Waterloo Region Business Leader Jeff Nesbitt Gains Expertise at Governor General's Canadian Leadership Conference

WATERLOO REGION, July 5, 2012 /CNW/ - Kitchener native and Head of Partner Engagement at Communitech, Jeff Nesbitt, was among a number of leaders from across Canada who participated in the Governor General's Canadian Leadership Conference (GGCLC) held recently in Quebec City. The conference facilitates a deeper understanding of the socio-economic issues present in Canadian communities, and leaders return to their respective home bases with a broadened perspective.

"Whether he is contributing by participating on boards to impact change in technology, healthcare and the environment or working in other ways to advance those sectors within the community, Jeff has a passion to 'pay it forward," said Iain Klugman CEO of Communitech. "That's what made him an ideal candidate for the Governor-General's leadership initiative."

Nesbitt is indeed a great fit for the program which looks to involve members from diverse backgrounds who show promise of promotion to high level, decision-making positions. Not only does he bring a mix of experience to the table but he has repeatedly demonstrated his dedication to Canadian industry and community throughout his corporate career and personal endeavors. With a natural vocation to lead, Nesbitt excelled in government relations, holding former titles as Vice President of Government Relations & Strategic Programs for Agfa HealthCare and Government Relations Advisor for Communitech. His current position at Communitech, Head of Partner Engagement, exercises his fine-tuned skills in interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement, the bedrock of the leadership initiative.

The GGCLC operates with an overarching mission to open the gateways of communication between future leaders in business, labor, government, and the community at large. While encouraging dialogue that will challenge the status quo, it also serves as an important accountability check, ensuring that those in decision-making positions recognize the direct impact their evaluations and subsequent choices will have on individual Canadians.

"It was a humbling experience to meet and travel with so many talented Canadian leaders, while being afforded the opportunity to learn first-hand what characteristics help form sustainable communities," said Nesbitt. "I found that as Canadians, our richness comes from our diversity, and our willingness to ask 'how can we help' helps make this nation more caring."

The program, designed to strengthen national leadership through travel, observation, and debate, awarded study groups the opportunity to delve into issues at learning sites across various Canadian regions. Face-to-face, first-hand experience allowed for enriched communication at the local level, providing practical insight into issues faced by regional leaders, companies, and communities.

About Communitech
Founded by a group of dedicated entrepreneurs in 1997, Communitech is the regional hub for the commercialization of innovative technologies supporting and building a Southwestern Ontario tech cluster of close to 1,000 companies that now generates more than $30B in revenue. A member of the Ontario Network of Excellence (www.oneinnovation.ca), which is funded by the Ontario government, Communitech supports tech companies at all stages of their growth and development - from startup companies, to rapidly growing SMEs, to large global players - to create greater numbers of successful global businesses for Ontario and for Canada.

Media Contact
Jessica Mott, PR Specialist, Communitech, 289-684-1756 or [email protected]