The newly formed McLean Mill Society (MMS) now has a new executive director.
Deanna Beaudoin is a current resident of Port Alberni, who has spent the better part of the last decade travelling for work. She is a youth pastor and youth advocate, as well as an entrepreneur.
“I am greatly appreciative to have found this opportunity,” she said. “Not only will it allow me to do work that I love, but it will also allow me to become fully rooted into a thriving community.”
Beaudoin has spent the last five years or so developing a boutique media firm that specializes in business development, corporate and community events, team building and communications. During this experience, she developed a blog that allowed her to delve into the world of tourism media, which involved travel to South and Eastern Africa. She wants to take everything she has learned and apply it to her new role with the society.
“I am not afraid to roll up my sleeves and build with both my hands and my mind to grow the McLean Mill properties,” she said.
Beaudoin sees McLean Mill becoming a top tourist destination in British Columbia in the next five years. As executive director, she will be on the ground working with involved parties, overseeing the operations and funding.
“We as a society will be turning over every stone which will lead us to additional funding,” she said.
According to a recent press release, the MMS plans to expand train service to the McLean Mill Historic Park to include more events, private bookings, weddings and corporate retreats, as well as school excursions and an expanded season. The mill already has two weddings booked for this coming summer, and will be kicking off the extended season with an Easter Egg Caper on Easter weekend. In addition to some of the new events they hope to host, they will be exploring some old favourites.
“I even heard a little rumour that Al Capone may make an appearance this summer,” Beaudoin hinted.
Beaudoin will report to the MMS board of directors, which will in turn work closely with the City of Port Alberni to ensure the public of its ongoing plans including all budgetary matters.
“We realize there are many people invested in this project, and want to ensure that with community support we will not lose sight of this,” said Beaudoin.
The society plans to meet weekly through the early stages of 2017 with initial focus on budget development, the strategic plan, train schedules, marketing and promotions, sales and community engagement.
For more information about McLean Mill or the steam train, visit www.albernisteamtrain.ca.
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