WHAT FOLKS SAY ABOUT YOUR TOWN RISING

Municipality of grassland, MANITOBA

“Gregg and Leslie were a breath of fresh air as they helped our community see the potential in our region to create interesting, beautiful features in our communities that were creative and affordable. We are looking forward to implementing many of their ideas to really bring our communities to life and attract visitors to our region.”

~ Reeve Ruth Mealy

PRAIRIE GATEWAY TOURISM, MANITOBA

“I wanted to follow up with what’s happened in such a short time since your visit. Elkhorn and Kenton have been meeting with plans to implement re-branding and placemaking ideas and some great things are in the works! My own business is focused on place-making initiatives including new planters, a carousel and outdoor art to make the whole place look alive. The fishing store across the street took your advice to 'bring the inside out' and they now have a feather flag and kayaks on display. I’ve already noticed more customers going in their door. Thanks for bringing your ideas and energy to SW Manitoba!"

~ Tiffany Cameron, Prairie Gateway Tourism

TOWNS OF MELITA, WASKADA, PIERSON, MANITOBA

" Having Leslie and Gregg visit our three communities in southwest Manitoba became more than we expected. It was a true eye opener on missed opportunities, and areas that needed extra TLC. It’s amazing how complacent we can become living in our towns for as long as we do. If we don’t take notice of the communities we live in, why should visitors?

Leslie and Gregg’s walkabout and presentation really opened our eyes and inspired us with simple steps we could take to make each of our communities stand out, and how we can showcase the region as a whole! Our group stayed behind for another hour after the presentation further discussing the opportunities and how we could put them into action."

~ Eric Forster, Regional Economic Development Officer, Crocus Country Economic Development Corporation

TOWN OF SOURIS, MANITOBA

"It was a pleasure to have Your Town Rising's Leslie and Gregg explore Souris' business district. The community presentation was exploding with fantastic ideas and suggestions. Immediately, we saw participants engaged and motivated to make small but impactful changes. Within a week of the presentation, some of our businesses are showing off new paint, sail signs, vibrant planters and colorful, attractive benches - all a direct result from this experience. The sky's the limit for us! #SourisMB."

~ Echo Finlay, Economic Development Officer, Souris-Glenwood Community Development Corporation

"When Gregg & Leslie did their walkabout in Souris, MB, I was lucky enough to be in the group. Within days of their tour, I implemented two changes to my business; LT's Corner Store: a repaint of my brown bench to bright peacock colors; a nod to our resident birds, and faux flowers in the planter for the off-season. I receive daily compliments on how lovely the flowers look. I will be sure to continue with this when the Beautification Committee's annual flowers are not there. I am also in the process of implementing more photo ops and shareable moments to my building and sidewalk. Thank you for the fresh eyes and courage to improve LT's social media presence.”

~ Loretta Turner, LT's Corner Store

TOWN OF ELKHORN, MANITOBA

“ I left tonight feeling motivated, inspired and ready to make some changes in my business. Can’t wait to share what I learned with the community groups I’m involved with. 10/10 recommend Your Town Rising. "

~ Samantha, Samantha's Boutique

TOWN OF MINTO, ONTARIO

“This was the best investment we have ever made! Gregg and Leslie left the audience inspired and leaving with fresh ideas. The walkabouts were a great activity, our stakeholders started to look at our downtowns with a whole new appreciation and view to all of the potential opportunities. To say Gregg and Leslie left the community feeling inspired and motivated would be an understatement. We have seen a shift from the municipality leading the initiatives to now the community leading the initiatives and us supporting them. Many new faces from across the community are stepping up and volunteering because there is so much enthusiasm!”

~ Belinda Wick-Graham, Manager of Economic Development

TOWN OF GRAVENHURST, ONTARIO

“Leslie and Gregg were the keynote speakers at our public launch meeting for the Muskoka Wharf Revitalization project. It was standing room only! They brought great energy, great ideas and people are still talking about their presentations! Your presentations were wonderful – they set the perfect tone for the project!”

~ Leanne Fetterley, Economic Development Coordinator

South Central Ontario Region Economic Development Corporation

“Your Town Rising was one of the best investments we made as an organization to spark our community engagement! Their platform is based on identifying who and what you already have as a community and highlighting those strengths. They delivered exactly what they promised…great, ACTIONABLE ideas. All participants came away with actionable ideas that we have implemented in various ways across the region. If your community is in a state of stagnation or if you have underutilized resources and have lost your spark….contact Leslie and Gregg. It will be a true investment in your communities success!”

~ Kimberley Earls, Regional Economic Development Coordinator, SCOR

PETERBOROUGH & KAWARTHAS TOURISM

“Thank you Leslie & Gregg! Your presentation of Your Town Rising at our Tourism Partner Party was informative, inspirational and engaging. We truly appreciated your down to earth approach, recognizing the challenges that businesses face, providing workable solutions, acknowledging that every town is different and helping us to focus. Your enthusiasm was definitely contagious and our partners left the session brimming with ideas and excitement.”

~ Susan Quinlan, Tourism Partnerships & Development Officer, Peterborough & Kawarthas Tourism and Economic Development

WASHAGO (SEVERN TOWNSHIP), ONTARIO

"I can’t express enough thanks to Leslie and Gregg from Your Town Rising for bringing us so many fantastic, creative ideas to beautify our village. Their energy is infectious. This was one of the best things we did to get the visionary wheels in motion for our Village." 

~ Sarah Valiquette-Thompson, Severn Township, Ward 5 Councillor