During Monday night’s Committee of the Whole meeting, town council bade farewell Economic Development and Tourism Manager Jennifer Miller. CAO Malcolm Morris expressed appreciation for Manager Miller’s hard work and dedication in her leadership role. 

“Jennifer Miller joined us 3 years ago, and she transformed Economic Development and Tourism,” Morris said. As well as her award-winning microeconomic initiatives Picnic Smiths Falls and Shop Local Smiths Falls, Miller developed a plan for cannabis tourism to coincide with legalization in October 2018.  CAO Morris noted that Miller also updated the town’s cultural plan and has been a tireless supporter of downtown development. Her biggest strength was that “she connected people” and allowed them to develop and discover growth together.

Councillor McGuire thanked Miller for bringing “a social conscience to this role … the idea that for Smiths Falls to succeed, all of us have to succeed.”

For her part, Miller thanked the staff with whom she has worked for the past 3 years. “This has been an amazing journey in Smiths Falls. Many thanks to CAO Morris and council.” She voiced her appreciation for the challenge of tackling “an ambitious Strategic Plan.” She also acknowledged the hardworking staff in the Welcome Centre and the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Association. 

CAO Morris concluded that Miller “improved the lives of the people in our community with grace. We’re going to miss Jennifer in a big way.”

Both Manager Miller and Director of Public Works and Utilities Troy Dunlop will leave their positions at the end of this week.

Article by Janelle Labelle