Orkney Enterprise is looking for two new directors to join the board of the local enterprise company (LEC).

The new directors will replace Ronnie Johnson and Norma Campbell, who are retiring by rotation and have served on the board for a total of 11 years. Ronnie has also chaired the Orkney Enterprise audit committee for the past two years.
  
Candidates for the directorships will be identified through local advertising. 

Talking about his time with the LEC Ronnie Johnson said: "It has been a real privilege to serve on the board of Orkney Enterprise over the last six years and to have the opportunity of working alongside colleagues involved in other sectors within the local community. 

"There have been many changes in how the Network operates during this period but I feel we have not lost sight of the most important factor which is to promote Orkney first and foremost. I would like to think we have been, and will continue to be successful in this as, in my opinion, Orkney is full of innovative and skilful people. I would also like to extend my grateful appreciation to the dedicated staff we have in Orkney, they are our most important resource."

Norma Campbell added: "Being on the board has certainly broadened my knowledge of Orkney's business sector immensely and brought me new experiences. LECs have a social, as well as an economic responsibility and I would encourage people from the voluntary sector to apply for board membership to ensure that there is always a strong voice from the voluntary sector and social development."

Directors of LECs serve for a maximum period of six years, unless they are elected to serve as chairman - in which case the term can be extended to a maximum of 12 years. 
 
Chairman of Orkney Enterprise, Brian Kynoch, said: "We will certainly miss the broad experience that both retiring directors have brought to the board of Orkney Enterprise. However, it is also important that we attract new directors, and with them, fresh outlooks on how we can continue to make a positive difference to the local economy.         

"We are also keen to ensure that the board membership continues to reflect a balance of Orkney's geographical and sectoral representation and by issuing these advertisements over the next two weeks we hope to attract a wide range of applicants for these two vacancies." 

Brian Kynoch himself, who has served for a total of six years, three as chairman, also announced that he intends to stand down as chairman in spring 2006. The position of chairman will, at that time, be filled by current deputy chairman, Edgar Balfour, general manager of Orkney Meat Ltd.  

The new directors will be joining at an important time in the evolution of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) network. The new Network strategy was launched in June (2005) by the then deputy first minister Jim Wallace at the Network's annual conference.

Each LEC and business unit in the Network is now actively reviewing their plans and  focus for  action,  to ensure resources are deployed to allow all strands of the new strategy to be delivered effectively.

Directors are involved in around 10 board meetings per year and must be resident in the Orkney area. They can be asked to represent the area at events outside Orkney and although positions are unpaid necessary expenses are reimbursed.