Last week, North and South Dundas council’s were making concurrent announcements regarding economic development.
While North Dundas was announcing Rob Hunter’s resignation as North Dundas economic development officer, South Dundas was announcing that Hunter accepted the position of economic development officer with the Municipality of South Dundas effective February 1st.
Hunter was at the South Dundas Municipal Centre, Monday, to speak with The Leader and to meet his new co-workers.
Hunter spent the last 4.5 years as EDO and communications officer for North Dundas.
In total, Hunter has 16 years economic development and business experience.
Prior to his time in North Dundas, he was the executive director for the Ontario BIA association and Downtown Brockville.
Of his time in North Dundas, Hunter is proudest of his involvement with the sale of the former Nestlé facility in Chesterville.
“It sat vacant for over 10 years, so seeing it sold was a nice send off,” he said.
Although Hunter, who was North Dundas’ first EDO, is leaving there to come here, he says he has left on good terms.
Hunter, who lives in Brockville, loves the river and the natural setting that South Dundas provides.
“This is a wonderful community with a lot of potential.”
He sees great potential for growth in the agriculture sector and is impressed by the advanced manufacturing that exists here mentioning Ross Video. Also, South Dundas has two dental burr manufacturers, that are some of the many interesting businesses that already exist here.
“With the business park available, South Dundas has great potential for cluster development, which is what companies are looking for,” says Hunter.
“I look forward to focusing on the expansion of local businesses and the attraction of new businesses that will provide growth and prosperity for South Dundas.”
“Economic development is a team sport,” he says. “I am also looking forward to working with council staff and business community stakeholders, who are all part of the team, to help shape the future of the municipality.”
South Dundas treasurer and CAO Shannon Geraghty, said that as part of the interview process, applicants were asked to critique the 2012 strategic plan that guides economic development.
“He gave us a lot of ideas and useful input through that exercise,” said Geraghty. “I am really looking forward to working with Rob and getting economic development back in South Dundas.
Named 2014 Economic Developer of the Year by Ontario East, Hunter holds an economic development certificate from the University of Waterloo and is a certified Economic Developer with the Economic Development Council.
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