A local organization searched the world over for a new leader and found one in its own back yard.
The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission announced Wednesday that Doug Murray will take over as CEO starting next week. Murray has worked in the pulp and paper industry for more than 30 years, most recently as the general manager of Resolute Forest Products in Thunder Bay. Murray said weathering the downturn of the forestry industry over the past decade forced places like Resolute to adapt in order to survive.
"Look for different ways to make money and stay in business," he said.
He realized that it wasn't that much different than what the CEDC does for the city.
"I've sort of been doing this in a different fashion for the past ten to 15 years now," Murray said.
While industries like forestry or grain elevators are still important to the city, they're an example of how industries change and a city's economy needs to change along with it. Despite a downturn in mingi recently, Murray said the city will be ready to capitalize on that industry once it recovers.
"There's a lot of work that has to get done to be ready when things happen," he said.
Murray wants to reach out to businesses, schools and other organizations to find the best ideas the city has to offer on how to grow economic activity.
"What can we do to assist them to make it a reality," he said.
CEC chair Paul Inksetter said there were candidates from all over the world vying for the position. And while the commission learned a lot of different approaches to economic development from those candidates, Murray's experience and knowledge of the local economy won out.
"I think he's gong to be a very strong leader for the organization," he said.
