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Mayor says economic development needs to be more accountable

Campbell River’s new mayor will work with Rivercorp in a review of the organization

Campbell River’s new mayor will work with Rivercorp in a review of the organization.

Mayor Andy Adams said he will liaise with the board as it conducts an internal review of its priorities and ways to revitalize economic development activities.

“I will take on the task of working with the Rivercorp Board in looking at options for organizational structure and how to align their initiatives with council’s Strategic Plan,” Adams said during a speech at council’s inaugural meeting Tuesday evening at the Community Centre.

The review was announced by Rivercorp Monday at the same time the economic development arm revealed that its board of directors has decided to move forward without chief executive officer Vic Goodman.

Goodman, who had been with the organization since 2011, and the board came to an agreement to change leadership in late November.

Rivercorp vice-chairman Bruce Woytuik has said Rivercorp has no immediate plans to fill Goodman’s position and will first complete the internal review before deciding on how best to move forward.

Adams said Tuesday that no matter what the end result, the city needs to do better.

“Economic development will need to be more focused, results orientated, and accountable,” Adams said. “I look forward to sitting down with the Rivercorp board and collectively set a new direction.”

But while the future may be uncertain for Rivercorp, other promotional organizations do hold some promise.

“We are fortunate to have some excellent work being done at the Visitor Information Centre, InFilm, the Creative Industries, and Tourism (Campbell River and Region),” Adams said.

“But there is more we can do with tourism to promote Campbell River.”

Rivercorp is responsible for economic development, including Tourism Campbell River and Region, and the Campbell River Visitor Centre.

Rivercorp is located inside the Enterprise Centre which is across the street from City Hall.