Tuesday, February 22, 2011  
   Volume 81 - Issue 8 passheraldarchive.ca   email: passherald@shaw.ca   $1.00   
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Quote of the Week
“Information is just as good as money.”
- Constable Ryan Di Loreto  
- Crowsnest Pass RCMP   
   
 
At the February 15th Council meeting, Mayor Bruce Decoux informed Council that the economic task force has been struck.
Decoux first announced his desire to assemble the task force at the November 1st Council meeting, in order to review the economic conditions of the municipality and provide recommendations relative to overcoming these issues and improving the economy.
These recommendations will form the basis of an economic plan which will be endorsed by the Municipality and the business community.
Dr. Frank Oliva, former Dean of the University of Calgary, will act as Task Force Chairman.
The task force is also comprised of eight other credentialed and experienced individuals, including:
Doug Thornton, an accomplished businessman and former Councillor for the Town of Pincher Creek, where he was chair of the Economic Development Committee.
Lynnette Jessop, who serves on numerous boards and committees in the Crowsnest Pass, and has a comprehensive understanding of economic, social, and community issues. Jessop is experienced in restructuring various organizations and monitoring their economic success.
John E. Squarek, an energy industry executive with technical, managerial, and business experience. Squarek has directed turn-around and start-up operations over a broad spectrum of businesses and served as President, CEO, and Director of several companies, and is currently a Director of the Alberta Clean Air Strategic Alliance.
Ryan Gill, the CEO/Partner of Suitcase Interactive, a national digital marketing agency, and has worked as a Strategic Marketing Advisor for Calgary Tourism, Niagara Falls Tourism, and Spruce Meadows. His agency has achieved numerous awards for their accomplishments.
Bruce Graham, who is the President and CEO of Calgary Economic Development, and has worked with more than 100 companies in core development areas such as business attraction and retention. He is currently spearheading the development and programming for the Global Business Centre for Southern Alberta.
 
Robert Tarleck, former Mayor of Lethbridge, who initiated the City of Lethbridge Economic Development Committee, and has since been reappointed to the Alberta Economic Development Authority.
Janet Hyde, a consultant with Abiocon Strategies, Inc., whose work has focused on economic development, tourism development, and new opportunity and marketing strategy development. Hyde has recently completed economic development projects for Peace River and Grande Prairie, and has also worked with a community group in the Crowsnest Pass to develop an action plan to help increase area tourism.
And lastly, Shane Stewart, a Crowsnest Pass developer, who has served as President, Vice President and General manager of several companies, and has been involved in numerous volunteer boards and committees in the Crowsnest Pass for a number of years.
Mayor Decoux said the group will consult with municipal governments and other groups with expertise to develop their recommendations to the municipality.
“They have been notified and are planning their first meeting,” said Mayor Decoux.
Meetings of the group will be held in locations deemed appropriate by the chairman, and could be held in person or via teleconference in Medicine Hat, Calgary, Lethbridge, or wherever works best.
Meetings with local businesses and individuals, as well as media releases, will be facilitated through Decoux by Dr. Oliva.
Decoux said Council will maintain an “arm’s length” position from the work of the task force until they have completed their task, allowing the group to work as an autonomous and sovereign body.
“Council has taken some significant steps relative to improving the way we do business internally, and now we have taken our first major step in addressing our economy,” said Decoux.
The task force will present its recommendations to Council no later than the final week in May, except in the case of unforeseen circumstances, and soon thereafter, the information will be provided to the public at a Council meeting.
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