Teeny Tiny Summit

Attendees sign in, grab coffee, and interact with a “Community Welcome Wall.”

Activity: Write one word that represents “hope,” “community,” or “revitalization” and post it on the wall

Refreshments provided by Clifford Takeout/Homegrown

Welcome from organizers- MRA, ROMA, Mayor of Minto

In times of challenge, true resilience starts with the power of community.

This keynote will inspire local leaders, citizens and volunteer organizations to be co-creators of our shared spaces. Through real-world examples and actions, participants will discover the importance of civic pride to build hope and strength. Key takeaways include:

- Small, meaningful steps that build strong towns

- The creative edge that we can use to tell our town stories

- The power of collaboration and magic that happens with cross-town partnerships

This fast‑paced session brings together a series of dynamic 5–7 minute presentations highlighting creative, community‑driven approaches to youth engagement and leadership development. Speakers will share how rural communities are empowering young people to take on meaningful roles, build confidence, and contribute to local decision‑making and community building.

Across these lightning talks, participants will hear common themes emerge: fostering youth voice, offering real opportunities for leadership, creating inclusive and supportive environments, and strengthening community partnerships to open doors for young people. Presenters will explore how youth are shaping programs, influencing services, driving community projects, and developing the skills and connections needed to thrive.

Designed to spark ideas and inspire action, this session offers practical insights and fresh perspectives for anyone looking to strengthen youth engagement in their own community. Attendees will leave energized by examples of young people leading with purpose—and by the creative strategies that help make it possible

1. Palmerston Junior Fair Board – Tate Driscoll, Palmerston Agricultural Society
2. Grove Youth Hub – Tiffany Fagan, Team Lead, Grove Youth Hub
3. ROI Rural Changemaker
4. EmpowerHER – Amy Grose, Manager Community Services, Township of Mapleton
5. Launch Pad Youth Technology Centre – April Marshall, Economic Development Manager, Town of Hanover
6. Supporting Local Youth Program - Youth-Led Micro Grant Program, Rick Sickinger, Economic Development Officer, County of Huron 

Provided by May’s Café at the Old Post

Revitalizing a small‑town downtown looks different than it does in larger centres but the impact can be just as powerful. This panel brings together community champions who are proving that meaningful transformation can happen through creativity, collaboration, and a deep connection to place.

Together, the panelists will explore how strong relationships—with residents, business owners, volunteers, students, and partner organizations—form the foundation of successful revitalization efforts. They will share insights on cultivating local pride, enhancing the look and feel of main streets, engaging community members in decision‑making, and sparking momentum through simple, achievable actions.

Themes such as leveraging grassroots leadership, aligning municipal departments around shared goals, using data and public engagement to inform planning, and creating welcoming, vibrant spaces all weave through their experiences. Each speaker brings a unique small‑town lens, yet their approaches reflect a common understanding: revitalization thrives when communities work together, celebrate what makes them unique, and build on local strengths.

Participants will leave with inspiration, practical takeaways, and a renewed belief that small places can lead big change—one relationship, one idea, and one thoughtful improvement at a time

1. Clifford Connects – Harriston Rising – All Aboard Palmerston, Erin Raftis, Marketing & Community Development Coordinator, Town of Minto
2. Huron East, Taralyn Cronin, Economic Development Officer, Municipality of Huron East
3. Huron-Kinloss, Amy Irwin, Economic Development Officer, Township of Huron-Kinloss
4. Southgate, Brenna Carroll, Economic Development Officer, Township of Southgate

This fast‑paced session features a series of 5–7 minute lightning talks showcasing how collaboration can spark innovation, strengthen communities, and expand opportunities across rural regions. Each presenter highlights a unique partnership-driven initiative that demonstrates the transformative power of working together toward shared goals.

You’ll hear how regional collaboration can advance economic vitality and community resilience, how municipalities can join forces to enrich cultural life, and how weekly volunteer‑run programs can build social connection through something as simple as music and togetherness. Speakers will also explore how shared service models can expand access to essential supports, how cross‑sector partnerships can create welcoming spaces for newcomers, and how community organizations can work jointly to meet evolving needs.

