Dave Williamson, who's led the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre for the past year through a difficult time of downsizing, will leave the City-supported IT operation at the end of next week.
The following news release was issued by the Innovation Centre today:
************************* Business manager returns to the private sector
SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – April 30, 2004
Mr. Reg St-Amour, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre, announced today that Mr. David Williamson, the organization’s Business Manager, will be leaving his position as of May 7, 2004.
"Dave has decided to return to his Management Consulting Firm, on a full-time basis. He originally assumed the role of Business Manager in September of 2002, to assist the organization through its development phase."
Mr. Williamson has been instrumental in leading the Innovation Centre through its transition and in building relationships with the Information Technology SME community and key stakeholders.
Dave feels that the organization is well positioned to move forward and has decided not to renew his contract with the organization.
Mr. Williamson has stated that "In the past year and a half, the Board and Management have worked closely to clarify the organization’s mandate, update its policies and procedures, create new projects such as the AUC ICT building and the new GHC project, and provide tangible support to numerous small and medium sized businesses. With the approval of the 2004 business plan by the Board and the clear direction that has been established, I feel that this is a good time for me to return to the private sector. I have really enjoyed working with the team at the Innovation Centre. They are an exceptional group and I am confident that they will continue to be a catalyst for economic development and growth in this District."
The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre has partnered with AUC and the PUC on the development of the Information Communications Technology Centre currently being built on the AUC campus.
In addition to supporting AUC’s IT programs, and the PUC's Telecom activities, the new building will also house a business incubator that will be developed and managed by the Innovation Centre.
The new incubator is scheduled to open in January of 2005.
The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre has also partnered with the Group Health Centre on the construction of a new building at the Group Health Centre location.
This building will house the Group Health Centre's appointment booking service as well as the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre’s Community Geomatics Centre.
The partnership between the two organizations is designed to support the development of new IT applications for the health care sector.
Mr. Williamson has agreed to provide ongoing assistance to the organization through the interim period.
The Board of Directors is committed to the ongoing development of the current projects and ensuring that the small business community continues to receive tangible support in their development efforts.
About Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre
The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre was founded in 1999 as a catalyst for economic development activities in the IT and knowledge based sectors in the Algoma District.
It works closely with community partners to enhance and improve IT sector opportunities.