For the past few years, Jan Critz has worked with existing industries in the county through her role as vice president of the Surry County Economic Development Partnership. Now Critz will continue to work with county businesses, but no longer as an EDP employee.  Today is the last day that Critz will work for the EDP. On June 1, she will begin working for the North Carolina Department of Commerce as an economic developer, specifically working in the business and industries division as an existing industry specialist. Her role will be to visit 200 existing businesses in the 12 counties of the Piedmont Triad Region, which includes Surry County, and to work on expansion projects.  Critz said the decision to leave the EDP was a tough one to make. She said she has loved working there, first for a four-year stretch and then most recently coming back to work there for two years. While working for the EDP, Critz said one of the most memorable projects she worked on was the recent expansion of Harvest Time Bread Company due to the extensive time invested.  The move to the Department of Commerce came about after someone called to ask Critz if she would consider applying for the position, which had been open for more than a year.  Of the new job, Critz said, “It will be very challenging, longer hours ... But it’s a great opportunity to learn more.”  With the EDP she worked with existing industries, made business calls, and handled small business and entrepreneurship matters.
“I really don’t see the (new) role being that much different, just larger. Hopefully that will benefit Surry County,” said Critz.
Todd Tucker, president of the EDP, said he hates to see Critz go, but he said a positive thing is that she will still continue to work with Surry County businesses while employed by the Department of Commerce.
“I think it’ll be a plus to have someone there who understands the area,” Tucker noted.
Tucker worked for the Department of Commerce for eight years in Raleigh, and he believes Critz will have success with the department.  “It’ll be a great move for Jan,” he said.
Chris Knopf, assistant county manager for economic development and tourism, has worked on projects with Critz off and on for 10 years. He said, “It’s obviously an opportunity for her to take a step up the ladder, but it’s bittersweet. I hate to see her go.”
Now Tucker is talking with his EDP board to decide how to proceed with hiring a new vice president. He said they are not accepting applications at this time, but they do have a few people in mind for the position. Tucker said they have not decided on the application process yet.
“We will be looking to fill that position as soon as possible,” Tucker remarked.
The president said it will be hard to find someone with the same quality PR skills that Critz has.
“She’s a great individual ... I won’t be able to replace her personality and relationship with the community,” he said.
Knopf said, “Jan is someone who has a tremendous personality. People are drawn to her, and that’s an important thing for that job.”
The assistant county manager believes the role of EDP vice president is an important asset to the county. He said, “It’s very critical. That position’s primary responsibility is to cater to existing industry, and most new jobs come from existing industries.”
Knopf said, “I hope the EDP hires someone quickly, because it’s needed.”
Although Critz is leaving the EDP, she has high praise and high hopes for the partnership. She said, “I’m really proud of it. I think it’s really in the best position it’s ever been.”
“That’s one of the reasons why it was so hard to make the decision to leave,” she continued. Everything is so great right now. I’ll really miss it.”
by Meghann Evans
The Mount Airy News, May 26, 2010