Celebrating 15 years as General Manager of Community Futures Entre-Corp in 2022, Sean Blewett reminisces on proud moments and impactful programs, while looking brightly towards the future with a focus on collaboration.
He grew up and graduated with his bachelor in business in Australia, and then moved to downtown Sydney to work in the IT financial industry. He gained immense experience and knowledge that he would bring with him during his move to Medicine Hat in the mid-2000s.
He settled into Community Future Entre-Corp’s office space on fourth street in downtown Medicine Hat in 2007 and would spend years working with small businesses in the city, and eventually the region.
“Community Futures is often the first support that helps some owners realize they can do it and their project can move forward. I’m constantly running into past clients, and when they tell me their story and the successes they’ve had, it feels amazing to have been a part of that journey,” says Blewett.
One aspect of Blewett’s role is identifying what’s changing from an environmental standpoint and how it impacts businesses. Then, he designs and implements programs that support businesses as those transitions come down the road.
From the creation of the Regional Innovation Network, to the work done over the pandemic, and becoming the General Manager for Community Futures Chinook, Blewett is proud to work with a team that responds in a huge and impactful way that benefits the business community long-term.
“The best part of my day is the team. It’s amazing to have a group of people who have different skills and when put together perform so well. They’re all passionate people with diverse talents, and it’s a pleasure coming to work everyday,” says the general manager.
From adults to youth, Community Futures supports all age groups and aspiring business owners. The Rotary Alberta Entrepreneurship Youth Camp invites 13-15 year olds to a one week camp where they’ll learn the basics of business. They’ve put hundreds of youth through the program over 25 years. Blewett says some have gone to do amazing things, creating solid businesses and being leaders in their community.
“It's been a worthwhile project. When you see the youth grow and develop, it makes you feel proud that you can be involved in their life’s development even in a small way,” he says.
Blewett’s learned it’s the team around you that is most important. From friends and family, to co-workers, and people in the community.
“The biggest thing is developing your team around you. It’s not just the people you work with. It’s also community partners and leaders and people who have the same outcomes and desires you wish to have. I’m a huge believer in collaboration and that the more we’re rowing in the same direction, the more we’re partnering, the more we can achieve together.”
