoma University.

NORDIK has conducted research on a variety of topics including the social economy, culture and the arts, and socio-economic impact analysis.

NORDIK also works closely with Indigenous communities to respond to their research needs.

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