ROLE OF ARD KEY CONTACT
The Key Contact Program was introduced on March 1, 2009 in an effort to reconnect with
rural Albertans. One objective of this program was to strengthen the relationship between
Agricultural Service Boards (ASBs) and Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD).
Each ASB has an ARD staff member who serves as their Key Contact person.
A Key Contact is an ARD staff member who spends up to 10% of their time engaging with
each ASB they are assigned to.
The role of a Key Contact is to:
·
Establish and build strong relationships between the ASB and ARD
·
Act as a liaison between the ASB and ARD
o
Deliver key messages from ARD
o
Provide feedback back to ARD
·
Work with the ASB to provide extension programming
·
Understand local issues and needs
·
Engage ASBs in applicable ARD events
Key Contacts may accomplish this role by:
·
Attending ASB meetings
·
Support ASB extension events
o
Speaking
o
Assisting with planning
·
Other responsibilities as assigned by the ASB
ASBs are responsible for defining the role of the Key Contact within their organization.
Some ASBs have their Key Contact attend every meeting and provide a report while others
have their Key Contact assist them solely with extension events.
Key Contacts are supported in their roles by the ASB staff in Edmonton and other
specialists throughout the Ministry.
10