February 16, 1998
(Development and Rural Renewal)

The following is being distributed at the request of the Cupids Development Group:

Coordinator for economic development hired

The Cupids Development Group has hired an economic development coordinator to aid efforts to develop tourism in the community.

Heather Mills is a community-minded person who has seven years experience working with organizations similar to the Cupids group. She has been a development coordinator with the Trinity Placentia Development Association, coordinator for the Community Advisory Committee in Carbonear, and a field officer with the Discovery Regional Development Board, Zone 15, headquartered in Clarenville.

In her new position, Ms. Mills will work closely with the Department of Development and Rural Renewal on a number of projects to improve the community's economy.

Beaton Tulk, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal, promised the continuing support of his department. He said: "Working with local entrepreneurs and organizations to stimulate development that leads to jobs in rural Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the ways we carry out our department's mandate and government's commitment to economic development."

Susan Lidster, the chairperson of the Cupids Development Group said: "A coordinator will greatly assist our efforts to develop the town, and in particular the tourism industry."

Ms. Lidster outlined the work Ms. Mills will be doing. She will prepare proposals in seeking funding from various government agencies to carry out planned initiatives and she will begin work on a master plan that will outline many development opportunities for the town.

Building on the historical value of the community and the already successful archaeological dig, the group will put more tourism infrastructure in place to attract more visitors to the area. Phase one of the plan describes the development of a sports fishing facility which is hoped to be completed this year Ms. Lidster said.

Planning is soon to begin for the year 2010 when the 400th anniversary of the founding of the first official English Colony of Canada by John Guy will be commemorated internationally.

Ms. Mills also will assist the Cupids group in joint efforts with other organizations such as the Baccalieu Board of Economic Development which is cooperating with Cupids to prepare proposals for regional economic development.

Contact: Cupids Development Group, (709) 528-4022, facsimile (709) 528-4428.