Truro Daily News May 24, 2001

Merriam hired by band council
Former councillor takes on marketing of Power Centre
By Lynn Curwin

MILLBROOK -- Chief Lawrence Paul and the Millbrook Band have hired former Colchester county councillor Ray Merriam as marketing and promotions consultant for the Truro Power Centre.

As chairman of the county planning committee for three years, Merriam often disagreed with Paul on the development issues, but the Millbrook chief said that is in the past.

"We did some sparring but he was only doing his job and I don't hold that against him," Paul said.

He added that the band hired Merriam after looking at his resume' and track record and felt he fit the criteria.

"He's a go-getter and a hard worker who likes to get things done, and we feel he'll meet our needs," the chief said.

Paul said Merriam's job will be to contact various businesses in Canada and the U.S. and encourage them to locate in the Truro Power Centre, as well as on land in Cole Harbour, which is also owned by the band.

Merriam, who ran unsuccessfully last year for mayor of Colchester, said he is excited about the new position.

"The Truro Power Centre is on a roll and looks set to continue," Merriam said. "It has great potential to attain investment and create wealth."

He added Chief Paul and the Millbrook band have a vision to become the most successful business park in Atlantic Canada.

"Having a healthy project like this will create positive spin-off for the county and town."

Merriam said 22,000 vehicle pass by on the highway every day and "we need to do everything we can to get these people to stop here.

"This is a strategic location and Colchester County could become a major shopping destination."

As former shairman of the Colchester planning committee, Merriam worked to have Wal-Mart come to Truro and promoted the idea of downtown factory outlet stores.

Paul said he is looking closely at the factory outlet concept for the Truro Power Centre.

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