Just a few short weeks ago; the Cochrane Eagle featured an editorial about the increased social media presence of Sustainability Partners Uniting Resources (SPUR).
That editorial was followed up with a letter to the editor from the group’s co-chair, Jeff Couillard.
While the letter from Couillard provided some clarity on the increased social media presence of SPUR — which operates under the handle @CochraneSustain on Twitter — it prompted the Eagle to ask: Why now?
“The role of SPUR is really to champion the Cochrane Sustainability Plan in the community and to get everyone working towards the goals as outlined in the plan,” answered Couillard.
By hiring a part-time communications and engagement coordinator, Couillard hopes to reach all community stakeholders — be they citizens, businesses, government officials or non-profit organization — to keep these goals on the right track.
The new hire, Sharon MacDonald, will be reaching these investors not only through social media, but also through focus groups, letters to local media outlets and casual meetings over coffee.
“(Tweeting) is one avenue for reaching people and communication about the Cochrane Sustainability Plan and other sustainability initiatives in our world,” said Couillard when asked about the point of tweeting.
Couillard said the decision to hire a communications representative was one that was approved by the group this past spring. He said it was just a coincidence that MacDonald and the group’s increased social media activity occurred at about the same time as Cochrane elected its new council — the final contract for MacDonald’s role was finalized on Oct. 21, the day of the election.
“I don’t believe that this council is less sustainability minded, although I do think that the priorities have shifted from the previous council,” he remarked. “… From keeping the small town feel to addressing the very real tax imbalance, we’ll just have to see where the priorities of this council are and SPUR will be working with them to help where we can. “
On Nov. 22, town council decreased the amount of funds to be allotted to the organization during its budget deliberations. Originally requesting a 2014 grant of $20,550, revisions to the budget outline the group receiving $10,000.
“SPUR has always been very mindful of not taking more than our share, especially if it has an impact on other worthwhile organizations,” said Couillard. “Over the last five years we have steadily decreased the amount of money requested from the community and worked hard to be fiscally conservative and responsible organization.”
In 2013, the group received a grant valued at $30,710.
Budget revisions will be presented for approval at the Dec. 9 council meeting.
Early in December, SPUR’s board of directors will be meeting to discuss the group’s progress and prioritize for the upcoming year.
To learn more about the role of SPUR, visit cochranesustainability.ca/spur/.
