The Honourable Shawn Skinner, Chair of the Ministerial Task Force established to respond to the mill closure in the Central Region, today announced that Cyril Langdon is the new chair of the Community Development Committee, replacing Cyril Farrell who will remain a committee member. Other changes include the creation of an executive team and the addition of a new member.

"I'd like to formally recognize the contribution that Mr. Farrell has made to the Community Development Committee," said Minister Skinner. "In his 17 months as chair, Mr. Farrell was a valuable resource to the committee and the Ministerial Task Force. He worked tirelessly to advance initiatives that benefited the people of the Central Region. I am pleased that he will remain a committee member and continue to volunteer his time and energy helping to identify new opportunities to stimulate regional economic activity."

Mr. Langdon, a committee member since its inception in March 2009 and long-time advocate of the economic and social development of the Central Region, will assume the position of chair effective immediately. Committee members Ben Blackmore and Darrin Finn have been named vice-chairs and, in conjunction with the position of chair, will form an executive team.

"All three individuals bring significant experience and unique perspectives to their new positions," said Minister Skinner. "On behalf of the Ministerial Task Force, I thank each of them for agreeing to expand their roles on the committee. The fact that they are volunteers is not lost on the Provincial Government and we thank them for their hard work and commitment."

Boyd Cohen has also been named to the Community Development Committee. Mr. Cohen brings more than 50 years of business experience and is a member of the province's Business Hall of Fame established by Junior Achievement of Newfoundland and Labrador. He was also a founding member of the Central Region's board of trade.

"I congratulate each of our committee representatives, and I look forward to their continued leadership and advice in identifying and advancing initiatives to help strengthen the regional economy," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "Working together, we will continue to identify and capitalize on opportunities to diversify the economy in Grand Falls-Windsor and the Central Region for years to come."

The committee consists of community, business, and union leaders that work collaboratively to identify short and long-term economic development opportunities.

Committee members are Mr. Langdon, Mr. Farrell, Mr. Blackmore, Mr. Finn, Mr. Cohen, Sandra Carey, Janis Boone, Peggy Bartlett, Harry Hallett, Karl Inder, George McDonald, and Carolyn Morgan.

"As we proceed, I, along with my colleagues on the Ministerial Task Force, look forward to working with the group to advance opportunities that strengthen the region's business environment," said Minister Skinner. "They are all playing an important role in responding to the mill closure. By continuing to work collaboratively we can build a healthy and prosperous region."

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