On December 2, 2019, City Council passed a resolution approving a new model for economic and tourism development in the community. As part of this model, the SSMEDC board will act in a strategic advisory role to City Council for matters related to economic development within the community. The board members will provide guidance on:
Providing expert insight into economic development strategies
- Assist in providing business development expertise to create opportunities
- Recommending strategic and annual business plans to City Council
- Assessing and recommending funding applications to an Economic Development Fund
- Reviewing and approving funding applications that would be submitted through the non-profit corporation to senior levels of government
The ideal board composition will include a diverse group of business leaders and professionals with demonstrated experience in the targeted sectors in Sault Ste. Marie. The Board is comprised of nine members, representing large and small business in the community. Desired qualifications of Board members includes:
- Experience as an entrepreneur or as a senior manager in a business
- Demonstrated leadership in current position
- Understanding of board governance
- Ability to formulate and monitor the implementation of strategic plans
- Skills and competencies in areas such as:
- Business development
- Marketing and promotion
- Finance
- Sector development
- Strategic planning
The role of board member is to be accountable for the following duties:
- Meeting Participation – The Board Member is expected to participate in all meetings of the Board (reasonable exceptions can be accommodated).
- Be Informed – The Board Member must be informed about the general economy to properly perform their duty. The expectation is the Board Member prepares for each Board meeting by reviewing all material provided with the meeting agenda.
- Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality – The Board Member shall not participate in any decision when the Board Member has a material financial interest in the transaction in question.
Council may request further information concerning an applicant, either in writing or by personal attendance at the meeting. When considering appointments to any particular Boards or Committees, the members of Council may nominate other members of Council or Interested Persons, as the case may be, from the pool of Applicants for other Boards and Committees.
Should the number of nominees exceed the number of vacancies for any Board and Committee, balloting will take place in accordance with the provisions for simultaneous recorded vote in the procedure by-law. Every appointment made by Council to Boards and Committees shall be at the pleasure of Council, whether or not the appointment is for a specified time period. The City Clerk notifies all appointees in writing of their appointments following the meeting.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting an application form on or before Thursday September 10, 2020 at noon (Eastern Time). Application forms can be found on the City’s website at saultstemarie.ca/boardscommittees or can be obtained from the Clerk’s Office at the Civic Centre.