By KELLY LOUISEIZE
Driven from private-sector best practices, a new Thunder Bay economic advisory board will focus on playing a vital role in stabilizing, diversifying and growing the local economy.
The city developed a profile for an advisory board, outlining what kind of expertise they wanted first before short-listing volunteer candidates. The chosen 12 people had to fit certain skill sets, providing a plethora of knowledge for all sectors and at the same time have experience as board members, says Derik Brandt manager of the Thunder Bay tourism and economic development division.
“In general, and based on their experience (we will be looking for input on) what is missing, what might we leave out and opportunities for strategic alignment within the plan.”
The focus of the initiative is to establish an overall economic approach rather than the offering advice on the day-to-day operations.
The individuals serving on the board are: Ray Riley, forestry consultant, Don Lovisa, academic director at Confederation College, Loris Leutri, owner of FRP Systems, Jim Howie, business manager for International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 339, Don Paterson, chair of Paterson & Sons, Dr. Robert Thayer, president of Genesis Genomics, Stephen Wright, past chair of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Gord Wickham, district manager for UMA Engineering Ltd., Mayor Lynn Perterson, Councillor Rebecca Johnson, Councillor Lynda Rydholm, and Councillor Mark Bentz.
