imagineCALGARY is welcoming an internationally recognized speaker to its 2009 Partnership Conference. The theme of the 2009 Conference is Economic Well-Being and the imagineCALGARY Partnership and it will feature a presentation by John F. Helliwell, an Officer of the Order of Canada, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

In addition to being Professor Emeritus of Economics at the University of British Columbia, Professor Helliwell is the Arthur J.E. Child Foundation Fellow of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research. He also co-directs the Institute’s program on Social Interactions, Identity, and Well-Being with Nobel Laureate George Akerlof.

In his imagineCALGARY presentation, Professor Helliwell will address factors that contribute to well-being and happiness within a community. His research has shown that although household income is important, economic status is not as critical a factor as many people believe. Instead, issues like a supportive community, sense of belonging, good health, family and friends are significant factors in creating well-being.

Organizations like imagineCALGARY that promote sustainable interaction among citizens, nurture strategies for a positive future and which affirm the connection people have to their place and communities have been shown to have a strong and positive impact on happiness and a sense of well-being.

A well-respected author, Professor Helliwell’s books include How Much Do National Borders Matter?, The Contribution of Human and Social Capital to Sustained Economic Growth and Well-Being, and Globalization and Well-Being. His co-authored chapter in The Science of Well-Being with Robert Putman – "The Social Context of Well-Being" – is a standard reference for the theme of the 2009 imagineCALGARY Conference.

Professor Helliwell’s presentation will take place on Mon., Nov. 16th at 7:30 p.m. at The University of Calgary (MacEwan Hall B). imagineCALGARY Partners and interested guests are welcome to attend and learn more about Professor Helliwell’s insightful perspectives on helping develop and foster supportive and sustainable communities.

Check back to the imagineCALGARY website for further information on how to register for the November 16th event once details are finalized.