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Workshops & Training

Catalyst Communications has a significant amount of experience in designing and facilitating workshops specific to the needs of each organization with which we work. Our experienced facilitators are not only experts in the topics they're providing workshops on, but are also uniquely engaging in how they deliver workshop content, ensuring that participants see themselves in the material and that they walk away with actionable tools and strategies to implement locally.

Workshops are designed through two lenses. First, we tailor all content to your community's unique challenges, opportunities and circumstances. Then, we ensure that content is appropriate for the group in question, whether that be in an operational context for Administration and/or the Senior Leadership Team, or through a governance lens for Council Members.

We provide workshops in a number of areas surrounding local government communications, all of which will be developed appropriately for groups comprising of Administration/Senior Leadership Team members, Council, or a combination of both.

While we are happy to discuss your specific needs, the most frequent topics on which we facilitate workshops include:

  • Bolstering Local Public Engagement Efforts
  • Crisis Communications and Reputation Management
  • Navigating the Current State of Public Discourse
  • Council's Role in Public Engagement and Communications
  • Building Effective CAO-Council Relations
  • Media Relations Training

In addition to building knowledge and understanding on a variety of issues, Catalyst Communications team members build and deliver workshops to ensure that participants walk away with actionable tools and strategies to implement in their work moving forward.

We also make ourselves available, at no additional cost, to discuss further with participants after the fact, in case there are additional questions.

[The workshop] material provided is very relevant to today's environment and the pressures of social media.

Gino Damo, Director of Corporate & Community Services

Town of Onoway

Ben provided insightful, focused sessions to both our Council and Administration. The expectation for public communication and engagement has never been greater and the importance of getting it right cannot be understated. Ben’s interactive and engaging focus on why, how and what we communicate, both in times of stability and crisis, enhanced our knowledge and provided food for thought as we continue to serve our community.

Bill Fletcher, CAO

City of St. Albert

Catalyst Communications facilitated a Crisis Communications workshop with our newly-elected Council. Ben did a great job of providing information in a relevant and interesting manner.

Megan Rawles, Corporate Services Director

District of Sparwood

Thank you again for presenting to our Council (on Media Relations and Crisis Communications). It was informative and provided several takeaways I will use on an ongoing basis. The example phrasing is particularly practical.

Amber Link, Reeve

Wheatland County

The material and delivery were tailored exceptionally well for our audience and has provided a foundation to begin our communications strategic plan. I would recommend this session to anyone seeking how to start building a stronger communications function.

Brent Williams, CAO

Town of Olds

Benjamin Proulx from Catalyst Communications provided invaluable training for our Administration and Council, equipping our team with the confidence needed for proactive communication. He guided our Council in understanding their role in the communications process, and expertly assisted us in navigating crisis communications during a particularly stressful period. Thanks to his expertise, we efficiently delivered a clear and effective message on a previously controversial topic. Ben’s support was instrumental in strengthening our communication strategies.

Meranda Day Chief, Executive Assistant

Town of Fort MacLeod

I’ve had the privilege of working with Ben Proulx and Catalyst Communications on several projects for our municipality. Their expertise in navigating public and media relations provided invaluable support during a challenging period. What truly sets them apart is their deep understanding of the unique challenges and complexities local governments face. They didn’t just offer generic solutions, but tailored their guidance to fit our specific needs with empathy and forethought.

Their media training session equipped our elected official with practical, hands-on skills that empowered him to manage day-to-day communications and more complex situations.

Their professionalism, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to serving local governments have made them a valuable and trusted resource. I highly recommend Ben Proulx and Catalyst Communications to any organization looking to strengthen their communications efforts or enhance their overall strategy.

Debbie Mottus, Communications & Marketing Director

Town of Westlock

The Town of Olds worked with Ben Proulx and Catalyst Communications for the development of the Town’s Crisis Communications Plan, and ensuing Crisis Communications training. Ben’s professionalism and experience were a great help to the organization, and in getting buy-in from leadership to create a fully functioning plan for crises. Ben has a wealth of experience and knowledge, and there is always so much to learn from his presentations. Highly recommended!

Jillian Toellner, Engagement & Communications Supervisor

Town of OIds

Ben played a pivotal role in enhancing the Town of Hinton’s communications function. He facilitated two training sessions, which were engaging and helped to align the organization in our approach to communications. What stood out the most was Ben’s commitment to understanding our organization and its unique challenges, which allowed him to deliver candid, actionable insights.

 The Communications Audit and subsequent communications plans provided by Catalyst Communications were exceptionally well done. They equipped the Town with the knowledge and foundation necessary to refine our approach, be more intentional in our communications, and continue to build trust with our citizens.

Jordan Panasiuk, CAO

Town of Hinton

Working with Catalyst Communications, Ben has brought a calm to local issues with the approach of both formal and informal communications pieces… Ben is personable, considerate, responsive and thorough in approaching issues which support the sincerity of information provided in all communications.

Jennifer Thompson, CAO

Town of Onoway

Working with Catalyst Communications, Ben has brought a calm to local issues with the approach of both formal and informal communication pieces. We also completed our first Citizen Satisfaction Survey with Catalyst Communication’s expertise. We now have a benchmark as we move forward with annual surveys. Ben is personable, considerate, responsive and thorough in approaching issues which support the sincerity of information provided in all communications.

Jennifer Thompson, CAO

Town of Onoway

When I stepped into the role of mayor through a by-election, the transition came in the midst of an ongoing social crisis within our community. I was in need of media relations training, and some high-level insight into how I could best navigate the wider media landscape. Ben took time to understand my needs and the nuances of our situation, and was able to plan out a session that was tailored to my strengths and personality.

Far from a “cookie cutter” program, Ben entered into my world and led me through some training that left me feeling calm and prepared for what lied ahead. I know that Ben had a genuine interest in my growth and future success. Following our session, Ben was always happy to engage when I had questions or needed a quick call of encouragement and support. I highly recommend Catalyst Communications. The Town of Westlock will continue to look to them when future needs arise.

Mayor Jon Kramer

Town of Westlock

I am pleased to provide a glowing testimonial for Ben Proulx with Catalyst Communications. Our municipality hired Ben to conduct two essential sessions, one for administration staff and one for elected officials. In both sessions, Ben’s professionalism, enthusiasm, and ability to adapt to our specific needs were commendable. His approach was not only informative but also engaging and interactive, making the sessions enjoyable and memorable for all participants.

Janet MacEachern, City of Grand Prairie

(Admin and Council Workshops)

Ben facilitated a comprehensive yet engaging communications workshop for our Town Council and staff. The information learned will help all attendees understand hot to communicate a message clearly and build rapport with the recipient.

James Suffredine, CAO

Town of Magrath