Marla Tremblay builds her business and reputation as an economic development consultant Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature From a background in tourism and work in various as- pects of business and community development, Marla Tremblay has created a successful business combining economic development services on both the public and private sector side. Tremblay says over the years she worked with cham- bers of commerce and small businesses, in community development with a focus on small business support and then for eight years as economic development officer for the City of North Bay. “Over the years I developed a strong network, had the opportunity to develop various interests and areas of experience, and got exposure to many northern communities.” RETAIL Y Yo o our Your Centre of o Growth h in Northeastern Northea astern Ontario EDO Iroquois s Falls A Accessible: D ir e ec ece c tl tly y a ad jac c en n t t o cc essible: ib blbl ble: l adjac j H Highw Hig h a y 1 11, , NE E On n ta tar a io ’ s pr imar y tr a ansp oror t ta tion m a ar t er y S Stable: : C en n tr a al lyy loc co lo a t ta ed in n o one o of fof N o or ther n table: n O On tar io ’ s most d div v ersified d an n d sta a e ec conomic i c rs s i fi fie ed and stabl c o e r e egions on A Affordable: F u ul lly y ser e v vic emisk hor T S Shores c es k e ed aming d i lolo l lots t o otststs s w with t th h fl fle xible ff o or r d dable: a ib b pur chase t er m ms h Business F Friendly : Jo J oin an n ac tiv iv v e business ne r ien n d dly o b usus n ne c ommunit y , and d a str t tr r o ong g r er eta a and d se ser e er vic e sec c t or o r, u n e etail n s supp or t ed b y a business-fr f s s r ie iendly m muu un n iness-f ndly municipalit y ne S Size z i iz e r range: : F rF om 1 t o 2 20 A cr es a ange: ge Amos M a th h eson Timmins R amor e a Rouyn-Noranda Kirkland Lake Malartic M Ma a tache w an tachew E lk Lak e C Charlton har lt on Englehart Englehar t R Rapide-S ept id G o g ga ama Winneway S Shin ning T r ee hin Lat chford f Cobalt 30 minin minutes 25,000 25,00 ppl 00 F abre Fabre 60 minutes in 35 0 00 35,000 ppl l 000 g T emagami 9 mi 90 minut es 1 150,000 p pl 50 000 T TeTemiscaming i i Valle E ast V Va ll y East Onapin ng F all s napi Sudbur y Warren Sturgeon Falls C Call James F Franks a at t all J ames r anks (705) 672-3363 ext. tx . 4137 or e D Dymond email - jfr jfranks@temiskamingshores.ca a ymond anks@t emisk amingshor es .c I Industrial ndustrial f for or more e inf or ma tion. mor information. Pa Park kr www.temiskamingshores.ca a www .t emisk amingshor es .c 20 – Winter 2015 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report V This diverse and varied background provides her busi- ness, Markey Consulting's, foundations. Tremblay works as an independent consultant with communities on things like event planning and market studies. On the pri- vate sector side, she works with companies, especially in mining supply services, on marketing, helping them ac- cess government money and building their reputations. While she says economic development is now some- thing taught in the school, success in the field relies on a variety of experiences and roles, on who you know and your ability to use the available resources. “There is cer- tainly value in formal education but on the ground learning is important as well,” she said. “Every community is dif- ferent, their needs are each different and it’s important to be able to draw on a vast body of experience.” Her experiences have also taught her that gender bi- ases still exist. She says the solutions include a willing- ness to express opinions, to be sure you are heard, and not to take things personally. “I mentor a lot of women and I tell them they need to speak up, to share and to have a strong backbone.” She also reminds them of the importance of visibility and networking. Tremblay, a member of Women in Mining (WIM) Canada, says she makes an effort to visit groups specific to women when she is attending trade shows and events. Her advice to anyone considering a career in economic development is to be prepared to put in the time. “It is important to understand this is a service-driven industry. You have to be committed to your client and that can mean the workload can be heavy.” Understanding that a balance between work and life is important was part of what motivated Tremblay to start her own business. Although there are innate challenges in being self-employed, Markey Consulting has given her more control over her own schedule and helped her achieve the balance she has sought.