Lac Ste. Anne County Activity Report LSAC_Flipbook_Activity Report 2016-17_FINAL_HiRes | Page 5

MESSAGE FROM YOUR CAO As Chief Administrative Officer for Lac Ste. Anne County, I have seen firsthand the growth and diversification of our region over the years. Communities that were once almost exclusively centered on farming and ranching have since become home to a far wider range of cultures, pursuits and business activities. As our County grows and diversifies, so too does Administration and the goals it is tasked with achieving. MIKE PRIMEAU Chief Administrative Officer [email protected] 780.785.3411 TF 1.866.880.5722 2016 was a year of steady work and solid growth for County staff. Continuous improvement was on the agenda throughout 2016, and the momentum of this progress and improvement is also evident in this year’s mandate. The ability for Council and administration to work collaboratively toward achieving key goals has been integral to the overall success of this agenda. I am confident that the year ahead will be a productive and prosperous one for the County and its ratepayers. However, I believe that we have just begun, and that the real work lies ahead. I am keenly aware that with growth comes challenges for residents, business owners and County staff alike. I understand that change — no matter what form it takes — never comes easily. In 2016, the majority of the County’s new administration office was constructed. As we move into 2017, we plan to vacate the old office and move into this new, more efficient building. As with any large project of this type, there are challenges. However, we are committed to resolving them in order to ensure the new office meets everyone’s needs, while remaining ever-cognizant of the $11.7M budget. More and more municipalities are taking a closer look at making use of branding as a business tool. Early last year, County Council approved a new logo to represent our d iverse region. The reason for the change was to adopt a visual identity that would have a greater impact on how stakeholders perceive our County, both inside and outside of its borders. The new County logo celebrates our unique people, our rich agricultural heritage, and our vision for the future. Our communications firm, Rdeca Group, created the logo utilizing thematic elements such as agriculture, our many lakes, and the County’s abundant natural capital. Over time, we will have a full-scale launch implementation of the new logo throughout the County. My fellow County staff and I forge ahead with Council’s vision of progress for 2017. It is a vision tempered by hard decisions, lessons learned and milestones achieved along the way. I wish to acknowledge County staff and management for their tireless efforts over the past year. Staff are the key to any successful organization, and the County is no exception. Whether in the office or out in the field, your efforts to make our communities better each day do not go unnoticed or unappreciated. Thank you to County Council for understanding and encouraging all we do as employees of the County. It has been a difficult year with the passing of Mr. Dwight Davidson and the resignation of Mr. Robert Kohn. Yet we continue to push forward with your support. Thank you as well to the ratepayers of Lac Ste. Anne County for your continued confidence and support. You each play a vital role in moving the progress and prosperity of our region ever forward. Whatever role you play in the County’s evolving story, remember that we are listening to you, and what you have to say informs our direction. Mike Primeau Chief Administrative Officer Administration 5.