The Quinte Economic Development held its Annual General Meeting Tuesday, prior to its regular board meeting.
Outgoing Board Chair Brad Little commended the work of QEDC partners, especially over the last year.
He said 2020 was driven by COVID and the QEDC had to be more nimble, patient, flexible and understanding as they navigated the shores of the pandemic voyage.
He added it was challenging but that their team was able to rise to the challenge.
Taking over for Little as chair is Belleville realtor Tim McKinney.
McKinney has more than 25 years experience in the Quinte area real estate industry and has been involved in numerous charitable organizations and events.
He is also the president of the Rotary Club of Belleville.
McKinney will serve a two-year term as chair.
McKinney told the Commission, meeting via zoom, that he’s honoured for the opportunity and has some big shoes to fill.
Brighton Mayor Brian Ostrander is the new Vice-Chair.
Ted Reid remains Secretary Treasurer and Little will stay on as an Executive Committee Member.
“And last year we had a pretty good leverage where you know, if you think about our total revenue we brought in it was about $1.6 million and just over $400,000 of that was municipal so we did a pretty good job leveraging those municipal dollars to bring in more money.”
“They have a really strong track record of taking people that have barriers to employment, and get them job ready, and when they’re done, they all receive full-time permanent jobs. So I think we’re in a good position to try and get those dollars but we’re not entitled to them. We have to apply and build a business case to get them and that’s what we’re working on now.”
