The District of Clearwater has hired an economic development officer, a new position for the district established in an effort to “grow the local economy and attract innovative entrepreneurs and a vibrant workforce.”
Wylie Bystedt, who hails from Quesnel, started her new role as the EDO on March 28.
“It’s totally exciting,” Bystedt told the Times. “I’ve been an EDO in other communities, and so I’m familiar with the role and excited to be able to come to a new community that has some really great energy and help the District move projects forward.”
Since arriving in Clearwater just a couple weeks ago, she has heard so many good things about Clearwater and said it made her even more enthusiastic about the job and sure that she made the right choice.
Bystedt will spend half of her time in the office at the Dutch Lake Community Centre, and the other half at her home office on her ranch. While she may not physically be in Clearwater all of the time, Bystedt said she is 100 per cent committed to her new role and is ready and eager to become a part of the community.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in communications, a certificate in local government community economic development and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in business with a specialty in community economic development.
A post to the District of Clearwater Facebook page welcomes Bystedt and noting she has extensive experience not only in economic development, but emergency management and recovery, as well as from communications in the private and non-profit sectors and local government.
“I have no doubt she is prepared to take on this new challenge and is well-equipped to be successful in this role,” said chief administrative officer John Thomas.
The EDO was created on a trial basis, concluding on March 31, 2023, with a potential for extension. The role is grant-funded through the Community Transition Recovery Program, according to the District’s Community Economic Development Strategy. The EDO is responsible for the implementation of the strategy and will support overall planning and development of the District, working with many groups, including council, administration, committees and businesses.
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