This Trillium Network member has a keen interest in macroeconomic policy and local economic development, serves in the Canadian Army Reserve and will most likely be running a marathon the next time you see him.

Andrew Horne joined the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing team in January, 2022 as program officer and supports research, analysis and data quality. He graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a Bachelor of Arts in economics and from the Balsillie School of International Affairs with a Master’s degree in International Public Policy.

What attracted you to the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing?
Trillium’s interaction with private sector manufacturers, government, policy makers and other not-for-profits brings much needed attention to the industry. Economic reports show how critical manufacturing is to job and long-term wealth creation. Many organizations contribute to the economic and manufacturing policy in Ontario and Trillium is at the nexus of it. With my educational background in economics and policy this is a dream come true.

What are your main priorities and goals in your role?
TrilliumGIS is an open-access asset and capability mapping platform that provides information for more than 8000 manufacturing establishments representing over 95% of Ontario manufacturing and employment output. As program officer, it is vital that I collect and verify information for the platform with speed and accuracy and ensure that there is an emphasis on detailed and efficient collection of market information for research analysis.

What have the highlights been so far working with theTrillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing?
Working on a long-term venture such as the EV battery supply chain project has been really rewarding. The assignment began in my first week at Trillium so I’ve felt a degree of ownership over it. At the genesis of any project there is so much that is unknown but the evolution from concept to tangible product and final deliverable is so exciting.

How do you define success and what drives you to succeed?
Success can be defined in many ways. I feel successful now because I love my job and look forward to work everyday and I’ve struck a good balance with my life outside of work. I always strive to do my best in everything and that gives me a strong sense of fulfillment.

What is your favourite hobby?
There is no better feeling than running outdoors filling your lungs with fresh air. I’ve completed six marathons and 20 half-marathons and find it such a great way to de-stress and enjoy the sunshine. I genuinely believe that it’s as good for you mentally as it is physically.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
This is not an exact quote but the concept that things in life are never as big of a deal to others as they are to you. We tend to obsess or worry about mistakes or imperfections or fixate on insignificant details and worry about what others will think. The reality is that we need to keep perspective, be graceful with ourselves and recognize that people have their own lives and often don’t even notice the things we are consumed with.

Last books I read: I recently finished An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Our Earth: What Going to Space Taught Me About Ingenuity, Determination and Being Prepared for Anything by Chris Hadfield. He writes that the secret to his success and survival is to enjoy every moment despite an unconventional philosophy he learned at NASA – prepare for the worst, always sweat the small stuff and care what others think.

Favourite restaurant: Shinwa Asian Cuisine in Waterloo – they have the best sweet and sour chicken.

Can’t live without: The internet.

Favourite band/song: Mr. Brightside by The Killers.

Winter or summer? Summer
Ninjas or pirates? Pirates
Cats or dogs? Dogs
Sushi or pizza? Pizza all day!
Favourite restaurant: Shinwa Asian Cuisine in Waterloo – they have the best sweet and sour chicken.

Can’t live without: The internet.
Favourite band/song: Mr. Brightside by The Killers.
Winter or summer? Summer
Ninjas or pirates? Pirates
Cats or dogs? Dogs
Sushi or pizza? Pizza all day!

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