AG Academy

Spring 2023 – CAO and Senior Staff Four Day Programme 

April 25-28, 2023

Best Western Mariposa Inn
and Conference Centre
400 Memorial Drive
Orillia

Enrollment is limited.
Register today!

You will benefit by learning how to:

  • Enhance your communication skills, written and oral 
  • Navigate the challenging ethical framework for municipal governments 
  • Understand the critical success factors for senior managers 
  • Maximize the use of your personal network 
  • Use simple techniques to make the most of your time 
  • Implement effective succession management 
  • Understand and communicate the financial dilemma facing municipalities 
  • Become a more effective negotiator 
  • Implement effective asset management processes 
  • Manage conflict beneficially 
  • Improve meetings both as a chair  and as a staff person  
  • Develop your personal leadership strengths 
  • Prepare your new Council for the term ahead  
  • And more…

A Value packed Programme!

The Programme begins at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening and continues for the next two days and evenings, wrapping up at noon on Friday, allowing for maximum learning while minimizing your time away from both work and significant others.

Dozens of senior staff have taken this Programme since its original offering in 2008. Participants have become, or enhanced their roles as, CAOs since that time. 

‍ Reviews include:

“Wow! Excellent value!”

“I learned something new and practical in each area we covered.”

“My staff will be attending as part of their personal development plans.”

Programme Fee

$1995.00 plus HST = $2254.35*

  • Includes three breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners and snacks

The CAO and Senior Manager Four Day Programme Leaders:

Fred Dean and Nigel Bellchamber have delivered hundreds of highly acclaimed training programmes and workshops in all parts of Ontario since 2002, from Thunder Bay to Cornwall, from Windsor to Timmins.

They have also developed a Two Day Programme for the same audience, which is quite adaptable to local needs and local delivery. 

In addition, a unique One Day Programme has been presented across the Province for Municipal Administrative Support Professionals, those people who “have the backs” of Mayors and Senior Staff, and who are often the first point of contact with the public.


AG Academy Puzzle Piece - Amberley Gavel - Fred Dean and Nigel Bellchamber, experienced municipal professionals and acknowledged leaders in the field of councillor education

Amberley Gavel Orientation and Educational Sessions

Nigel and Fred formed Amberley Gavel Ltd. in 2008 to undertake Closed Meeting Investigations. The firm has also served as Integrity Commissioner and Municipal Ombudsman. Since October 2022 they have conducted over 30 orientation sessions for newly elected Councils across Ontario. Having delivered  educational sessions at every municipal Conference in Ontario, they continue to be invited to do so.

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