Rainy River hires economic development officer

By Ken Johnston
Editor

Rainy River has a new Town Coordinator/Economic Development Officer.
Last week Anthony Mason started in that position, newly created as a result of the efforts by Rainy River’s Strategic Planning Committee of Council.
Mason is not a stranger to the area. He is from Emo and is married to Sheila Jolicouer of Rainy River. He also fished in the RRWT last fall and both he and his family have been trying to move back to the area from Manitoba.
He has a three year Business Computer education behind him which he feels is a huge asset for this new position.
He learned of the new position in Rainy River from his father-in-law Gerry Jolicoeur. “Being passionate about the area and wanting it to strive I felt with that and my education I could make a difference here.”
When asked if the spiralling downward economies of both Rainy River and Northwestern Ontario as a whole gave him cause for alarm when considering the job, Mason said, “I love a challenge and I feel it is very exciting to be part of a group that will change the way this community is going.”
Gord Armstrong, Town Councillor and member of the strategic planning committee, said that they identified a need for a person to do this job full time. “We often run across an idea and do not have the time to follow it up fully. Anthony will do that and has already (in his first week) done that with three things.”
While Rainy River lost its full time economic development office several years ago, Rainy River Future Development Corporation has been working with the community on several opportunities for the community’s future. “We expect Anthony to work hand in hand with RRFDC,” said Armstrong.
Mason will meet with RRFDC as well as other community groups like the Chamber of Commerce. He is also meeting with other groups in the community to work as a coordinator for town events and activities.
Mason and his wife bring two young children to the community. They are currently living in Aaron and Carla Armstrong’s residence just east of Rainy River. His son has already begun playing hockey here.
Mason is away at a Community Development Intensive Training course this week.
He will work regular business hours at the town office and can be reached there at 852-3244 or via cell phone at 275-5556.
His job has been funded by grants for one year. “After that we will have to prove the position is very valuable,” said Armstrong.
Armstrong said this is a key step to a better and brighter future for Rainy River but noted that the number one change, that everyone needs to make, is their attitudes. “People need to think positive and we will succeed.”
“It is very exciting (already) when I make contacts and see what possibilities could come to town,” said Mason. Of course he can not reveal anything they are working on until the time is right.
Armstrong said, “We will work hard to communicate any positive development once ready.”