Under the supervision of the General Manager Planning & Community Services, the duties and responsibilities of the EDO include, but are not limited to, the following:
Strategic Planning
- Evaluate the County’s investment readiness and develop recommendations to improve the attractiveness of the County for investment.
- Facilitate the development of Economic Development strategies, ensuring alignment with Council’s priorities. These strategies should address investment readiness, investment attraction, and business retention and expansion. Lead the implementation of the Economic Development strategies through the development of an annual work plan that identifies priorities, goals, timelines, and measurable deliverables, mitigating unforeseen liability for the County and leadership team
- Provide bi-annual reports evaluating and summarizing progress on goals and objectives identified in Economic Development Strategy
- Identify, research, and analyze data, local, regional, and national, that would assist in identifying economic impacts on the community
- Implement and maintain systems required for effective collection & reporting of relevant economic data
- Develop and maintain an inventory of business community contacts for analysis, networking, and partnership opportunities
- Initiate, facilitate, review and award request for proposal (RFP) initiatives related to BR&E strategies and business development
- Advocate, develop and implement policy that will foster and encourage growth and sustainability
- Maintain an awareness of regional, provincial, and federal economic planning programs and activities
Administration
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Preparation of policy documents, Council reports, community reports, business development, brand marketing and promotional items & and development of tourism collateral material
- Forecast and develop (short and long term) annual budget for economic development & tourism department; monitor expenditures, analyze costs, payment reporting/sign off and ensure expenditures are within annual authorized limits
- Work collaboratively with other municipal departments as required to provide support, industry insight/expertise, gain input, undertake collaborative projects, or provide feedback, instilling a team environment
- Maintain a deep understanding of concepts and process of municipal Bylaws (Land Use, Community Standards, etc.)
- Assist in the facilitation of decisions on business development inquiries
- Assist in the development of or modification of business or land related Bylaws
Business Retention and Attraction
- Coordinate, liaise, and support local and external organizations, institutions, potential investors, developers, local businesses, First Nations, and other partners to advance the County’s economic interests
- Support local businesses in developing capacity to respond to business growth and tourism opportunities in Westlock County
- Lead inter- and intra-departmental approaches to promote and market Westlock County tourism
- Develop industry sector relationships that would support existing and attract new industry development
- Primary point of contact for business development inquiries and facilitate relationship between the County’s planning and development departments
- Pursue high-end leads, identifying opportunities and prospects, relating to various industrial and commercial lands and buildings for sale or lease. Assist in the negotiation of land sales or leases to increase assessment base and facilitate job growth
- Undertake lead role for special projects as assigned by the General Manager Planning & Community Development
Branding and Marketing
- Ensure that economic development activities align with community branding efforts and marketing
- Develop promotional strategies for both business development and regional tourism, building on brand for both short- and long-term growth
- Create and deliver information to local business including; services, initiatives, and programs that enhance or stimulate business growth and sustainability
- Collaborate with other inter-related departments through strategic marketing and branding initiatives
Community Engagement
- Establish and maintain relationships with Industrial/Commercial/Investment realtors, landlords, developers, consultants, and contractors to secure business development
- Take a lead role in external groups/organizations regarding investment meetings, seminars, and trade shows to promote Westlock County’s economic development
- Develop concepts for presentation at local and regional meetings and events promoting Westlock County’s economic development initiatives
- Represent and advocate the County by actively participating in regional and local working groups, committees, boards, and industry forums related to BR&E and investment across multiple regional sectors
- Establish partnerships and collaborate with local and regional entities for the purpose of promoting Westlock County as a destination for business and tourism development
- Initiate, facilitate, and attend community meetings for the purpose of education and information updates to the public at large, taking a lead role with conflict resolution when required
- Consult with and maintain strong relationships with members of the public, staff at all levels, external organizations, members of Council and other departments to help achieve the goal of the team, division, and organization
Other Duties
- Special projects as required
- Ensure that Westlock County’s Health and Safety Program as well as Occupational Health and Safety’s standards are followed
- Promotes a safe work environment/ ensuring compliance with all government regulations, Health & Safety policies and practices, Participation on the County’s Joint Health and Safety Committee as required
