Julie Russell has come home, in a manner of speaking because Souris and South-western Manitoba is where her heart is. Raised in Sinclair, she now resides in Souris and is thrilled to be the new Economic Development Officer for Souris Glenwood.
Educated at the University of Regina in Community Planning Development and sciences, Russell formerly worked for the Province of Saskatchewan as a Community Planner and Developer where she approved developments and subdivisions. Later she moved to Gilbert Plains where she filled four roles with the community. “I actually wore four hats in Gilbert Plains,” remarked Russell. “I was there for two years and was economic development officer, recreation director, tourism and marketing coordinator and capital projects manager.”
Russell says she brought in over $600,00.00 in new money while she was employed in Gilbert Plains and she’s proud of that accomplishment. “I was very proud of the fact that I helped that community achieve that kind of growth,” she said. “Let’s just say I have a niche for writing grants!”
Just two weeks into the job and Russell says that although she’s still getting up to speed on previous commitments made by the Community Development Corporation, she is looking forward to forging ahead and searching out new projects. “I’m just getting a feel for what has been done and what projects are on the go,” stated Russell. Once I know where I’m at I’ll begin looking at was Souris’ needs are.”
One thing that will be different for Russell is the fact that she will now be working under a Board of Directors. “I’ve always worked directly with the municipal staff so the board aspect is different,” she said. ‘I’ve met the board once and I’m looking forward to getting to know them.”
According to Russell, Souris has a well-established business community and tourism trade and that is something to build on. “This community has momentum in that it has a strong history in business and tourism that we can build on and expand,” she said. “From a marketing point of view this is a great starting point.”
Russell feels that with Souris being a bedroom community to Brandon, it has the staples to be attractive to entrepreneurs. “We have all we need here that makes us attractive to people who want to leave the city but be close enough to commute,” remarked the newly minted EDO. “There is a great school, hospital, recreations facilities and doctors. That’s what a community needs, doctors and an open emergency room. That will help us attract new residents and business.”
Many businesses already have a success plan according to Russell. If that have that then business retention, growth, jobs and residential growth will follow. “Souris is such a popular tourist town and that is good but we need business and jobs. We need to hit all the nails in the head to encourage growth,” she explained. “Residential growth comes on top of that.”
Russell says it’s like the chicken and the egg, what comes first? If the business, tourism and residential are all health, you grow. “You need all the factor in place. Souris has that,” she said. ‘I’m excited to build on that.”
Russell’s first goal is to look for capital projects. What does Souris need? Search out the grants available and figure out how to use them. “If we access those grants we can keep from adding special levies to complete projects or increasing programming fees. This is one way to keep taxes down,” she explained.
Russell is putting together the package for the Brandon Home Show that runs this weekend. After that it’s upward and onward for the CDC.
“I’m just so glad to ne working in a community that has so much to build on,” she stated. “I’m doing what I love back home and it’s great.”
