KEDC sets direction for 2009-2011 based on community input
The Kittiwake Economic Development Corporation completes its consultation process for its 3 year Strategic Economic Plan.
The Kittiwake Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) has completed the community consultation process for its three year Strategic Economic Plan (SEP). In all there were ten community consultations throughout the Zone with over 100 residents, business owners, councilors, and other stakeholder representatives participating. Meetings took place in Lewisporte, Newville, Twillingate, Glovertown, Eastport, Gander, Gambo, New Wes Valley, Centreville and Musgrave Harbour. A final confirmation/prioritization meeting took place in Gander and was made up of representatives from the communities where the consultations took place, as well as the Board of Directors and two of the region’s MHAs.
“I am pleased to report that priorities under each of the three sectors; Tourism, Natural Resources and Business, were identified and endorsed by the community consultation representatives and the Board of Directors of Zone 14. These priorities will help develop the framework for the KEDC 2009-2011 SEP”, says Jill Bennett, Executive Director for the KEDC.
The initiatives that will make up 2009-2011 SEP will fall within the sectors of Tourism, Natural Resources and Business. Three priorities under each sector have been identified and will be the blueprint for the SEP. The Corporation recognizes however, as the environment changes, so may the direction of the SEP. The Board of Directors will evaluate the Plan annually to be sure it maintains a focus that is best suited for the region.
Tourism priorities are; Marketing, Infrastructure Development and Collaboration. Natural Resources will work in the areas of Supporting Local (continuation of the Buy Local Campaign), identifying opportunities as they relate to the fishery and expansion of the industry such as cranberry development and alternative crops, to name few. Under the Business sector KEDC will work to develop Coastal Infrastructure as it pertains to importing and exporting, support initiatives as they pertain to IT/Broadband, and work to support new initiatives as they are identified, such as aerospace, wind energy and access to labour.
“I am taking this opportunity to thank all those who attended these sessions. Your input was essential and provided us with the framework needed to create a three year strategic plan. Thank you as well to our partners, ACOA and the Department of Innovation Trade and Rural Development for your support and guidance enabling us to prepare for the consultation process; and, thank you to Service Canada for supporting us in our efforts to coordinate and work with the many communities and community representatives allowing us to reach as many stakeholders possible to ensure a compressive plan – one that reflects the Region” – Jill Bennett, Executive Director, KEDC
The next steps will involve engaging the line departments and agencies in a process that will involve working together to foster support of the Plan and execute the initiatives. The first draft of the SEP will be written by the end of August and the final document will be complete by early November.
KEDC is the Regional Economic Development Board serving the Kittiwake Coast which extends west to Lewisporte, north to Fogo and east to Charlottetown. Please contact the office anytime to inquire about any of our initiatives and activities and the SEP process and report. The final presentation of the Community Consultation process for the SEP can be viewed on the KEDC website by visiting www.kittiwake.nf.ca.
For more information, please contact: Jill Bennett @ 256-2724
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