Matthewson & Co. is a for-profit social enterprise founded by Lorri Matthewson MBA in CED, built on one clear purpose: strengthening the economic future of small-population communities across Canada. We work exclusively with municipalities under 5,000, because that is where our expertise has the greatest impact, and where strong governance and practical economic development support matter the most.

 

We do not offer cookie-cutter solutions. Every community has its own pressures, politics, assets, and blind spots, and our work reflects that. Our services are designed to be accessible and affordable, whether we are sitting at your Council table or meeting with you virtually.

 

Our most in-demand supports include:

 

Council Training 

 

Grounded in legislation, governance and real-world rural practice this training:

• Protects the community by:

  • Preventing legal mistakes

  • Protects staff from overreach

  • Keeps decision defensible

  • Reduces the risk of lawsuits and investigations

• Covers areas such as:

  • Municipal legislation for your province

  • Conflict of interest

  • Procurement

  • HR

  • Policy and procedures

 

This training supports Councillors to lead confidently and create the right governance model to support real development.

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Good Councillors don’t fear training; they use it to protect their community by learning the things they need to know to make good decisions. 

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Policy, Bylaw and Operations Updates

 

There are councils don’t have a complete, up to date policy framework, and even when policies exist, they are often inconsistent, outdated, or ignored. Did you know that Councils only have authority via policy, motion, resolution or bylaw? That means if you are making decisions without these frameworks, you are operating outside your legislated authority.

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That means that decisions are being made on preference, pressure or habit instead of on clear, defensible rules that protect the municipality. Strong policy work, and the training to use it, gives Councils the structure they need to govern confidently, legally and sustainably. When you are ready to put real structure in place, connect with Matthewson & Co. to build the policies and training to support your administrator, protect your municipality and keep your community on solid ground. 

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Yes, we write strategic plans, but we are picky about who we write them for.

 

A strategic plan is only as strong as the council that implements it. We’ve learned that even the best plan fails in a municipality where they lack the governance and the policies to implement the plan. When that happens, the community loses, the administrator wonders why we bothered, and then our work gets blamed for outcomes we do not have the authority to control. That is why Matthewson & Co. only works with Councils who are ready to roll, with current policies, a clear understanding of their roles, and a demonstrated commitment to following their governance training, or a willingness to commit to learn how to govern properly. When those pieces are in place, strategic planning is powerful, practical and implementable, not just something to hold up a coffee cup.

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If you council is serious about sustainability, aligned in its governance, or ready to learn, and ready to level up, we are thrilled to facilitate your next strategic plan.  Email Anna at anna@smallplacesrock.com to apply.

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Community Economic Development Plans—when you are ready!

 

These monthly retainers are for those communities who could use some economic development support, but who do not have the budget to commit to a full time EDO.  When you are ready, this is often the most economical predictable way to support your community.  We meet you where we are and support you to move forward. 

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