THE RURBAN FRINGE

About

About the Author – Official Bio

Jennifer BrooksJennifer Brooks is a rural development specialist for the Canadian Community Futures program by day and is the author of The Rurban Fringe – a top Canadian blog – by night.  Sharing information and opinions on community development, growth and communication in the rural-urban fringe landscape, Jennifer aims to make innovative projects, advice, and best practices accessible to cultivate a movement of empowered communities online.  

As someone who lives and works in ‘the rurban fringe,’ Jennifer understands the issues and challenges facing small communities today.  With a passion for project management, strategy and integrated communications practices, Jennifer’s professional background in fund development and public relations translates well to working with communities in transition.

Jennifer received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Regina, holds Community Economic Development certification, as well as a professional diploma in Public Relations from the University of Victoria.  She is a trained facilitator and recently completed a pilot Leadership & Management Development program through Athabasca University, Centre for Innovative Management.  Her efforts have also led her to work with such groups as Travel Alberta, Alberta Urban Municipalities Association, Junior Achievement, and the Centre for Innovative and Entrepreneurial Leadership.

She enjoys speaking to audiences, has been published regionally, provincially and nationally, and believes strongly in partnership development, capacity-building and organizational cooperation.  She remains committed to community causes through her work with organizations such as Girl Guides of Canada and her local library Board.

An avid reader and writer, Jennifer has been a Featured Contributor to canada.com and has also contributed to FarmOn.com, an online agricultural networking community for both farmers and consumers.  Known for her attention to detail, organizational skills, keen understanding of strategy, and knack for cutting to the chase, Jennifer gets things done with a smile. 

She is married, with children, and lives in the rural-urban fringe near Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

‘Behind the Scenes’ and Contact Info

Well … hi there. 

I’m often asked about my blog’s title – The Rurban Fringe is my term for my world: a fascinating hodge-podge of rural-urban issues, perspectives and situations that provide endless grist for the mill.

I am gainfully employed as a regional community economic development officer – which means that I work with individuals and organizations to create opportunities for development.  A community strategist, if you will.

I do projects.  I do presentations.  I facilitate.  I liaise.  And I love it. 

The complexity and diversity of rural and rurban communities never ceases to amaze me, as do the committed and talented people I frequently work with.

I live in a perpetually messy, comfortable bungalow in the rural-urban fringe near Calgary, Alberta, Canada with two kids, a huge perennial garden, a good coffee shop down the street, a supportive partner and a growing library of great Canadian fiction.  Catch up with me here or at LinkedIn.

If you’d like to get in touch or have a great idea or example for a guest post, fill out my contact form or email me at:

jennifer [at] therurbanfringe [dot] com

This blog is my way of chronicling issues of interest and connecting those in ‘the rurban fringe.’

Welcome to rurbia.

About the Blog

The Rurban Fringe is about community development, growth and communication in the rural-urban fringe landscape.

Sharing relevant information, resources, news, and opinions, The Rurban Fringe is a professional, non-partisan site dedicated to discussing timely issues related to rural development and the urbanization of rural areas.

 

Copyright © 2009 – 2011 Jennifer Brooks.  All rights reserved.