Together, these lightning talks illustrate that collaboration, whether between municipalities, nonprofits, volunteers, educators, or local service providers—creates stronger, more connected communities. Participants will leave with inspiration and practical ideas for forging partnerships, maximizing local strengths, and creating collective impact through teamwork.

1. Saugeen Connects, Rhonda Niesen, Economic Development Officer, Municipality of South Bruce
2. Cultural Roundtables, Robyn Mulder, Economic Development Officer, Township of Wellington North
3. Thursday Tunes, Angela Smith, Community Improvement Coordinator, Municipality of Central Huron
4. Set 7 Skills and Technology Centre, Erin Bewick, Training Coordinator, Municipality of North Perth & Mark Nonkes, Manager, Huron County Local Immigration Partnership
5. North Perth Access Centre, Ryan Erb, Executive Director, Perth Huron United Way & Shannon McGavin, Executive Director, The Well Community Collective
6. Sydenham Campus, Savanna Myers, Director Economic, Tourism and Culture, Grey County

Leslie will be back to facilitate this session, guiding an open, energizing conversation where participants can reflect on what inspired them throughout the day. This is a chance to highlight practical examples, innovative approaches, and small‑scale wins that have made a big impact in your community. Whether you’re celebrating a successful youth initiative, testing creative ways to enhance your downtown on a budget, or building partnerships that bring people together, this session invites you to share what’s working and learn from others facing similar opportunities and challenges.

An entrepreneurial spirit and love of exploring led Leslie to create Streets Alive in her downtown core. This unique placemaking program brings public spaces to life with interactive art and activity. The Streets Alive story has been featured in national publications and Leslie has been recognized as Citizen of the Year and Business Woman of the Year for the impact and success of these projects. She speaks to BIA’s, tourism groups, cultural summits and economic development conferences on how to attract visitors and shoppers with creative placemaking. As a small-town retailer for over 20 years, Leslie understands the challenges faced by local businesses and the increasing importance for every community to create a strong, vibrant sense of place. Leslie Fournier Headshot

Tiffany Fagan is the Team Lead at The Grove Youth Wellness Hubs with over 15 years in community mental health work.  She is dedicated to empowering young people by expanding access to meaningful, youth‑centered supports and creating inclusive spaces where they can thrive.  Tiffany Fagan Headshot

Amy Grose serves as Mapleton Township’s Manager of Community Services, bringing more than 15 years of leadership experience to the role. She is dedicated to developing inclusive recreational programs that reflect the needs and values of Mapleton residents, working closely with local organizations and community groups to ensure accessible and welcoming opportunities for all.

In addition to recreation, Amy supports Mapleton’s economic development by building partnerships that encourage local investment and entrepreneurial growth. She also leads township communications, helping residents stay informed about important updates, events, and opportunities to get involved.

Amy understands the unique challenges of a small community and uses a collaborative, solutions‑focused approach to navigate resource and facility limitations. Her commitment to community engagement, local growth, and clear communication helps Mapleton continue to thrive as a vibrant place to live, work, and play. Amy Grose Headshot

April Marshall, Ec.D. is the Economic Development Manager for the Town of Hanover. She leads initiatives that strengthen local business, attract investment, and enhance quality of life through culture development and downtown vitality. Her work spans Business Retention & Expansion (BR+E); the Community Improvement Program (CIP); and creative, data‑informed marketing that showcases Hanover’s strengths, among other initiatives. Through partnerships with educators, employers, neighbouring municipalities, and community organizations, she advances workforce readiness and champions entrepreneurship. A Certified Economic Developer, April is known for collaborative leadership and practical solutions that turn strategy into measurable impact for Hanover and the region. April Marshall Headshot

In 2012, Rick became the first Cultural Development Officer for the County of Huron, a position he held until 2020 when he was redeployed during COVID to his current position as Economic Development Officer overseeing tourism and local food.

