Newton new chair of ADEDA

The Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency recently celebrated its first anniversary and announced its new executive. Annapolis County Warden Peter Newton is the new chair; vice-chair is Paul Stackhouse, proprietor of The Hillsdale House Inn and chair of the Annapolis Region Tourism Council (ARTC); and secretary-treasurer is Annapolis County chief financial officer, Gerald Hackenschmidt.

Newton replaces Municipality of the District of Digby Warden James Thurber. At the agency’s recent annual general meeting, Newton thanked Thurber for his contribution to the agency and for his continued dedication to the community. The agency board of directors also expressed congratulations and thanks to board member and departing Annapolis County CAO Keith Robicheau on his new position and for his work with the EDA and his many years of service as CAO.

Managing director, Mike Gushue, presented the agency’s first annual report which highlighted the agency’s commitment to strengthening the region’s business sector and described initiatives underway in renewable energy, experiential tourism and geomatics. The agency has spent considerable time and resources in support of the Digby Ferry service, an issue which has implications for all sectors of the local economy.

Audited financial statements were also presented and show that the agency is in a comfortable surplus position.