OLDS — Later this spring there could be two people in the town office looking after economic development.
The town is in the process of hiring an economic development coordinator.
Currently, Larry Wright, the town’s strategy and planning director, is the town’s point person on economic development and has held that post for years.
When asked if Wright is retiring, in an email, chief administrative officer (CAO) Michael Merritt said the economic coordinator’s position is “a succession planning decision approved in the 2021 budget.”
“Every day you will collaborate with developers, business owners, staff and community members to make Olds an attractive place to start or expand a business or invest in business opportunities," an ad taken out by the town said.
Merritt said the economic coordinator will be hired later this spring and will work alongside Wright for the balance of this year. But they may not both be working for the town next year.
“In the 2022 budget, a decision will be made in regard to the second position,” he wrote.
Around 2007, prior to the arrival of Wright, economic development was carried out by the CAO with help from consultants.
