Windsorites May Not Apply For This Job

Some of my readers reacted to the story about the search for a new Executive Director of the Economic Development Commission. (My error, it is now the CEO). Just in case you did not see the comment I posted, one reader told me that the ads are being placed in the Globe and Mail and on websites for the Economic Development Officers of Ontario and the International Development Officers Association. A copy of the ad follows the BLOG.

I think that a rep from the Star's Advertising Department or Management should contact the Mayor's Chief of Staff, Norma Coleman, immediately and demand that an ad be placed in the Windsor Star. After all, should only people who read the Globe or go by a fluke to the websites be made aware of the job and be allowed to apply? Or is the subliminal message being delivered that there is no one in this City smart enough or good enough to do this job?

As is usual, I received a comment from a reader that I thought you would find of interest. Obviously, he has experience with creating jobs in this City and has a point of view:

• "I finally read your non-Development Commission story. What is even worse about this job ad is that The City of Windsor, with Roman Dzus, has one of the best Development Commissioners in Ontario (although interim) and thus there is NO need to look for someone.
  
  Any top drawer person with lots of experience in the same size or larger City would never in a hundred years give up their job to come to Windsor so what they will end up with a bunch of novice DC's who would like to move up to a bigger "B" sized City from a smaller "C" or "D" sized City or losers that currently run a "B" size DC and want to escape because they are about to be ousted for their incompetence. Of course they will interview well and have lots of rosy references (after all the group they currently work for want to get rid of them).
  
  The problem with this, of course, is that this new person would need to go through a long learning curve. It is risky since no CV or interview can really get at the ability for someone to meet this challenge AND, at best, they would end up with someone only a tiny bit better than who they currently have in the position, more likely equal or less talented. They would be no further ahead, have spent a ton of money, would be taking a lot of risk, delayed getting on with the job (they have already delayed two years) AND most importantly would be undermining Roman's ability to do his job if not troubling him totally. If he is displaced and walks then this City is in even bigger trouble.
  
  Can you imagine what is going through his mind at this point. He has been given near zero resources and even less authority to do a very difficult job where the politicians have screwed up big time. The City has one of the worse reputations in the Country: Unions scare away many potential new companies, the old industrial based is getting clobbered and they are trying to do economic development by Committee.
  
  I guess they must believe that a 'sucker is born every minute.' Unbelievable ... no I correct myself, given the people that run this City, this is very believable."

GLOBE AND MAIL AD

Chief Executive Officer:
Economic Development

The City of Windsor and the County of Essex, on behalf of its seven constituent municipalities, have approved a new, proactive Regional Economic Development Strategy. The vision is to create an economic environment that will continue to provide a high standard of living and quality of life for the residents of the region. A copy of the strategy can be found on: www.choosewindsor.com.

The newly elected board is seeking a qualified Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the regional economic development organization, the Windsor-Essex County Development Commission, in the implementation of this bold new strategy.

The CEO will be accountable to the Board of Directors for results and will work with the Board of Directors and the economic development team to develop the strategic priorities and goals for the Commission, establish and implement effective business plans. As the leader of the organization, the CEO will have responsibility for building, managing, and leading the economic development team. The CEO will direct the active recruitment of new business and the retention and expansion of existing business in the Windsor and Essex County region. In addition, the CEO will provide leadership in the development of an extensive network to foster economic development within the region.

The Board is looking for an entrepreneurial individual who enjoys the challenges of building something brand new. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated leadership skills, a well-developed network system, experience in the economic development field, and also possess a thorough understanding of the global economy and how North American regions must respond to remain competitive. A master at communications and relationship building, the ideal candidate will have experience in balancing core operations with high profile initiatives and in building and maintaining a united team.

Academic criteria will include a post-secondary degree in Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration or a related field. A designation in economic development will be considered an asset.

Interested persons are asked to submit a letter outlining their qualifications to:

KPMG LLP
618 Greenwood Centre
3200 Deziel Drive
Windsor, ON
N8W 5K8

ATTENTION: Ms. Sally Larkin

Fax: 519-251-3530