During his time at Huron County, he has planned and managed projects and community festivals and events that were supported by Ontario Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport, Canadian Heritage, Ontario Arts Council, Ontario Trillium Foundation and FedDev. He has served on the Board of Directors for Blyth Centre for the Arts, Foundation for Education, Huron Ars & Heritage Network, and Regional Tourism Organization 4 (RTO4).

Before coming to Huron County, he worked in the non-profit arts sector including positions at the Stratford Festival and the Gallery Stratford. Rick currently resides in Exeter with his partner and their two labrador retrievers. Rick Sickinger Headshot

Erin Raftis is the Marketing and Community Development Coordinator at the Town of Minto, where she works on initiatives that support local businesses and residents and brings energy to small-town downtowns. Her work focuses on community and volunteer engagement, tourism promotion, and creative projects that encourage people to explore and connect with local places. Erin has helped lead campaigns, events, and placemaking initiatives that celebration Minto's character and attracts visitors to its downtowns, through Minto's downtown revitalization groups, Harriston Rising, Clifford Connects, and All Aboard Palmerston. She graduated from McMaster University with a degree in Communications and Multimedia and later earned a diploma in Social Media Marketing from George Brown College. Erin is passionate about helping small communities thrive by turning local ideas into meaningful experiences for residents and visitors alike. Erin Raftis Headshot

Taralyn Cronin is the Economic Development Officer for the Municipality of Huron East. A graduate of the Local Economic Development Master’s program at the University of Waterloo, Taralyn has worked in rural economic development within local government for more than 15 years. Throughout her career, she has led a variety of downtown revitalization initiatives; spearheaded promotional campaigns to support downtown businesses, agri-businesses and local manufacturers; and coordinated an award-winning tourism initiative designed to guide visitors beyond well-known attractions to discover hidden gems across the region. Taralyn Cronin Headshot

Amy Irwin was born and raised in Bruce County and, after years of travel and exploration, returned to her hometown of Ripley to raise her two daughters and put down deeper roots in the community that shaped her.

For the past four years, Amy has served as the Economic Development Officer for the Township of Huron‑Kinloss, where she supports local businesses, nurtures new ideas, and works to show that big things can happen in small places. She brings creativity, community pride, and a practical, solutions‑focused approach to her work—often while juggling many roles at once.

With a background in social services and experience as a small‑business owner, Amy brings a strong understanding of rural challenges and opportunities. Economic development feels like a natural fit for her, combining her commitment to community with her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for helping local businesses thrive. She is dedicated to building the kind of vibrant, resilient community she is proud to call home. Amy Irwin Headshot

Brenna Carroll is an economic development professional with a background in international relations and roots in the Grey Bruce region. With a Masters of International Relations of the Middle East with Arabic, Brenna spent several years working in higher education in Amman, Jordan before landing back in Ontario. In her current role at the Township of Southgate, she specializes in developing community-based partnerships, enhancing business opportunities to support economic priorities, delivering projects that improve access to jobs and training, and building mutually beneficial collaboration between diverse groups. Brenna provides support to rural entrepreneurs and small business owners while working to attract investment and promote downtown revitalization. She acts as the plan administrator of the Southgate Community Improvement Plan (CIP) as well as the project coordinator of both the Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) program and the Dundalk Downtown Revitalization Project. Brenna works closely with community groups to support business start-ups and expansions in the municipality. She is proud to have recently obtained her certificate in Economic Development from the University of Waterloo. Brenna Carroll Headshot

Rhonda Niesen has dedicated the past eight years to supporting and strengthening the Municipality of South Bruce, where she now serves as the Economic Development Officer as well as the Chair of Saugeen Connects and South Bruce Tourism. In this role, she works closely with local businesses, residents, developers and community partners to foster growth, inspire investment, and help shape a vibrant and sustainable future for the region. Rhonda is a graduate of the University of Waterloo, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Development Studies and Social Work. She has further advanced her expertise through a Certificate in Economic Development and a Primer on Planning course, equipping her with a strong foundation in both community development and strategic municipal planning.  Rhonda Niesen Headshot

Robyn Mulder is the Economic Development Officer for the Township of Wellington North, a role she has proudly held for the past two years. With more than a decade of experience in the field of economic development, Robyn brings a strong understanding of how communities grow and thrive through strategic collaboration and community-focused initiatives.

