Gerri Brightwell now Kootenay regional manager for BC Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training

Gerri Brightwell has been involved in a number of economic development organizations and initiatives throughout the Kootenays.

Gerri Brightwell, the new Regional Manager for the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, Economic Development Division. — Photo courtesy Gerri Brightwell Consulting/Invest Kootenay

Well-known consultant and economic development director, Gerri Brightwell, is the new Regional Manager for the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, Economic Development Division.

She replaces Diana Brooks who has retired.  Diana Brooks held the position for the last three or four years, a position which current Economic Development officer of the City of Cranbrook, Kevin Weaver, also held for a number of years prior to that.

Gerri Brightwell has been involved in a number of economic development organizations and initiatives throughout the Kootenays.  She has served as a community liaison for Invest Kootenay, been the past executive director of the Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council (KRIC), a business coach and the community economic development co-ordinator at Community Futures East Kootenay and at one time a business analyst at PanCanadian Energy.

She is based in Invermere and has the mandate to, “Provide service and support to communities, local governments, the business sector and regional economic development organizations to identify and respond to opportunities and funding programs; support local and regional economic development initiatives; assist communities to strengthen and diversify their economies.”