Council makes changes to Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development and Tourism

Council has passed a resolution to remove and replace the current Board of Directors for Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development and Tourism (FMWBEDT), legally known as Wood Buffalo Economic Development Corporation. The Council resolution will see the organization reporting through its Chief Executive Officer directly to Council and the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), by appointing members of Council and the CAO as the Board of Directors, on an interim basis, with the Mayor holding the Office of Chair.

Economic development and tourism will continue to be a priority for Council, and they remain committed to progressing economic development opportunities in the region. These changes to FMWBEDT are part of the RMWB's on-going effort to be more effective and efficient in-service delivery.

"Economic development, supporting local business and industry, while always being guided by a spirit of service to the people that live here is important to us," said Mayor Sandy Bowman.

"As a Council, we are ultimately accountable to the people that put us here, and it has become clear that collectively, we need to have stronger oversight of how the work of economic development and tourism is being led.

"We are deeply appreciative of the outgoing Board members, and we thank them for their dedication to the community - some over many years and in various capacities at a local level. We felt, however, that change was necessary.

"We also thank the staff on the front lines with the economic development team for their passion and commitment to their work. Your efforts are noticed and valued, and we know you have some great ideas about where we're headed in advancing economic development and tourism, now and in the months ahead," continued Mayor Bowman.

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