The announcement was made today by the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development and chair of the Ministerial Committee of the Bay St. George Area Task Force, together with the Honourable Joan Burke, MHA for St. George�s � Stephenville East, and Tony Cornect, MHA for Port au Port.

"Mr. Tilley brings to this position considerable experience in working with people together with a knowledge of international business," said Minister Taylor. "I am sure he will be an asset to the Community Development Committee."

"Mr. Tilley takes over from Cyril Organ who provided strong leadership and vision during his tenure," said Minister Burke. "Mr. Tilley is well-qualified for this new role. In addition to his role at the college, he also operates a business, has considerable community involvement, and has first-hand knowledge of the challenges that face the local businesses community."

"In his work and in his private life, Mr. Tilley has always encouraged entrepreneurs. In fact, he established Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship in Stephenville in 2002. I wish him every success in his new role," said Mr. Cornect.

Mr. Tilley will work with the Town of Stephenville, businesses and all levels of government to advance business and community initiatives for the region. He will also broker and facilitate projects and enterprises that will create long-term sustainable employment.

Mr. Tilley has a Bachelor of Commerce and an MBA with a focus on international business. He has worked in financial institutions and taught at the College of the North Atlantic�s campuses in Carbonear, Placentia, Corner Brook, Clarenville and Stephenville. In 2002 and in 2003 he was voted Instructor of the Year at the Bay St. George Campus. He was made Dean of Business Studies and Information Technology in 2006, and returned to teaching in 2007.

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Media contact:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
ScottBarfoot@gov.nl.ca 

2007 08 16                                        9:55 a.m.