Destinations International’s Post

It was great to attend the Durham Business Group networking event today at the Poplar Tree Garden Centre, where we got to see inside the newly opened Unbox holiday lodges. The lodges are constructed from converted shipping containers, which transported me right back to my Architectural Techology days. Even on a grey day like today, it felt so peaceful & serene. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in or visiting County Durham. Anyway, it was lovely to meet some new people today and share a conversation about what we do at Point North. If you’re a business (small or large) or an individual and you want to make a difference in your community, the first step that you can take is making the intention. Once you make that intention- commit to it. It’s never too late to start making a difference but now more than ever our communities need us. All of us. And that includes you. So maybe it’s worth having the initial conversation with your team or even yourself. What are your CSR/ESG responsibilities? Do you have a plan in place? How are you acheveing, or going to achieve, what you set out to do?

You're Invited 🫵 📅 Monday, 10th February 2025 🕗 8:00 AM 📍 Peterstone Golf Club The Save the Six Bells team warmly invites you to a special breakfast event as we approach a pivotal moment in our project: the launch of our Community Share Offer. With the deadline to purchase the historic Six Bells fast approaching, this is your opportunity to hear the latest updates, connect with others who are passionate about the future of the Gwent Levels, and explore how you can make a lasting impact. What to Expect: • Project Update: Learn about our progress and vision to transform the Six Bells into a vibrant community hub. • Local Business Engagement: Meet businesses already backing this initiative and see how their support is helping preserve and revitalize our shared heritage. • Networking Opportunities: Connect with community leaders, supporters, and decision-makers who share a passion for creating meaningful change. Special Guest Appearance: Jamie Baulch We’re delighted to welcome Olympic silver medallist Jamie Baulch as our special guest. Jamie will join us in supporting this initiative and sharing his enthusiasm for community and perseverance. Why Your Support Matters: An investment in the Six Bells is an investment in the future of the Gwent Levels: • Enhance the area’s economy by attracting visitors and increasing foot traffic. • Create new opportunities for collaboration and growth within the local community. • Promote sustainability, celebrate local produce, and strengthen community well-being. Reserve Your Place Today: Spaces are limited, so please RSVP by replying via email to confirm your attendance. Join us as we take this critical step towards securing the future of the Six Bells. Together, we can preserve and celebrate the unique heritage of the Gwent Levels. #savethesixbells #networkingforacause #communitysupport #localbusinessnetworking #saveourpub #supportlocalheritage #sixbellsevent #februarynetworking #communitymatters #values #blueselfstorage #togetherwecan #supportlocalbusiness

Easy to moderate a panel when the panelists are all not only experts in their fields, but great human beings as well!

Here are some #truthandreconciliation events to check out.

Today you will see a plethora of orange; shirts and posts to honour those who did not come home and survivors. While the awareness is an important step in continued conversation it doesn't end there with Truth and Reconcilation. I wanted to share some of my own learnings, in particular from this past month's connections and sessions, as I continue my own action plan with the grace I won't always get it right. 🧡 1) Start... don't wait to have all the answers, don't let fear of making a mistake or failure hold you back. Often we aim to "perfect before we act" wanting to make sure we have all the details. The learnings, history, and teachings across Turtle Island are diverse and complex. Push yourself to start your journey, including as a minimum pronunciation. 🧡 2) "1000 teas" Building Trust isn't about meeting your local Indigenous Centre and checking it off your list or asking one to come speak at your board meeting /team session so you can feel better about your EDI policies. My take away is I (and each of us) still need to put in the work to listen and learn while encouraging others to do the same, then take action, always. 🧡 3) Invest. Not just in knowledge and learnings for yourself or your organization but in Indigenous Arts and Tourism. I learned so much listening to the panel during "Voices of Trust" especially about Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) and a whole whack of resources right at our fingertips including through the Destinations Indigenous website. I have many more takeaways and learnings as I continue my own action plan... but... 🤔What action steps are you taking to do your part? Thanks to the two main events in the photo: 1) "Land Acknowledgments" through my colleagues at Niagara Fundraisers Network with support from NCF/ Niagara Community Foundation with learnings and presentations from Niagara Regional Native Centre Karl Dockstader Sean Vanderklis Halley Irwin 2) "Voices of Trust" moderated by Sara Wolfe , trust data & presentation by Edelman Canada and then with panelists Angela Mark Mélanie Valcin, MA and Keith Henry

