With a varied background in forestry, economic and cross-cultural studies, Michael McLaughlin is looking forward to the challenge of helping to shape business on the Sunshine Coast.
On Monday, the Gibsons Community Initiatives Association (GCIA) formally announced McLaughlin as the new economic development officer (EDO). McLaughlin will take on the responsibilities of EDO on April 1. This position was previously held by Hamilton McClymont who retired late last year.
McLaughlin is coming to the Coast from the Similkameen Valley Planning Society where his position served two municipalities, two Indian Bands, and three areas of a regional district. He has been instrumental in developing an economic diversification strategic plan focusing on business retention to private industry, and also building a marketing strategy and brand to attract new business investment to a newly-serviced business park. In addition he has been project co-ordinator for various projects including an organic farming institute and a water storage facility on the Similkameen River.
His diverse background has also allowed him to develop his own consulting firm that provides services to local governments, businesses and non-profits. Primary areas are conservation-based economics, sustainable tourism, and mitigation of economic consequences of climate change and tightening oil supplies.
"My job is to foster an environment that is appealing to business," he said. "It's just not the economic developer who creates success, it's all of the stakeholders working together who create success."
The GCIA is a non-profit association. Funding for the association is 50 per cent local business owners, 25 per cent Town of Gibsons and 25 per cent Sunshine Coast Regional District (Areas E and F)."With over 10 years of experience in rural community development, extensive experience in business planning, a track record of leadership in community visioning, planning and goals achievement, the Gibsons Community Initiatives Association is very pleased to bring Michael on board," said GCIA chair Bob Hoy.
McLaughlin said initially, he wants to listen to people to better assess the needs of the community.
"For the first several months I need to listen to people, I need to learn," he said. "But at the same time, it is clear there are some projects that people want to see move forward - projects like the Hillside Industrial Park or assistance with HSPP. So it's a matter of listening, learning and building trust. People have to learn to trust working with me, but you also have to show you can get the job done. The Sunshine Coast is rural in nature, but it has a kind of urban sophistication to it. I'm looking forward to being part of the community."
