[Past] Community Economics: Data in Service of Place
Governments have economists. Markets have economists. Communities – the third pillar of a healthy society – typically do not. With minimal community-level data and insufficient economic interpretation, how is a community expected to build an economy that serves their place?
The webinar will feature Jan Kestle, President and Founder of Environics Analytics, in conversation with Simon Massey, Shorefast Institute’s Economic Development and Data Lead, on Thursday 25 June 2026 at 2:30pm (NL) / 1:00pm (ET) / 10:00am (PT).
Drawing on more than four decades of experience in Canadian demographic and consumer data, Jan brings a national perspective on what is possible — and what is still missing — when it comes to data that serves places. Jan will share examples of work Environics Analytics has delivered in places across Canada, while Simon will share Shorefast’s approach to local economy data – where does the money come from? Where does it go? Who holds ownership and control? And how does this feed into local economic stewardship?
The webinar will include opportunities for practitioners across the country to reflect on the data they are using for economic development work. What problems does the data answer? What stories does the data tell? And what data do you wish that you had?
Jan Kestle
President & Founder | Environics Analytics
Jan Kestle is a pioneer in data and analytics who continues to lead with innovation and results. As founder of Environics Analytics, she has helped hundreds of organizations and thousands of Canadian business leaders use data to make smarter decisions and tackle complex challenges. Before founding EA in 2003, Jan was president of Compusearch and spent 19 years at the Ontario Statistical Centre.
She has shaped business and policy through roles on the Canadian Statistics Advisory Council and advisory boards at leading business schools, including Ted Rogers (TMU), DeGroote (McMaster), and Morrissette (Western). Her achievements include an Honorary Doctorate from Toronto Metropolitan University.
Simon Massey
Data and Economic Development Lead | Shorefast Institute for Place-Based Economies
Simon Massey is an economist and demographer with over 15 years experience working across the government and not-for-profit sectors in Australia. Simon has delivered transformative economic and place strategies for government and built award-winning scenario planning tools. He has expertise in both the big picture thinking of developing strategies and the nuts and bolts of implementing programs. Simon complements these skills with a strong governance, data analytics and research background. He is driven to make a positive difference for people and places.
Simon and his family relocated to Canada in 2024. Simon is the Data and Economic Development Lead for the Shorefast Institute with a focus on consulting, training and data. Simon is also on the board of Economic Development Australia and received the prestigious Churchill Fellowship for his leadership in social infrastructure planning.
Learn more or get involved – Contact us
Do you have questions about The Shorefast Institute for Place-Based Economies or Economic Nutrition? Enter your details below and we can reach out to provide further information.