In her role, Robyn works closely with local businesses, community partners, and regional stakeholders to support economic growth and strengthen the local business environment. Her work focuses on attracting new businesses to the community while supporting the success and expansion of existing ones. She plays an active role in fostering workforce development, advancing infrastructure initiatives, and identifying opportunities that contribute to long-term regional prosperity.

Acting as a liaison between the public and private sectors, Robyn helps implement strategies that encourage business development, create employment opportunities, and strengthen the local economy through research, collaboration, and community engagement.

Robyn is passionate about connecting with entrepreneurs and local business owners. She especially enjoys meeting new business owners and helping them navigate opportunities that support their growth and long-term success in the community. Robyn Mulder Headshot

Angela Smith is the Community Improvement Coordinator for the Municipality of Central Huron, where she leads a wide range of community development, tourism, and accessibility initiatives designed to strengthen small-town life. Her work focuses on bringing local businesses, volunteers, youth, artists, and community groups together, to create projects that enhance quality of life while supporting local economic vitality.

Angela is recognized for her commitment to accessibility and inclusive design, having received multiple provincial and local awards for initiatives that remove barriers in the built environment and ensure everyone can participate fully in community life.

A key example of Angela’s collaborative approach is Thursday Tunes, a weekly community gathering in Clinton where volunteer musicians play live music and attendees enjoy dancing, socializing, and spending time together. The program is free to attend, supported by small donations that help provide coffee and snacks, with any remaining funds donated each year to a local community cause. Angela Smith Headshot

Erin Bewick is the Training Coordinator for Set7 Skills and Technology, at the Municipality of North Perth. Set7 is a workforce development initiative that brings training and educational opportunities to North Perth and surrounding regions. Erin is committed to driving positive change in her community while empowering individuals to reach their full potential through training and development opportunities. Erin Bewick Headshot

Mark Nonkes is the manager of the Huron County Local Immigration Partnership. Prior to his work with the Immigration Partnership, he worked in communications for international humanitarian organizations in Africa and Asia. Prior to that, Mark was a reporter for community newspapers in Huron County.

Huron County’s Immigration Partnership aims to strengthen the community’s ability to welcome newcomers to Canada and support migrants’ settlement in our area. The Immigration Partnership is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and implemented under the direction of the County of Huron’s Economic Development department. Mark Nonkes Headshot

Ryan has 25-plus years of non-profit management, community development, fundraising, and marketing experience. Ryan holds an M.A. in Leadership, a B.A. in Social Development/Peace and Conflict, a B.R.E. in Counselling and is a Certified Board Governance Trainer.

Ryan is instrumental in leading United Way Perth-Huron's work addressing issues in the community including housing, poverty, and access to services through innovative partnerships and solutions. He has overseen the growth and impact the organization to become one of the most successful United Ways in Canada.

Ryan also continues to actively volunteer or consult with other organizations and has amassed more than 40 years of non-profit board experience. He currently serves as a Rotarian, Board member of the Stratford Family Health Team and as Chair of Living Wage Canada. Ryan enjoys cabin building, hiking, hockey, and spending quality time with family and friends. Ryan Erb Headshot

Shannon McGavin (she/her) is the Founder and Executive Director of The Well Community Collective. She has led the development of three Well Youth Hubs across Huron and Perth Counties, bringing together mental health, substance use, primary care, and community supports in youth friendly spaces. With more than 25 years supporting children, youth, and families, Shannon is passionate about building partnerships that improve access to care and ensure rural young people feel supported, connected, and able to thrive. Shannon Mc Gavin Headshot