New director, familiar face at helm of Queens Economic Development

“I’m excited about the change in role and the challenges ahead,” she says.

The aim of economic development is to promote Queens Co. to attract businesses, residents and visitors to the area, as well as keep the already established businesses in the county.

Economic Development is a small office within the Region of Queens, with just herself and the Economic Development Officer, who they are in the process of hiring. However, the goals of the department are mighty. “It takes the vision for how the community should look and creates the plan to get there, in the broadest sense.”

The Municipal Planning Strategy, which is under currently review with the provincial government, plays a large part in guiding her role.

Much of her job involves fostering relationships with local businesses and help them sustain their business, as well as constantly being on the look-out for new opportunities for developers to come to the community.

Cruickshank says economic development in rural areas face many of the same challenges, like the shrinking of rural economies, outmigration of youth to cities, an aging population and difficulty of attracting major new businesses.

Part of the focus is to look for more small to medium size businesses.

Tourism also falls under Economic Development, as well as managing tourist facilities, the airport in Greenfield and tourism signage around the county. “Tourism is one industry that has been growing, but certainly this year with the economy it has had its challenges.”

She adds, however, the numbers this year are not too bad so far.

Cruickshank has worked for the Region for 11 years, starting off as secretary/receptionist for the economic development and recreation departments for three years. In 2001, she was promoted to special projects coordinator, but recently the title changed to Economic Development Officer. Part of the reason, she says is because the role is ever evolving.

About a month ago, she was promoted to Director of Economic Development Officer, after the previous director, Brian Baker, took a job with the government of Newfoundland.

A native of England, she holds a graduate degree in human resources and brings a varied background to the new role, having worked in industries from oil to tourism.

What brought her to Queens Co. was a vacation originally, but the community had an impact on her. “I was attracted by the thing that attracts a lot of people, and I hope still attracts people to live here, which is the quality of life,” she says.

She says England is built up and congested, compared to the space in Nova Scotia, and the people are wonderful. “Coming as a visitor, people here were so friendly and hospitable.” She adds, “It’s just a beautiful area to live.”