JG: What drives me is knowing that I can make a differ- ence. Sometimes that difference is at an individual level, and sometimes it is across the community. It all matters. Nothing ever just happens. Decisions are driven by the context and opportunities that people see. Our job is to have a vision for our future and focus on achieving that future. Some things we control and some things we can influence, but very little happens in our community that we cannot affect for the better – if we try. Everybody wants opportunities whether it’s for their careers, for their families and for their own dreams. In Yarmouth, we’re big enough that just about anything is possible and small enough that everybody can be heard and make a difference. “I cannot overstate the importance of a cohesive Council to the success of a community and that’s what we have here.” How long has the current Council been formed and what is your shared agenda for the business community in Yarmouth? PM: This present Council has been in office exactly one year and the work done thus far has been to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit and the greater business community to take chances. We have rewritten bylaws and regulations to ensure that setting up a business is an easy process; we have an ace EDO who is tremendous at building relation- ships and visioning for the present and future needs of businesses and who connects potential with seekers with an enthusiasm that is contagious. We have listened to the business community and continue to do everything we can to cut through the red tape. We are open for business on a level the Town hasn’t seen in a long time. JG: Within their first days, this Council agreed to set prior- ities for their mandate, and they have been together and focused on shared success. I cannot overstate the impor- tance of a cohesive Council to the success of a community and that’s what we have here. The motto of your Town Seal [Progress) and your logo [On the Edge of Everywhere] are equally inspiring. In what ways are these descriptors reflective of the business community – and community at large – in Yarmouth? JG: Our success is rooted in optimism and thoughtful deci- sion-making. Mayor Mood sets a positive tone – and she’s impatient about achieving success. Our other leaders on Council are equally passionate about our community. It is tremendously exciting.
Our community will only achieve success if it is a shared
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2017
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