Community to weigh in on Vital Signs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Mike Christie (403) 527-9038

mikec@mhcf.ca

Community Consultations for 2010 Vital Signs:

Community Foundation asks for public input

Medicine Hat, Alberta (May 20, 2009) – 'Hatters will have two chances next week to add their input to the 2010 Medicine Hat’s Vital Signs report. The Community Foundation of Medicine Hat and Southeastern Alberta is hosting two separate public consultations in order for citizens to express what they would like to see in this year’s report.

The first consultation, aimed at the business community, will take place in the Chamber of Commerce’s board room on Tuesday, May 25 from 12 – 1 PM. The second consultation is of a general nature and will take place on Thursday, May 27 from 12 – 1 PM in REDI Enterprises’s board room.

Community consultations play an important role in the kick-off to the Vital Signs process.

“These consultations allow us to hear what citizens believe are the strengths and weaknesses of Medicine Hat,” said Mike Christie, executive director of the Community Foundation. “It also helps us create a better report because we hear what issues are important to ‘Hatters.”

Medicine Hat’s Vital Signs will be released on October 5, marking the fourth consecutive year that the organization has participated in the publication. In 2009, 16 Community Foundations across the country produced the report for their individual communities. Vital Signs serves as a community report card, with volunteers grading each indicator before publication.

Christie urges citizens of all ages to come to a consultation to express their views.

“Vital Signs has become a platform for local action amongst community leaders and volunteers,” Christie said. “Citizens’ input, especially in the early stages of the process, is integral to the final Vital Signs report. The contributions that residents make at these meetings can help us grow a better community.”

The events include free beverages, and attendees are welcome to bring their own lunch. The Chamber of Commerce is located at 413 - 6th Avenue SE and  REDI Enterprises is located at 860 Allowance Ave. SE.

No reservations are necessary to attend the events; however, each location has limited seating. For more information regarding the consultations or the Vital Signs report, please call the Community Foundation at (403) 527-9038 or email info@mhcf.ca.