Leadbeater returns to Belknap agency

Eliza Leadbeater of New Hampton has returned to the helm of the Belknap County Economic Development Council with her appointment as interim director of the economic development agency. She takes over the job following the departure in September of Jennifer Boulanger. Leadbeater was the first executive director of the BCEDC, serving from July 1992 until her retirement in April 2007. During her tenure, she helped to create the Belknap County Revolving Loan Fund, programs focusing on relocation assistance, and a business information center, among other accomplishments “It’s an interesting time for the council,” said Leadbeater. “This truly is an interim position – I’m retired, but I have to admit I missed it.” Leadbeater has also been instrumental in the development of the Granite Media Center in Tilton, a soundstage and offices for those working in the film and creative industries, as well as a myriad of other projects focused on economic and rural development and small-business support in the Lakes Region and around the state. She was named Outstanding Woman in Business by NHBR in 2007 and was the winner of the newspaper’s 2004 Business Excellence Award in Public Service. “The council is determined to find the right person to serve as its new executive director and recognizes that the search process may take a number of months. However, we also recognized that this is a very important time for the county and that we could not defer work on economic development projects until our new executive director is hired,” Michael Persson, chair of the BCEDC. “The board was extremely fortunate to have someone with Eliza’s experience agree to assist us with these projects while we continue to conduct our search.” – CINDY KIBBE/NEW HAMPSHIRE BUSINESS REVIEW