When people hear the name Jerry Howarth, or at least hear his voice, economic development most likely doesn’t spring to mind.

As long-time radio broadcaster for the Toronto Blue Jays, he may seem out of place as host of L&A’s Economic Development Awards on Nov. 17. He’ll look to prove that running a Major League team isn't much different than running a small business.

“What I try to do is speak from the experience I’ve had watching a company, that would be the Blue Jays, how they’ve been run from ownership from Labatt initially and now Rogers,” explains Howarth. “I try to give an overview from what I see on what makes an organization successful.”

As the team’s radio play-by-play man for more than 30 years, he has witnessed first-hand the highs and lows. Though he has called close to 5,000 games, he has no difficulty immediately recalling his favourite moment.

“Dave Winfield’s two-run double in the top of the 11th of Game 6 in Atlanta of the first World Series the Blue Jays were in,” said Howarth. “That broke a 2-2 tie and made it 4-2. The Blue Jays in the bottom half of the inning would give up a run but win 4-3 for their first World Series. I think that’s the most special, the first one.”

Having watched General Manager Pat Gillick build the team from cellar dwellers in the late 1970s to early 80s to perennial contenders, Howarth learned the value of communication in running any kind of business.

He’ll relate those lessons in what he says will be a light-hearted evening at the Strathcona Paper Centre.

The awards night will see local businesses take home awards in the Agricultural Operation of the Year, Tourism Product of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year and Small Firm of the Year categories. A special life time achievement award will also be presented.

The local businesses will be the main focus, but the night wouldn't be complete without some baseball talk.
When put on the spot to pick his 2011 World Series champion, which got underway last night, Howarth predicted a Texas Rangers victory in six games. His brain will likely be picked over when he visits the softball/baseball crazed town of Napanee.

“It’s a real treat for me to meet the audience out there and talk to them,” said Howarth. "Many of them come up to me and say ‘you said one thing that I'm going to remember’ or ‘you shed some light on this one story regarding communication’ that I think is important."

Tickets for the event are $45 and can be purchased by calling 613-354-4883 ext. 271 or online at www.LennoxAndAddington.com. The reception begins at 6 p.m. with a dinner at 7 p.m.

From:  Howarth mixes business baseball
By:  Adam Prudhomme
The Napanee Beaver
October 20, 2011