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Gavin Duffus
Economic Development Manager at Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association
Professional Background
Gavin Duffus is an accomplished Economic Development Manager with a rich career dedicated to enhancing urban environments and fostering sustainable community growth. With a substantial background in non-profit organization management, Gavin utilizes his extensive knowledge in urban planning and economic development to tackle the challenges faced by urban communities in the modern landscape. Currently, he serves as an Economic Development Manager at the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association, where he leverages his analytical and planning skills to contribute to the enhancement of Vancouver's downtown core, ensuring it remains vibrant and economically viable.
Before taking on his role in Vancouver, Gavin honed his skills and expertise through various important positions. He served as the Policy and Research Manager at the Urban Development Institute - Pacific Region, where he played a crucial role in shaping policies that affect urban development. His dedication to community-focused initiatives is evident from his previous work as a member of the Official Community Plan Advisory Committee at the Town of View Royal and through his collaborative efforts with organizations like Friends of Fort York and the City of Toronto.
With his experience as an Emerging Leader Fellow at the International Downtown Association and as a Board Member at LOCO BC, Gavin has established himself as a thought leader in economic development. His keen analytical skills and commitment to sustainable development make him a valuable asset in any urban planning discourse.
Education and Achievements
Gavin’s educational background contributes significantly to his professional capabilities. He holds a Master of Urban Planning and Regional Development with a focus on Urban Studies/Affairs from Ryerson University, showcasing his thorough understanding of the complexities of urban environments. This advanced degree complements his Bachelor of Arts in Geography from the University of Victoria, where he developed foundational knowledge about spatial dynamics and human-environment interactions.
His academic pursuits at Ryerson University and the University of Victoria allowed Gavin to cultivate vital skills in sustainable development and urban planning. These competencies are reflected in his approach to economic development, where he prioritizes sustainability and community engagement in his projects. Gavin’s educational achievements also underscore his commitment to continuous learning and adaptation in the ever-evolving landscape of urban studies.
Achievements
Throughout his career, Gavin Duffus has made significant contributions to the field of urban studies and economic development. His role at the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association is not just a job; it is a platform for him to implement transformative initiatives that enhance the urban experience for residents and visitors alike.
Moreover, his past experience as a Board Member at LOCO BC emphasizes his dedication to supporting local businesses and advocating for sustainable practices within the community. Gavin's leadership during his time in various advisory and research roles has equipped him with a wealth of knowledge that informs his vision for developing urban spaces that are not only economically prosperous but also socially inclusive and environmentally responsible.
The combination of Gavin’s educational background, extensive professional experience, and dedication to sustainable development uniquely positions him as an authority in economic development and urban affairs. He continues to inspire community members and stakeholders alike, paving the way for innovative and sustainable urban growth initiatives that address the needs of diverse populations. Whether through direct engagement in community projects or influencing policy, Gavin’s impact on the field is both profound and far-reaching.
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Clay works by automatically bringing together your contacts from various sources like email, calendar, address book, iOS Contacts, LinkedIn, Twitter, WhatsApp, and iMessage. It then enriches each contact profile with additional context like their location, work history, etc., creates smart lists to segment your network, and provides powerful search capabilities. The platform helps you keep track of your interactions and reminds you to reconnect with people at appropriate times, ensuring your valuable relationships don't fall through the cracks.
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Clay offers many advantages over other personal CRMs. Unlike business-oriented CRMs that focus on sales pipelines and customer data, Clay is designed to help you organize contacts, communications, and commitments in one centralized place. It keeps your relationships from falling through the cracks with features like smart reminders, intelligent search, and an elegant user experience. Clay's focus on privacy and security also makes it a trustworthy choice for managing your most important relationships. Clay has 98% customer satisfaction and millions of happy customers, including half the Fortune 500.
Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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