Matthew (Matt) Trask has joined the Western Regional Enterprise Network as economic development officer responsible for leading the Western REN’s client-facing services.
To many people, Trask is a familiar face on the regional business scene, whether they know him as a successful businessperson, an engaged volunteer or through his work with the Yarmouth and Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Matt has a high calibre of business acumen and community connections,” said Angélique LeBlanc, the Western REN’s CEO. “These strengths will support his new position as the economic development officer responsible for leading the Western REN’s BusinessNow program.”
The BusinessNow program includes all the Western REN’s client-facing services, including the Connector Program, the Atlantic Immigration Pilot and the Business Retention & Expansion Program. The latter is where Trask will focus his time.
The BR&E program is often the Western REN’s first point of contact with regional company owners and employers. Trask’s experience in the business community gives him a unique set of tools to apply.
“As executive director of the Yarmouth and Area Chamber of Commerce, I was tasked to increase membership,” he said. “In my three years there, I increased the membership by 40 per cent. I look forward to using those skills to reach out to firms in the rest of the region.”
After graduating with a bachelor of business administration, Trask joined the family insurance brokerage in 1993 and made partner in 2000. In 2005, he and his father sold the firm, which had grown to become one of Eastern Canada’s largest brokers.
A businessperson and an involved member of the community, Trask has volunteered with professional and service organizations. He also has coached youth sports. He is currently completing a master of education degree.
Trask can be reached by email at [email protected] or call 902-749-8270, or stop by the Western REN office at 368 Main St., Suite 220 in Yarmouth.
The Western REN informs, connects and accelerates regional economic development in the municipalities of Argyle, Barrington, Clare, Digby, and Yarmouth and in the towns of Digby and Yarmouth.
