Centre Wellington managing director of planning and development Brett Salmon recently announced the appointment of Patricia Rutter to the position of economic development officer.
Salmon said Rutter, a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University and the economic development program at the University of Waterloo, brings over 20 years experience in economic development as well as community/media relations experience to the municipality.
Rutter said she looks forward to bringing her skills and background to Centre Wellington to collaborate with the business community on retention and expansion issues, researching needs, expanding the economic base and improving the quality of life and competitiveness of the community.
Her first major project will be to work with Wellington County, other local municipalities and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food on a formal Business Retention and Expansion Program (BRE).
Rutter will visit approximately 40 randomly-selected businesses in the agriculture, health care, manufacturing and creative sectors.
The BRE program begins this month and culminates with a county-wide report on results and plans for ongoing action in the spring of 2014.
“Patricia has strong municipal skills and brings an excellent understanding of economic development to the township,” said Mayor Ross-Zuj.
“We are excited that Patricia is joining the team at the township in bringing an enhanced emphasis on the business community to Centre Wellington.”
Rutter officially commenced her duties on Aug. 26 and works out of the administrative offices in Elora. She was officially introduced to council on Sept. 23.
