County hires short-term EDO support

Former County resident Debra Williams has been hired on a short-term contract basis to support the County’s CAO in the co-ordination of the Economic Development Department.
Chief Administrative Officer Merlin Dewing’s plan for the first quarter of 2012 includes  developing a strategy to meet council’s objectives of sustainable jobs, supporting current businesses, contributing to the County’s momentum as an attractive destination for investors, building on local assets, resources, heritage and innovation, and ultimately, increasing the municipal tax base.
Williams will support the CAO in the co-ordination of the Economic Development Department including:
– supplementing the economic development staffing shortfall,
– working on the existing economic development work plan, and
– ramping up to the development of the municipal Economic Development Strategy.
Dewing said Williams gained extensive training and experience in her positions as the Economic Development Officer and Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for the District of Fort St. James in British Columbia and the Community Development Officer in Watson Lake, Yukon.
“Adding to this is her experience as an innovative business owner and an active member of a variety of non-profit and volunteer organizations,” he said.
“We are fortunate to be able to find someone with this level of experience to assist in moving forward with the economic development strategy,” said Dewing, “Debra has the added advantage of having been raised in the County, giving her a keen awareness of the community.”
Williams will work out of the Edward Building, Picton.