What Alexander Hurst writes today in The Guardian holds #ClimateInfluence insight: What if a joyful Olympics helps France change it's glum story (my paraphrase)? Part of that joy came from the wisdom of a city leader like Mayor Hidalgo in transforming the community and #transportation infrastructure starting a few years in advance of the Olympics. What she did? Named the challenges in transportation/building community. One way she did that? Rapidly built up bike infrastructure and forwarded #lesscar living. There's a reason she's a long time very visible leader in C40 Cities work. What she did made Paris look amazing, which helps make France look better. What IF Mayor Karen Bass of #LA did something similar - as a fair number of journalists have already covered - and really got on top of their #lesscar intentions NOW? What IF she was also a mayor strategically choosing to be seen leading by riding an #ebike a bit for local transportation in her fair city or taking transit? The opportunity is hers to jump on. The positive impact #storytelling will not wait for #LAOlympics28 - it can start now. That city can frame their journey to the Games as a lovely local community building #ClimateAction leading headline. And, Mayor Bass could be a key part of shifting the #leadership #socialnorms of her peers across the U.S. Step up, be seen leading (by being seen on a bike or on transit), and build resilient social capital and more engaging #mediarelations efforts. This is exactly what I advise on - and what I amplify across my platforms. AND - I'm not the only one looking for more true U.S. #cities4climate stories like this to tell. Let's GO. Follow Mayor Hidalgo's lead. Bring joy to the stories of LA, California and the U.S. WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities United States Conference of Mayors The NewDEAL Mayors Innovation Project #JoyAsAnActOfResistance

Charleston, South Carolina and Freetown, Sierra Leone are sister cities. The two cities signed a Sister City International Partnership agreement in 2019. The partnership aims to: Exchange economic, tourism, civil, community, and academic programs Share best practices in sustainability and resilience Explanation Sister Cities International is an association that promotes peace through cooperation, understanding, and mutual respect. The partnership was signed by the mayors of both cities during a ceremony in Charleston's City Hall Council Chamber. The International African-American Museum (IAAM) and Charleston Sister Cities International were key to the development of the partnership agreement. Sister Cities: The Connection between Charleston and Freetown, ... Jul 18, 2019 — Sister Cities: The Connection between Charleston and Freetown, Sierra Leone | South Carolina

It’s time to shift from neighborhood to nations©️. Are you prepared to build on a global scale? Join us for "From Local to Global: Expand Your Life & Legacy," an exclusive online TOWN HALL. Share your concerns and gain clarity on your future. Register for free today: https://lnkd.in/egcMs99C #GlobalExpansion #LegacyBuilding #InternationalBusiness #Networking

I'm often told by friends and colleagues — those within the region and established expats – that we need to 'shout about' our North East more and that we're not that great at doing so. The conversation cropped up again this month's inaugural BUSINESSiQ North East Impact event at the fabulous Hopetown Darlington. Panelists including Teesside International Airport's Phil Forster and The North East Combined Authority's portfolio holder for Culture, Creative, Tourism and Sport, Amanda Hopgood, both told a packed audience that we need to 'shout about' what's going on up here. Of course they're right. But I've always been of the opinion that, as proud North Easterners we're actually very good at shouting about what's great in our region. As a community, we're fantastic narrators and our stories are underpinned by an in-built passion and self-belief. The bigger problem in 2024 (or almost 2025)? Where do we tell those stories? The decline of quality local and regional media means there are fewer and fewer opportunities to reach the people who matter. Platforms for engaging storytelling are disappearing daily. The trusted voices keen to shout about our amazing region suddenly have nowhere to go. If we want to celebrate what's unique, exciting and optimistic about the North East — and of course we do — then how do we go about it? How do we spread the word and celebrate the wins? Shouting about our region really isn't a problem. It's just becoming increasingly difficult knowing where best to amplify our biggest wins. Feel free to point me in the right direction...

🌟 Day 4 of #WelcomingWeek2024: Economic Development! 🌟 At the #IowaInternationalCenter, we’re proud to celebrate the significant economic benefits that come from welcoming international visitors to our community. From the bustling hotel stays to the vibrant local spending, international guests make a profound impact on Iowa’s economy! Here’s how our visitors are driving economic growth: $1,429,792 in total economic impact $120,536 spent on hotels, retail, food, and entertainment 793 hotel nights booked, showcasing Iowa’s hospitality 2,944 hours of community volunteerism, demonstrating our commitment to service By fostering connections with emerging global leaders and engaging with local professionals, we’re not only enriching our community but also creating lasting economic opportunities. Join us and @WelcomingAmerica in recognizing the value of international engagement in strengthening our economy and enhancing local prosperity. Together, we’re building a brighter, more interconnected future! #EconomicDevelopment #GlobalImpact #IowaEconomy #LocalGrowth #WelcomingAmerica