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DBA searches for new director

For the third time in a year, the Red Deer Downtown Business Association is looking for an executive director.

For the third time in a year, the Red Deer Downtown Business Association is looking for an executive director.

Lorna Watkinson-Zimmer, vice-chair of the downtown organization, confirmed on Tuesday that Graham Barclay is no longer the DBA’s executive director. She said his final day was Friday and that his departure was by “mutual agreement.”

Barclay became the association’s executive director last November. He took over from Evelyn Storm, who had resigned to take another job. Storm had moved into the position in June, after longtime executive director Laura Turner left to devote more time to her family.

Watkinson-Zimmer said Janice Shimek, the DBA’s promotions director, will serve as acting executive director until a new person for the position is found.

“We’ve got really great staff in the office and Janice, who is taking the lead right now, is very adept.”

Watkinson-Zimmer, who owns and operates Comforts The Sole in downtown Red Deer, expects the association’s executive to meet next week to discuss the hiring process.

“We’re certainly going to be looking within Red Deer and certainly further afield,” she said.

The Red Deer Downtown Business Association came into existence after city council created a downtown business revitalization zone in 1983. Businesses in the area pay a levy, which the DBA uses to improve and promote the downtown.