CORNER BROOK — The Humber Economic Development Board is aiming to get back on track and is looking for public input tonight to move that process along.
The board that serves the Bay of Islands, Humber Valley and White Bay South Region has experienced some turnover in personnel lately, but hopes to begin interviewing for a new executive director in the coming weeks.
Tonight, a public information session is being held at the Pepsi Centre in Corner Brook to seek input on the board’s work plan for the 2011-12 fiscal year. The hope is to generate ideas from anyone interested in economic development in the region.
The board has identified six sectors in particular it feels are the areas where the region’s economy has strength and can grow. In priority sequence, those include tourism, agriculture, business, education, forestry and youth.
Tony Blanchard, the board’s chairperson, said the HEDB has remained active, although it has been keeping a relatively low profile lately. For instance, it has been working with the Model Forest of Newfoundland and Labrador and communities in the White Bay South area to identify and foster new opportunities connected with the forestry sector.
Blanchard wants the HEDB to become more of a force in moving the entire region’s economy forward.
“Things have slowed down a little,” he said. “We’re hoping, now that we’re back on track, we will get back to speed and get things moving again.”
The board has heard from between 15 and 20 people who plan to attend tonight’s meeting, which is scheduled for 7-9 p.m.
“We have invited partners, municipalities and anyone with an interest in economic development in Zone 8 to attend and have input into what they would like to see in our (integrated business plan),” said Blanchard. “Let’s work together for the betterment of the zone.”
Blanchard said the HEDB hopes to host more of these public input meetings in the future and will hold them anywhere within the region that members would like to have them.
I didn't think you could provide any names. I don't know about 15 - 20 years ago, because I was too young at that time, But you might want to check some current facts.