After six months of becoming acquainted with the community, Merritt’s new economic development manager is getting ready to revamp the city’s economic development strategy.
Last month, James Umpherson unveiled his new plan with a presentation to Merritt’s city council and outlined his strategies to grow a sustainable economy.
“My approach is based on a current assessment of Merritt’s economic conditions in the present,” said Umpherson. “I want to understand where we are today before looking to the future.”
Umpherson said he will analyse Merritt’s economy to determine the city’s strengths and focus on the sectors that will grow rather than be side-tracked by outside proposals.
“It seems in the past the economic development office would chase whoever showed an interest,” he said. “Rather than going wherever the winds are blowing, we need to decide where our winds will blow.”
Mayor Susan Roline says she has been pleased with Umpherson’s approach to economic development, which focuses on the city’s strengths.
“He’s taking his time to learn as much as he can so the plan is designed for Merritt,” she said. “By targeting things Merritt needs rather than responding to other ideas, there will be a greater opportunity for success.”
Focusing on growing specific sectors of the economy will involve working together with local businesses as well as educational institutions so that young people are trained to fill jobs that are needed locally, said Umpherson.
“We’re taking a pro-active approach to make sure we plan for a sustainable future,” he said.
While he is still in the process of assessing the community, Umpherson said tourism is one industry the community has identified as important.
With events such Mountainfest, The Great Canadian Bike Rally and the Country Christmas parade happening throughout the year, Umpherson says Merritt is an “event destination” though the community needs to work on marketing.
“The City of Merritt sees ourselves as having four seasons of fun,” he said. “We have lots of events year-round, but we need work with event organizers and hospitality groups to package it.”
For example, Umpherson says the Christmas parade is one event, but with the proper marketing visitors from the Lower Mainland would come for the parade, eat in local restaurants, stay in local hotels and visit other local attractions.
With regards to his overall plan, Umpherson said he wants to get Merritt out of the boom and bust resource economy trap by diversifying Merritt’s economy without chasing the next trend.
