KITIMAT – For any community, Economic Development is a top priority. When the local pulp mill closed and over five hundred jobs were lost, there was the expectation that the Economic Development Officer (EDO) would work magic and save the local economy.
As the community struggled to cope with unprecedented job losses, and further delays with the proposed $3.8 billion aluminum smelter modernization project, there were increased pressures on local government and the economic development department “to do something”.
Kitimat has experienced the boom-bust cycle over the years. However, after the closure of the Eurocan Pulp and Paper Mill there was determination from Rose Klukas, the District’s EDO, to approach the challenges with new vigor and ideas to enable her community to rebuild and prepare for a long term, sustainable, economic future.
Her approach of collaboration, communication and relationship building during her tenure as EDO has been a key part of building a sustainable economic future for Kitimat. While hosting delegations and potential new investors from near and far, Rose never lost sight of the existing industry, services and small businesses in the region.
The small business initiative, Small Town Love website Love Kitimat was launched in October 2015 with a business fair featuring the unique small local shops and businesses, an integral part of our community. Invest Northwest website was a collaboration of economic development departments from several northern communities in partnership with Northern Development Initiative Trust featuring detailed project descriptions for proposed developments in the region keeping businesses apprised of future potential opportunities for growth.
As co-chair of the Northwest Regional Workforce Table task force Rose has invested in the long term planning, goals and needs of Kitimat and the future workforce required to move forward with sustainable growth and economic development for her community.
I have had the pleasure, as Executive Director of the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce to work in partnership with the Economic Development Office headed by Rose Klukas since 2011. We have worked on many projects over the years, from tourism initiatives to business façade improvement program to our most recent collaboration, the development of a community calendar www.kitimatcalendar.ca.
It is with high regard for Rose’s dedication and commitment, not just to her position as EDO for the District of Kitimat, but as a long-time resident with a vested interest in the future of her home town that the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce says farewell and best wishes to Rose and her family as they prepare for their move in May to Campbell River where she has accepted the position of EDO.
– Trish Parsons, executive direction of the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce. To reach her, please visit www.kitimatchamber.ca.
